Toddler Meals Menu and FREE PDF with IDEAS, Weekly Menu and more
As parents, one of our biggest challenges is ensuring that our little ones eat well-
balanced and nutritious meals.
We all know how picky toddlers can be, right? It can feel like a real challenge to plan meals they'll actually enjoy. But don't worry! In this blog post, I've put together a 7-day menu plan filled with yummy and healthy dishes that even the fussiest eaters will love. From adorable pancake shapes to colorful veggie wraps, these meals are not only perfect for kids but also packed with all the good stuff they need to grow up strong and healthy.
But wait, there's more! I've also included some unexpected options you might not have considered for your toddler's plate. Inspired by different cultures and my awesome friends from around the world, these dishes bring a whole new level of flavor and nutrition to the table. It's all about encouraging our little ones to try new things and explore different tastes. After all, variety is the spice of life, right? So let's dive in and get those taste buds tingling!
Day 1:
Breakfast: Teddy bear toast (whole grain bread with peanut butter and banana slices), served with a side of blueberries.
Mid-Morning Snack: Animal-shaped cheese slices and crackers.
Lunch: Tuna* or Hummus sandwiches cut into fun shapes, accompanied by carrot sticks and ranch dip.
Afternoon Snack: Apple slices with yogurt for dipping.
Dinner: Grilled chicken strips, smiley face mashed potatoes, and steamed broccoli trees.
*Note: Tuna can contain mercury, which can be harmful in large amounts, especially for young children. It's recommended to choose light tuna, which generally has lower mercury levels than albacore tuna. Limiting consumption to 1-2 servings per week is advised
Day 2:
Breakfast: Funny face pancakes with strawberry smiles and blueberry eyes, served with a side of yogurt.
Mid-Morning Snack: Fruit kebabs with grapes and melon balls.
Lunch: Alphabet-shaped pasta with tomato sauce and grated cheese, served with cucumber slices.
Afternoon Snack: Celery boats filled with cream cheese and raisins.
Dinner: Mini turkey meatballs, spaghetti loops, and peas.
Day 3:
Breakfast: Banana boats (banana halves topped with peanut butter and mini chocolate chips), served with a side of sliced strawberries.
Mid-Morning Snack: Cheese cubes and pretzel sticks for building structures.
Lunch: Mini whole wheat wraps filled with cream cheese and sliced strawberries, cut into pinwheels.
Afternoon Snack: Frozen yogurt bites made with blended fruit and yogurt, served on animal-shaped plates.
Dinner: Fish sticks, sweet potato fries, and carrot coins.
Get a free PDF with this 7-day menu here:
Day 4:
Breakfast: Mini muffins made with grated carrot and applesauce, served with a side of mixed berries.
Mid-Morning Snack: Teddy bear graham crackers and almond butter for dipping.
Lunch: Cheese quesadillas cut into puzzle pieces, accompanied by cherry tomato halves and avocado (guacamole).
Afternoon Snack: Sliced kiwi and cucumber sticks.
Dinner: Baked chicken drumsticks, cheesy rice, and steamed green beans.
Day 5:
Breakfast: Oatmeal, milk, and banana.
Mid-Morning Snack: Cottage cheese with diced peaches or mango
Lunch: Mini bagel pizzas topped with tomato sauce and cheese, served with carrot sticks.
Afternoon Snack: Watermelon wedges cut into star shapes.
Dinner: Veggie and cheese omelet, toast soldiers for dipping, and steamed peas.
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Day 6:
Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with tortilla and Zucchini.
Mid-Morning Snack: Ants on a log (celery sticks filled with peanut butter and raisins).
Lunch: Alphabet soup with whole grain crackers, served with apple slices.
Afternoon Snack: Crispy whole grain rice cakes topped with creamy mashed avocado, and fruit.
Dinner: Beef picadillo, with carrot, zucchini, potato, and tomato
Day 7:
Breakfast: Pancake animals (pancakes shaped like animals using cookie cutters), served with a side of yogurt and sliced grapes.
Mid-Morning Snack: Strawberry ladybugs (strawberries sliced in half with cream cheese dots for spots).
Lunch: Lentil soup, whole wheat crackers.
Afternoon Snack: Veggie sticks and hummus for dipping
Dinner: Fish tacos or Salmon pasta.
source: https://www.simplyrecipes.com/kid-friendly-fish-recipes-5220796
You can change for a fish or salmon pasta.
Mealtime with toddlers doesn't have to be a struggle. With a little creativity and planning, you can create delicious and nutritious meals that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. It's important to remember that if a toddler rejects something, we mustn't give up. Instead, keep adding it to the menu, each time perhaps with a different presentation. Learning to eat a variety of foods and experiencing different presentations is fundamental at this age. Additionally, it's crucial to avoid as much as possible sugar and salt in their diet. Once they taste a food with a strong flavor, it can be difficult to change this habit.
I hope this 7-day menu plan has inspired you to get creative in the kitchen and make mealtime a fun and enjoyable experience for the whole family. Here's to happy and healthy eating!
Get a fillable PDF with this menu here:
Please let me know your comments or questions here: hello@natsikoworkshop.com
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Natsiko Workshop and its owner will not be liable for any damages, losses, or causes of action of any nature arising from any use of any of the documents or the provision of these documents. Always consult your health provider for accurate advice.