10 Easy Meals To Feed Even The Pickiest Toddler
Is your toddler a picky eater?
pexels Don’t know what to feed your toddler at the next meal? This is understandable.
A child’s preferences can be tricky at this stage. Your once-adventurous eater could be experiencing a period of "food phobia."
Don’t worry, it’s common for the food tastes of young children to be in constant flux around toddler ages.
During this period, it's important to be patient with them. Respect their feelings and try to keep mealtimes as healthy as possible, without letting them go hungry afterward or begging for only sweet treats.
In addition, you might also find it difficult to manage the emotional demands of the pandemic — homeschooling, work, and countless other "life happens" moments.
If you're looking for something quick, easy, and delicious, there are a lot of healthy meal options for toddlers.
The obvious choice is to turn to microwavable meals. These are simple but aren't always the healthiest option for your little one.
You just need to try a few things to find the simple meals that will be a hit with your kids. To make things even easier, we've partnered with Yumble Kids for their great kids' meals, which are delivered straight to your door.
For parents looking for something to make today, the following list offers a range of easy, satisfying meals that are popular with kids.
Here are 10 easy meals to feed even the pickiest toddler.
1. Tuna sandwiches.
If your little one is a fish lover, consider yourself very lucky! Tuna — and most seafood — is a great source of Omega-3.
Tuna anchors a healthy meal and preparing it is as simple as mixing some mayonnaise with a can of tuna. You can add different spices and vegetables, like onions or celery. You can also use different types of bread or spread the tuna on crackers for a tasty twist.
2. Vegetable soup.
This can be very easy if you're just heating it up from a can. With that said, you can also try any number of vegetable soup recipes if you want to make your own.
Homemade soup usually tastes better and you can always store the leftovers to reheat later in the week.
3. Pasta with tomato sauce.
Pasta with tomato sauce can even satisfy most picky eaters. You can use premade sauce or make a fun activity out of making your own!
Tomato sauce recipes are traditionally easy to execute and require very few ingredients. You might even be able to clean out the veggies in your fridge using a tomato sauce recipe.
Top it with a little grated cheese and you should have a filling meal that will make the whole family happy.
4. Rice and beans.
Rice and beans is a simple meal eaten all over the world.
You can try red beans or black beans, and this simple meal offers a lot of opportunities for adding different ingredients and spices to make it a little more interesting.
5. Casseroles.
Casseroles are great because the entire meal cooks in one pot. There are a variety of casserole recipes you can try, and you can always make extra to store and serve as leftovers.
Not only this, but you can feed the whole family with one large casserole.
6. Quesadillas.
Quesadillas offer a lot of flavors and can be made quickly. You just need some tortillas, cooked beans, cheese, and a dip, like guacamole, salsa, or sour cream.
Put your filling on the tortilla, fold it over, and heat it up. You can then cut it into bite-sized pieces with your child’s favorite dip on the side.
7. Avocado toast.
Avocado toast is a quick meal that can be good in the mornings or for lunch. It's easy to make an avocado spread. Keep the extra in the refrigerator for meals later in the week.
This is one of the easiest ways to get your toddler up in the morning. It’s delicious, filling, and full of healthy fats.
On the weekends when you have more time, you could even add a poached egg on top for a little more fanfare to a breakfast favorite.
8. Meatballs.
Frozen meatballs can make this option very easy. But, consider making your own and storing them in the freezer.
Pair the meatballs with a baked potato or some roasted vegetables, and you have a good meal for your kids.
You can also put them on a sliced roll and make a sandwich. A great meal that serves as a special treat for little ones!
9. Frittatas.
Frittatas can be made quickly on the stove and they pack a lot of flavor. With the primary ingredient being eggs, they can be a nice breakfast but kids can enjoy frittatas at any time of day.
Eggs are a great source of protein, perfect for your growing little one. They're also a good way to clean out the fridge.
Throw in as many vegetables as possible for more and more flavor. You can even use meats like ham or turkey.
10. Roasted chicken.
Pre-cooked roasted chicken is another good option for toddlers. It tastes good and you can pair it with a variety of sides.
You can also add it into sandwiches for a filling lunch or snack that will slowly release energy throughout the day.
It’s perfect for keeping that balance between healthy food and a meal that will keep them satisfied all day long.
You don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to make a meal your toddler will enjoy.
In many cases, it's the simplest meals that they enjoy the most.
So, try these quick and easy meals and you're sure to find a few options that will make your kids happy while also making your life easier.
— Created in partnership with Yumble Kids.
Shannon Ullman is a writer who focuses on animals, travel, lifestyle, pets, and the outdoors. She loves animals and has spent time fostering cats and volunteering at dog shelters. She has written for publications such as Huffington Post, Elite Daily, and PopSugar.