Don’t know what to make for a toddler’s snacks? Don’t have much time? These quick and healthy snack ideas are mostly made of vegetables and meats, which are also known as “superfoods.” S. Learn why meats are so great for babies here).
Parents of young toddlers may find it hard to come up with healthy recipes for them (however often it seems like they need it since they are growing so fast!) Their brains and bodies are always changing as they try to become more independent and in charge. This can make them active and possibly irritable, with big feelings and changes happening all the time and a big hunger coming on.
Do you ever feel like you can’t think of any more healthy snack ideas? *same* feeding toddlers can really suck sometimes. It takes so much work to find the right foods and arrange them on a plate in a way that looks good (maybe even for the gram), and then BOOM! Your three-year-old is mad that you cut the hot dog the wrong way. *cue meltdown* Next thing you know, your masterpiece is scattered all over the freshly cleaned floor—parenthood, #AmIRight!? We can neither confirm nor deny that this has happened to us. more than once (sigh).
“Besides bedtime, feeding time is the most challenging part of parenting a toddler. And at least half the meals we seem to make Della dont even get eaten. Sooooo frustrating! Because mealtimes can be disastrous/messy/frustrating for everyone, snack time is critical for a toddlers diet. So don’t feel bad about giving your toddler healthy foods during the day—there’s no need to feel guilty about any meal, says Serenity Kids Co-Founder and daddio Joe Carr.
Toddlers’ snack and meal times can be stressful, so we put together the best list of easy and healthy snack ideas for them (and you). We hope that these ideas will get you excited about cooking again, make your life easier, and make you feel good about choosing good snacks for your kids. The good news is that you don’t have to be a Pinterest Mom to make simple snacks and meals that feed a busy toddler and are free of added sugars, salt, and saturated fats. ).
Looking for more ideas than just snacks? Check out this great post that we wrote with a dietitian about what should be in a toddler’s lunchbox. Also, read our complete guide to giving babies real food for more ideas.
As a parent of a toddler, you want to make sure you’re feeding your little one healthy snacks that support their growth and development. But when those hangry meltdowns hit, convenience often wins out. Beef jerky can seem like an easy protein-packed snack to throw in your diaper bag, but is it really okay for toddlers? Let’s take a closer look.
The Pros and Cons of Beef Jerky for Toddlers
There are some benefits to beef jerky that make it enticing as a toddler snack
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Protein. Beef jerky is high in protein, which supports muscle growth and development in toddlers. The protein also keeps tummies full between meals.
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Portability Beef jerky needs no refrigeration and comes in handy single-serve packs, making it an easy snack to take on-the-go
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Flavors. Jerky comes in a variety of sweet and savory flavors, which may appeal to picky palates.
However, there are also some downsides:
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Choking risk. The tough, chewy texture of jerky requires thorough chewing. Toddlers with just a few teeth may try to swallow pieces whole, increasing choking risk.
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High sodium. Store-bought jerky often contains copious amounts of sodium to help preserve shelf life. Too much sodium is unhealthy for little kidneys.
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Nitrates. To retain the jerky’s color and extend shelf life, manufacturers often use preservatives like nitrates. Some studies link nitrates to health issues in children.
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Sugar. To offset jerky’s naturally savory flavor, some brands add sugar to enhance sweetness. Excess sugar can cause tooth decay and weight gain.
So while jerky offers some toddler-friendly qualities, the potential drawbacks are important to consider. Moderation and close supervision are key if serving beef jerky to your tot.
Toddler-Friendly Jerky Alternatives
If you want to skip the jerky aisle, there are plenty of other high-protein, portable snack options appropriate for toddlers:
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Nut or seed butter packets. Look for all-natural nut/seed butters with no added sugar. Spread on rice cakes or whole grain crackers.
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cottage cheese cups. Low-fat cottage cheese offers calcium and protein in a creamy, dip-able texture. Pair with cut up fruits or veggies.
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DIY jerky. Make your own jerky from lean cuts of beef with no curing agents or added nitrates/sugars. Slice into manageable pieces.
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Hard boiled eggs. Mash up some hard boiled eggs for an easy, protein-packed dip for whole grain toast fingers or crackers.
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Edamame. Frozen edamame pods are an excellent finger food. Just steam or microwave to serve.
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Greek yogurt pouches. Look for unsweetened Greek yogurt in soft pouches. Pair with fresh berries for added nutrition.
