Healthy Baby and Toddler Snacks for Busy Parents

As a busy parent, finding the time to prepare healthy baby and toddler snacks can be challenging (at times impossible). You work so hard to get 3 square meals prepared, that when it comes to snacks we often turn to the same store bought items – again and again and again…

You’re not alone in this fight, and you’re not a terrible parent for sneaking a bag of chips in here and there (a couple of chips for the kids, a couple of chips for mom).

However, nutritious snacking is essential for our child’s growth and development. Here, we provide you with a variety of easy-to-prepare snacks that are both delicious and beneficial for your little one.

Our little ones require a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients like protein, calcium, iron, vitamins, and healthy fats to support their rapidly growing little bodies and minds.

Snacks should complement their main meals by providing these vital nutrients in appealing and manageable portions.

Stressing over nutrient intake every day can cause heartburn. Instead, take some time on a Sunday to review what your kids ate the previous week and try to game plan for the upcoming week.

When you chunk it, and view consumption in weekly timeframes, I think you’ll find your child really is getting well-balanced options. It just doesn’t always seem that way at the moment. 

Benefits: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

For Baby: Look for soft fruits that are easy for babies to chew. Ripe banana slices, steamed and chilled carrot sticks, raspberries, and avocado slices are great options.

For Toddler: They can venture into crunchy fruits. Slice carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers into sticks. Dipping sauces fit perfectly in the elevated rim of the Busy Baby Mat.

I find dipping sauces to be the main attraction with many fruit and vegetable offerings. If not hummus, consider a salad dressing, almond butter, or guacamole. 

Babies might enjoy eating hummus or guacamole directly, making these great snacks for both age groups.

Hummus, made primarily from chickpeas and tahini, is packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals. While store-bought hummus often uses vegetable oils, making your own with high-quality olive oil is the best option.

Benefits: Whole grains and proteins for sustained energy.

For Baby: Use well toasted whole wheat bread to mini sandwiches into strips. Fillings like mashed avocado, mild cheese, or finely shredded turkey are ideal for little ones. Ensure the pieces are small enough for easy chewing and swallowing.

For Toddler: Use whole wheat bread to create a variety of mini sandwiches with nutritious fillings such as turkey, cheese, or avocado. Peanut butter and banana sandwiches are always a hit in our home and provide a good balance of protein and healthy fats.

Sometimes, it’s all about presentation. Try cutting the sandwiches into fun shapes using cookie cutters to make them more appealing. For an added twist, use a tortilla wrap and create sushi-like rolls with fillings like hummus, shredded carrots, and thin slices of cucumber or bell pepper.

Incorporating colorful fruits and veggies into these sandwiches can make them even more nutritious and visually appealing. Think of adding thin slices of strawberries, apples, or even a sprinkle of spinach for a tasty and healthy boost. 

Benefits: Rich in calcium and probiotics, which support bone health and a healthy digestive system.

For Baby: Choose whole milk yogurt for babies, as they need the fat for their development. Opt for plain yogurt to avoid added sugars and mix in pureed fruits like bananas, peaches, or berries for added flavor and nutrients. 

Baby yogurt pouches are also a convenient option, providing a mess-free way for babies to enjoy yogurt on the go. Ensure they are made with whole milk and real fruits with no added sugar.

For Toddler: Create a delicious yogurt parfait by layering plain yogurt with fresh berries and a sprinkle of granola. This not only makes for a tasty treat but also adds a variety of textures and flavors that toddlers enjoy. 

Opt for unsweetened yogurt to avoid added sugars, and consider adding a drizzle of honey or a dash of cinnamon for a touch of sweetness. You can also include a mix of fruits like sliced strawberries, blueberries, and a handful of chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.

Yogurt is a versatile snack that can be enjoyed in many forms. From simple yogurt cups to more elaborate parfaits, it’s a great way to include essential nutrients in your child’s diet.

Benefits: Provides essential calcium and protein for growing bones and muscles.

