{"id":18595,"date":"2020-12-03T11:57:51","date_gmt":"2020-12-03T19:57:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/babysparks.com\/?p=18595"},"modified":"2021-07-08T05:01:13","modified_gmt":"2021-07-08T13:01:13","slug":"toddler-snacks-why-theyre-important-how-to-keep-them-healthy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/babysparks.com\/2020\/12\/03\/toddler-snacks-why-theyre-important-how-to-keep-them-healthy\/","title":{"rendered":"Toddler Snacks: Why They\u2019re Important & How to Keep Them Healthy"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"HealthyWe all want to make sure our children get enough well-balanced food to keep their tummies satisfied and their bodies healthy. But for toddlers, mealtimes can be hit or miss \u2013 due to pickiness, asserting their opinions (\u201cYou gave me the wrong cup!\u201d), or simply because it\u2019s hard for them to sit still. What\u2019s more, little tummies fill up with just a little bit of food.<\/p>\n

Snacks are one way to ensure that your little one is getting the calories and nutrients they need. The key to healthy snacking is making those between-meal bites nutrient dense and well-portioned.<\/p>\n

Browse Our Expert-Led Online Baby & Toddler Feeding Classes<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n

Highlights: <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Healthy snacks help ensure that toddlers get the calories and nutrients they need.<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To keep snacks healthy, pair fresh fruits and veggies with a protein and\/or whole grains.<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Keep in mind that many processed foods contain a lot of sugar and salt.<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Create snack routines by serving them around the same times each day \u2013 right in-between meals.<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Encourage your child to sit for snacks, just as they would for a meal. This promotes mindful (and safe) eating.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Healthy Snack Options for Toddlers<\/h2>\n

When it comes to a snack, the most important question is: How healthy is it? You can\u2019t go wrong with fresh fruits and veggies. Add a protein (like cheese or nut butter) or a carbohydrate (like healthy crackers or whole-grain bread), and you\u2019ve got a yummy, well-balanced snack.<\/p>\n

A general rule of thumb is to limit processed foods. But when you do go with something packaged, the fewer ingredients, the better. And keep an eye on sodium and sugar; you might be surprised by how much sugar are in foods like baby yogurt or fruit juice.<\/p>\n

Here are some healthy toddler snack options, along with suggested portion sizes (it\u2019s easy to overestimate how much food fits in a toddler\u2019s belly). Remember, these are suggestions. We always recommend discussing your child\u2019s individual nutrition needs with your pediatrician.<\/p>\n