Make Finger Food Yourself:
Young children need to eat more often than adults. They tend to graze rather than eating large portions so there is a lot of wasted food. Processed foods are expensive which impacts on your food budget. They are also high in salt and sugars and can promote bad eating habits and tooth decay from an early age.
If you choose to make food for your baby and toddler yourself you can be sure of the exact ingredients and fresh food always tastes better. Mixing up the flavors, although they might get spat out at first, will give your child a varied palate and make them less fussy as they get older.
Fruit and Vegetables:
Fruit and veg should be the staple of your toddler’s diet. Pureed fruit and vegetables can be given from weaning onwards. As they grow make the chunks bigger. Cut up cucumber or celery into strips or cooked veg like carrots, asparagus, green beans, sweet potato are fun. Cooked and diced yellow, orange and red peppers add some color.
Banana pieces are great as are pieces of (soft) pear, apple, pineapple or peach. Add natural yoghurt.
Meats and Protein:
Well cooked pieces of chicken, fish or meat accompany vegetables well. Hard boiled egg can be sliced or chopped.
Seeds and Dried Fruit:
Dried fruit such as raisins, apricots or prunes are good as a treat as they contain a lot of natural sugar, they usually come in small boxes which are handy for trips out. Sunflower seeds are good for the older toddler.
Toddler Sandwiches:
Use easily spread able fillings such as soft cheese, peanut butter (the natural variety), mashed banana or almond spread. Cut the crusts off the bread and cut into 'fingers' to make them easier to hold.
Toasted 'soldiers' are also great with dips such as soft cheese, avocado, vegemite, hummus or guacamole...watch out, this is where it gets messy!
Cheese:
Grated cheese keeps toddlers entertained as they love grabbing the small bits. Full of calcium, cheese is vital for bone growth. Cut cheese into strips if you are out and about.
Cereals:
Dried cereals such as cheerios or cornflakes are great, avoid the sugary cereals though.
Pasta:
Well cooked pasta shells or macaroni are an interesting texture for toddlers as well as a good source of complex carbohydrates. Create home made Bolognese sauce for more flavors.
Choking Hazards:
Always supervise your child when they are eating. They will have to learn how to chew food so make sure everything is soft and chopped up into small chunks.
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