For Baby: Choose soft, mild cheeses that are easy to chew, like mozzarella or mild cheddar. Cut the cheese into small, manageable pieces to prevent choking. Pair the cheese with soft rice cakes or lightly toasted soft bread that is easy for them to handle. Alternatively, they can enjoy the cheese on its own for a simple and nutritious snack.

For Toddler: Opt for whole grain crackers and pair them with small slices of mild cheese like cheddar or mozzarella. Creating a small charcuterie board can be a fun and interactive way to engage your toddler. Allow them to help cut string cheese into bite-sized pieces for their plate.

Sometimes, it’s all about exploration. While your toddler might focus on the string cheese, introducing pairings like crackers, toast, rice cakes, or even an English muffin can encourage them to try new foods. Consider adding some thinly sliced fruits like apple or pear for a sweet contrast, or a few baby carrots or cucumber sticks for added crunch and nutrition.

Making snack time interactive and visually appealing can turn it into an exciting experience, encouraging your toddler to try different combinations and develop a taste for a variety of healthy foods. 

Benefits: High in fiber and vitamin C, making it a nutritious and tasty snack.

For Baby: A simple way to make applesauce for babies is to use a spoon to scrape the flesh of a ripe apple into a smooth puree. This method provides a soft texture without any added ingredients, making it perfect for babies who are just starting to explore solid foods.

For Toddler: Peel and chop apples, then simmer them with a bit of water and a sprinkle of cinnamon until they are soft. Once cooked, mash or blend the apples to your desired consistency. 

This homemade applesauce can be a delightful and wholesome treat for your toddler. For an interactive twist, let your little chef add an extra dash of cinnamon on top.

Homemade applesauce is a versatile snack that can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with other foods. Try stirring it into yogurt or oatmeal for added flavor and nutrition. 

Making applesauce at home also allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring there are no added sugars or preservatives. Plus, it's a great way to use up apples that are slightly past their prime, reducing food waste while providing a healthy snack.

While homemade is preferred, there are certain times when it’s just not doable.

When selecting store-bought snacks, look for options with minimal added sugars, low sodium, and no artificial ingredients.

Avoid candy and cookies, along with anything that’s deep-fried or has caffeine. Here are some recommended products:

Benefits: While puffs don’t offer significant nutritional benefits, they are an excellent choice for helping babies practice their eating skills and hand-eye coordination with minimal choking risk.

Introducing food to your baby is when things really start to get more fun, especially with the first baby. Puffs and teethers are among the very first baby snacks you can introduce, adding a playful element to mealtime as your baby begins to explore new textures and tastes.

However, moderation is key. Babies can quickly fall in love with these snacks, but keep in mind that puffs and teethers are made with grains, and overeating may lead to constipation. It's perfectly fine to skip this snack altogether if you prefer other options.

Benefits: Dried fruits are packed with fiber, vitamins, potassium, iron, folate, and magnesium, depending on the fruit. Freeze-dried fruits can retain up to 90% of their original nutrients and typically contain no added sugars. They are also convenient for on-the-go parents.

For Baby: Ensure that your baby is old enough to handle dried fruit snacks safely. The texture of freeze-dried fruits is crunchy, while dried fruits can be chewy. Avoid offering chewy dried fruits to babies, as they can be a choking hazard. Fresh Bellies’ freeze-dried fruits come in smaller pieces, making them ideal for babies 12 months and older.

For Toddler: When selecting dried fruits, choose products with no added sugar, such as those from Bare Snacks or Peeled Snacks. The freeze-dried fruits at Trader Joe’s are a favorite in our home.

These freeze dried fruit snacks are a hit with our family, perfect for both babies and toddlers. I often pack them for outings and summer camp. They’re a convenient, nutritious snack that we all enjoy!

Top Picks: Brands like Ella’s Kitchen and Happy Tot offer organic fruit and veggie blends.

