7 Ideas for Healthy Toddler Snacks

Did you know snacking is GOOD for children? I’m not talking about mindless eating of junk food while watching TV – I mean, planning snack time into your child’s day is a healthy habit! As an Earth’s Best Blogger, this month, I’ll be sharing some news and information (and giveaways) about healthy snacks for kids!

Toddlers need to snack because:

1. Their stomachs are smaller and can’t handle large meals
2. Kids need to be constantly eating to get enough proteins, fats, and carbs daily
3. Snacking gives them extra energy throughout the day, and vitamins and nutrients
4. Scheduled snacking promotes structured eating habits – you won’t spoil their dinner if you plan a snack or two inbetween meals
5. A snack break is a great time to transition kids and also get them to drink more fluids (this one is my own opinion – my son does not like to stop to drink water, but if I offer a small snack with it, he’s more likely to get his fluids down!).

So what can you offer your children as a healthy snack? Here’s some suggestions:

• Bars
• Peanut or other nut butters – spread on apples, bananas, graham crackers, or celery!
• Hard-boiled eggs (great to make ahead for the week and store in the fridge!)
• Peanut butter on graham crackers
• Soft cooked veggie finger foods, like carrot sticks or sweet potato sticks, for your little snackers!
• Applesauce
• Leftovers – yes! Use up last night’s dinner by serving it in muffin tins, cut into fun shapes, or with an added dipping sauce! Or bake leftover carrots and zucchini into some mini muffins!
• Cheese & crackers (a family favorite!

What’s your favorite healthy snack to serve your kids?