6 Quick and Easy Snacks for Your Toddler

Once your little one hits 12 months, all sorts of things start happening…for better or for worse. In those toddler years between 12 and 36 months, some new descriptions for your child may include words like ‘curious,’ ‘cantankerous,’ ‘independent’ and ‘loves to say no.’ As well, she’s going to eat five or six times a day and sometime around that period of growth, your child will begin eating solid foods as her main source of nutrition.

Child rearing gurus say that around two years of age, your toddler should be getting three healthy meals each day. Sprinkle in two or three small snacks as well, and there’s a lot of eating going on!

Having quick and easy to prepare snacks is a must for satisfying your constantly hungry little one and can save time and your sanity. Here are six of my favorite healthy snacks that take very little time to prepare and taste delicious, too.

Chocolate and Banana Freezer Pops

Kids love chocolate and many love eating bananas. Why not marry the two? Slice a banana into 10 or 12 round pieces. Spear the banana slices in the side with popsicle sticks or lollipop sticks. Dip the banana slices in chocolate and freeze on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for 15 to 25 minutes.

Cookie-Cutter Fruits and Vegetables

Slice and dice, cut and chop your toddler’s favorite vegetables and fruits. Pop them into the refrigerator or freezer for quick and easy access. Use cookie cutters and other classic shape cutters to make a boring piece of food interesting for your child. Keep hummus or yogurt on hand for healthy dipping.

Miniature Pizza Wedges

Spread marinara sauce and sprinkle shredded cheese on tortillas. Add some finely diced or chopped vegetables and pop them into the oven on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. Cut each tortilla pizza into four pieces. You can quickly prepare a couple of dozen miniature pizza wedges this way. Pop a few in your refrigerator and freeze the rest.

Blueberry and Yogurt Frozen Treats

Blueberries are powerhouses of nutrition. There are plenty of healthy yogurt choices (dairy and non-dairy) that are full of minerals and nutrients your growing toddler needs. Wash blueberries and use a toothpick to dip each one in yogurt. Pop onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or tray and place in the freezer, removing the toothpick.

After about an hour these yogurt covered blueberry freezer treats can be placed in a freezer bag. Make plenty because you will find yourself eating as many as your kids, if not more.

Watermelon Balls

Get a melon baller! These little scoopers can help you make lots of food more attractive to your toddlers. Refrigerate a watermelon and then use your melon baller to scoop out a few dozen watermelon balls. Freeze and refrigerate these delicious, sweet treats that are a hit with the little ones and everyone else in the family.

Omelet Muffins

Eggs are easy and super nutritious. Whip eggs and optionally add cheese along with diced or chopped veggies and healthy meats. Pour the mixture into greased or lined muffin cups. Bake in a 350-degree preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. These omelet muffins can be frozen for later use or eaten right away.

There you go: six easy, nutritious toddler snacks to add to your repertoire. You can see that healthy snacks don’t have to be complicated and time-consuming if you make big batches to freeze.

I’d love for you to share some of your favorite quick and easy snacks that your toddler enjoys below in the comments!

If simple, easy and healthy are important words in your lifestyle, check out my free guide here on My Top 15 Paleo Recipes that offers you more nutritious and tasty meals to add to your mom-toolbox.

Wishing you well,

Dr. Jessica