These fruit pouches are great for both babies and toddlers. This is an alternative to cut fruits and dried fruits. And they are easy to pack for outings!

Make sure to look for no added sugar and no additive organic fruit pouches.

Benefits: Whole grain crackers are a good source of fiber, promoting healthy digestion and providing sustained energy.

For Baby: Ensure that your baby is ready for crackers by checking that they can handle more solid foods. Whole grain crackers can be offered in small, manageable pieces or softened with a bit of water or breast milk to make them easier to chew and swallow.

For Toddler: Whole grain crackers are a versatile snack that pairs well with various toppings. Look for brands like Mary’s Gone Crackers, Simple Mills, or Annie’s Whole Grain Crackers. These options are made with wholesome ingredients and no added sugars, making them a healthy choice.

Whole grain crackers can be paired with a variety of healthy toppings like cheese, avocado, or hummus to create a nutritious and satisfying snack. They're easy to pack for outings and make a convenient, mess-free option for busy parents.

Benefits: Nut-free snack bars and granola balls are safe for daycare and school settings, providing a convenient and allergy-friendly option for busy parents.

For Toddler: Nut-free snack bars and granola balls are perfect for toddlers. They are easy to hold and packed with nutrients. Brands like MadeGood and Enjoy Life offer allergy-friendly bars that are safe for toddlers and meet school requirements. 

One of our favorite picks is Trader Joe’s granola balls. They fit perfectly in a toddler’s hand, making them an ideal on-the-go snack.

These nut-free options are great for packing in lunchboxes, taking on outings, or simply keeping on hand for a quick, nutritious snack. They provide a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to keep your little one energized throughout the day.

It's best to avoid snack bars for babies, as they might be too hard for them to chew and could pose a choking hazard. Instead, focus on softer snacks that are easier for babies to handle.

I get it, you’re super busy and sometimes grabbing that favorite treat you know will satisfy your toddler is just the path of least resistance. We are all guilty of sticking with what works.

Instead of thinking about snack time as its own separate thing, picture it as a piece of a larger puzzle.

Try to remember what your child refused to eat at the previous meal. If they skipped their morning yogurt, that would mean they’re lacking in protein, calcium, and fat. You might offer a dairy such as cheese at snack time that day.

Vice-versa, if your child ate nothing but two pouches of yogurt for breakfast, perhaps you skip dairy for a pre-lunch snack.

Mix new foods with familiar favorites to make them more appealing. Don’t overwhelm your little one with the whole box of treats – offer small manageable portions to help control their consumption.

Try not to get discouraged if your child dislikes something. Continue to offer occasionally and make it available should they change their mind.

Let them help with simple tasks like washing fruits or arranging snacks on a plate. Peak your toddler’s interest in new foods by letting them help (or letting them think they’re helping even when they might be producing more cleanup).

Create interactive snack plates that your toddler can assemble themselves, like building their own mini sandwiches or fruit kabobs.

Yes, they can graze for hours (who’s kidding who, so could I), but lunch and dinner typically tend to turn out better when snack time is consistent.

Offer snacks at regular intervals to avoid overeating and ensure balanced nutrition throughout the day. Rotate snack options and keep things interesting as the week progresses. When possible, offer choices.

Cauliflower Biscuits. Vegetable Quesadillas. Banana Oat Cookies.

Try to incorporate vegetables and fruits into muffins, smoothies or any other fan favorite when you see the right opportunity (perhaps on those magical days when you have some extra time). This can ensure your toddler gets their daily dose without even noticing.

Parents often forget to offer forks and spoons, or perhaps have toddlers who refuse to use utensils . The Busy Baby tether system helps give children a sense of ownership and accomplishment, using utensils when they choose without all the pressure (and the spills).

Providing healthy snacks for your child doesn't have to be a daunting task. With these ideas and the right tools, you can ensure your little one gets the nutrition they need while enjoying snack time. 

Try out these suggestions and share your experiences with us @busybabymat. Happy snacking!