Imagine this scene: Your toddler happily snacks on cheese, fruit and oatmeal, and asks for broccoli. Are you interested in knowing how this happened?
Savvy moms reveal their snack secrets below:
After three years, eating habits are mostly set and toddlers are likely to continue
enjoying the foods you offered in their early years.
Tip: Only purchase foods you want your child to eat.
Toddler-friendly snacks ideas:
Snack instead of graze. Some toddlers graze all day, eating small amounts of food from sunrise to sunset. They continually ask or reach for food and beverages. Toddlers graze because of habit, boredom or entertainment, not always hunger. Grazing can lead to extra calories and weight issues.
Snacking is different than grazing. Snacks are planned and often enjoyed while seated for a short amount of time. Best snacks tend to be mini-meals of veggie sticks, fruit or oatmeal rather than grab-and-go chips or candy.
Best toddler snack times: Toddler tummies are tiny, about the size of their clenched fist, so eating planned snacks helps stop hunger. Offer snacks two to three times a day between meals. Experts recommend snacks be scheduled a few hours before or after meals, so you never have to say, “Do not eat that. It will spoil your appetite."
Feel proud, not guilty. Moms want toddlers’ childhoods to be filled with good memories. Snack time is a great time to talk to your child and make amazing memories.
Toddlers like to play hard, and snack often. Moms like to help toddlers become “miracle” snackers. Win-win. Which of these tips will you try this week?
You have completed your first MomCircle lesson! If you would you like to use this as your WIC nutrition education, either download the MomCircle app or contact your WIC clinic.