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Snack bars. Seek out bars with at least 3g protein and minimal added sugar (under 5g). Kind bars and RXbars are good options.
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Cheese sticks. Low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella or cheddar cheese sticks provide calcium and protein without the mess of cheese slices.
With a little prep time, you can assemble an arsenal of wholesome, toddler-approved snacks to keep hunger at bay. Consider making a “snack kit” to store pre-portioned snacks in single serve cups or baggies.
Tips for Safely Serving Beef Jerky to Toddlers
If you do choose to occasionally serve beef jerky to your toddler, follow these tips to reduce risks:
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Read labels carefully. Avoid jerky with excess sodium (over 200mg per serving) or any added nitrates/nitrites. Also beware of added sugars.
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Choose whole muscle jerky. Jerky made from sliced whole muscles is less processed and lower risk for choking than shredded or ground jerky.
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Slice into small pieces. Cut any large pieces of jerky into manageable bite-size strips before serving. Irregular shapes can also make chewing more thorough.
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Monitor constantly. Stay near your toddler as they eat to ensure thorough chewing and reduce choking risk. Don’t allow them to walk or run around with jerky.
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Check texture. If the jerky is too tough for your child to adequately chew, hold off until your toddler has more molars to handle it safely.
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Keep portions small. To limit sodium and sugar intake, stick to a single serving size of one ounce or less per snack time.
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Offer plenty of water. Provide ample water to wash down the salty jerky and stay hydrated.
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Brush those teeth! Make sure to brush immediately after eating to clear any stuck jerky pieces and prevent cavities from sugars in flavored jerky.
Setting Nutritional Ground Rules for Toddler Snacking
When evaluating any snack for your toddler, aim to follow these nutritional ground rules:
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Lean protein. Seek at least 3g of protein from plant or animal sources. Protein provides lasting fullness.
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Whole grains. Choose whole grain crackers, rice cakes and other carb-based snacks to maximize nutrition.
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Healthy fats. Nut butters, avocado and olive oil provide satisfying fats important for young minds.
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Fiber. Look for at least 2-3g of fiber to support digestion and heart health.
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Low added sugar. Limit added sugar to under 5g per serving. Watch out for syrups, honey, and other sweeteners.
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Minimal sodium. Try to stay under 200mg sodium per snack serving.
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No harmful additives. Avoid nitrates, MSG and artificial flavors/colors.
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Portion sizes. Keep snacks around 150 calories or less to prevent overeating.
Following these nutrition rules will help ensure your toddler snack times provide optimal nutrition within an appropriate calorie amount. A balanced variety of foods is key.
The Takeaway: Use Moderation and Supervision with Jerky
While beef jerky isn’t necessarily off limits for toddlers, it does carry some choking hazards and less-than-ideal additives. With mindful portion control, label reading, and attentive monitoring while eating, occasional beef jerky can be part of a healthy, well-rounded toddler diet. But for everyday snacking, it’s best to fill your snack kit with more wholesome, unprocessed picks that check all the nutritional boxes. With some planning and creativity, you can keep your tiny tot satisfied, nourished and happy!
Grass-Fed Beef with Organic Kale and Sweet Potatoes
Four great farm-to-high chair ingredients are all it takes to make our grain-free, protein-rich grass-fed beef puree: grass-fed beef, organic kale, organic sweet potato, and water. Grass-fed beef has a lot of omega-3, iron, and conjugated linoleic acids, all of which are important for babies, toddlers, and kids who are still growing. Feed your toddler this nutrient-dense puree that is full of protein in every bite! (Word on the street is that this is also a favorite among dog owners.)
Carrot And Beet Grain-Free Puffs With Olive Oil
One of our most popular recipes is our Carrot and Beet Grain-Free Puffs. They taste great, can be used to practice the pincer grasp, and dissolve easily in the mouth, making them great for babies and toddlers with and without teeth. They can use them to practice smushing food between their gums.
Our grain-free puffs make a great healthy toddler snack. From the farm to the high chair, they are made with simple things like olive oil, cassava flour, tapioca starch, carrot powder, sweet potato powder, beet powder, rosemary extract, and ginger. Your toddler should try savory tastes and be encouraged to crunch (even if it makes the car seat dirty!).
Is Beef Jerky Bad For You? (IT DEPENDS ON THIS ONE THING) | LiveLeanTV
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