Toddler Snack Ideas for Warm Weather
As the weather heats up in the UK (at least for now), it can get you wondering whether the snacks you’ve been offering your toddler are going to be ‘enough’ - especially if, like me, you find it a total mission to get them to drink water.
Whilst ideally we want snacks to be balanced, so they’re filling and sustaining - the usual fat + carb + protein macros combination works wonders - during the summer toddlers generally prefer hydrating snacks, and it makes sense. It can also ease your worry that they’re taking on enough fluids.
less of an appetite?
I would recommend continuing to offer normal meals (ideally, whatever the rest of the family is eating). However, you might need to adjust your expectations. Generally in warmer weather, young children especially don’t have as much of an appetite so don’t be too surprised if you find them rejecting meals and wanting snacks little and often. This doesn’t mean you have to just offer snacks all day. In fact, it’s better for you to do as you would usually do and keep to your normal routine. This helps our children feel safe and secure.
So, continue to offer meals but bear in mind these might not be eaten as well as they would usually. Sometimes offering smaller portions, or allowing for ‘help yourself’ meals can really help.
ANYWAY — in terms of snacks to offer, here are some hydrating and/or nourishing snack ideas for your toddler:
watermelon especially, but other types of melon (cantaloupe, honeydew, piel de sapo, etc.) are great too
cucumber, pepper or carrot sticks with a dip like hummus, greek yoghurt, tzatziki or baba ghanoush
fruit platter - orange slices, melon, pear, grapes (just ensure they’re all safely prepared)
mini cucumbers (Lidl do these and I have found them such a useful and easy snack!)
avocado - this is such an underrated on-the-go snack! slice it in half before you go out, or take utensils with you, and a spoon - and your toddler can scoop out the inside themselves depending on their age.
homemade smoothies (the shop-bought ones are fine on occasion but generally they are pure fruit and don’t contain any fats or protein, so can be a quick hit with not much nourishment)
coconut yoghurt - if you’re on the go, put this in a pouch with some smushed berries and/or hemp hearts or ground flax
rice cakes or corn cakes (the latter can be firmer so be happy first they’re not going to pose a choking risk) with toppings - try chia jam, nut butter, cottage cheese, cream cheese, banana + seed butter, hummus, smashed avocado
hardboiled eggs are always a winner in our house.
Hope this helps when you’re feeling stuck and wanting to just get out and enjoy the sunshine!