Growing babies require extra amounts of energy, which meals alone are not able to provide. Snacking helps in keeping the hunger away until a proper meal is served.
When babies are born, they spend most of their time resting. But as they grow into toddlers, they become more active. To maintain their energy levels, they must be offered 2-3 healthy snacks as part of a healthy meal routine.
Healthy snacks provide essential nutrients required to support a baby’s growth and development. They help in controlling hunger spikes between meals and prevent her from becoming overly hungry. Here’s a list of healthy snacks for toddlers to curb their mid-meal hunger pangs. Let’s have a look.
#1: Fresh Fruits
Fresh fruits make a great choice as a toddler snack. They are readily available in every household and can be served in their raw form. Besides, they are rich in fiber and loaded with essential vitamins and minerals.
Fruits like apple, banana, sapota (chiku), or any seasonal fruit can be offered to the baby as a mid-meal snack. You just have to cut it into thin slices and remove the peel and/or seeds wherever required.
Also Read: 7 Epic Reasons to Eat Bananas.
#2: Salad Vegetables
Just like fruits, salad vegetables such as tomatoes, carrots, cucumber, and armenian cucumber (kakdi) make a convenient option as highly nutritious, ready-to-eat snacks for toddlers.
You can make salad for your little one using a single vegetable or using 2-3 vegetables. Make sure whatever you add is easy for the baby to chew. Dice, slice, steam, or saute wherever required. Keep the vegetables separated so that it becomes easier for the baby to see and pick the food. Serve a dressing along to add more flavors to the salad.
#3: Eggs
If you can, you must include eggs in your baby’s diet. Eggs are an excellent source of inexpensive, high-quality protein. They contain Choline and Omega-3 Fatty Acid – 2 essential nutrients that support baby’s brain development. They also contain a considerable amount of Vitamin D, required for strengthening baby’s bones.
For serving, you can boil an egg and mince it with the help of a folk or quickly make an omelette or egg bhurji by adding a pinch of salt and black pepper. Make sure the egg is well cooked before giving it to the baby.
Did You Know?
In the past, eggs were considered as ‘potentially allergic food’. Parents were advised not to introduce eggs to their babies until they turn 1. But recent studies have shown that there’s no such evidences. Eggs are now generally considered safe for babies.
#4: Indian Cheese (Paneer)
Homemade paneer is another very good source of protein. It aids in muscle growth and provide essential nutrition to the baby. It’s high calcium content helps strengthening baby’s teeth. It also contains healthy fats which is good for weight gain in babies.
You can shred some paneer and let your baby enjoy its real taste. Or you can dice the paneer, toast the pieces in ghee (preferably homemade), and serve it to the baby.
#5: Flattened Rice (Poha)
Poha is a powerhouse of iron. It helps in maintaining the hemoglobin levels and prevent babies from developing iron deficiency. Poha contains dietary fiber and healthy carbs. It remains light on the tummy and gets digested easily. Poha also promotes gut health as it is a good probiotic food.
You can make traditional kanda poha, dahi poha, jaggery poha or any other version of poha to serve a nutritious snack to your baby.
#6: Soups/ Smoothies
Depending on the season, you can make soups or smoothies for your little bundle of joy.
Soups help babies stay hydrated and nourished. They are easy to prepare, filling, and comforting. Packed with essential nutrients, soups aid in a stronger immune system. They also help fight cold and other infections in babies.
Smoothies, on the other hand are instant energy boosters. They are nutrient-dense, naturally sweetened and delicious in taste. They can be made using any fruits, greens or fats, which the baby doesn’t like to eat.
#7: Dry Fruit Laddu
Dry fruits and nuts offer immense health benefits to the babies. They are rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats. They help in the development of bones and brain, promote a healthy vision, and reduce the risk of developing anemia in babies. Overall, dry fruit laddus make an ultimate mid-meal snacks for toddlers.
Final Take
Growing babies love to munch on anything they get, including the junk. Its up to us to offer them healthy options. Consider adding the above-mentioned snacks to your baby’s diet. Watch for any signs of allergy while introducing any new food. Seek immediate medical help if required.
