Healthy And Nutritious Baby Snacks For Toddlers
Table of Contents
What Snacks Can I Make For My 6 Month Old?
This is such a fun recipe to make!
So simple!
So quick!
So delicious!
The crunchy croutons in this recipe will mean that this box is suitable from 12 months onwards, If you wanted to make this snack box for 6 months plus, all you will need to do is keep the croutons as sourdough bread so it is nice and soft.
I loved introducing my son to dragon fruit, showing him the vibrant pink skin and then peeling it to reveal the black seeded white fruit was amazing!
He really does enjoy dragon fruit, it isn’t as sweet as most fruits but he really enjoys it!
Let’s talk about the Red Leicester crisps! These are so easy to make, and more to the point, the recipe works with most hard cheeses. So for example cheddar works well along with Parmesan.
Lastly, the cherry oat cake bites are incredible and so tasty, I have previously published this recipe and it has been a huge success! They are so tasty, and such an easy snack to whip up! And let’s face it, kids need their snacks! So I would rather try and give my son a healthy one!
Homemade Snacks For Baby Led Weaning
Making toddler snacks at home can be a great idea for parents. By preparing snacks from scratch, parents have control over the ingredients, ensuring that their baby consumes nutritious and wholesome food.
Also, homemade snacks can be tailored to suit the baby's preferences and dietary requirements. This approach can be more cost-effective in the long run and reduces the baby's exposure to preservatives and unhealthy additives often found in store-bought snacks.
However, parents should consider their time constraints and convenience when deciding whether to make or buy baby snacks, as preparing homemade snacks can be time-consuming. This can be so rewarding if planned ahead and in most cases being able to freeze.
This snack box is so versatile, I love the fact there are so many different textures going on!
Snack Ideas 6 Months Old
At six months old, babies are just starting to explore solid foods. Opt for snacks like soft-cooked fruit and vegetables, such as mashed banana or steamed sweet potato.
You can also try small pieces of ripe avocado or small amounts of plain full-fat yogurt.
Another option is small, well-cooked penne pasta or rice cakes.
Remember to cut foods into appropriately sized pieces to prevent choking hazards and always supervise your baby during snack times.
It's essential to introduce one new food at a time to watch for any allergic reactions.
When Should I Introduce Snacks To My Baby?
It is generally recommended to introduce snacks to your baby around 6-8 months of age. This of these as like mini meals.
At this stage, your baby is likely to have started solid foods and is developing the ability to pick up and self-feed.
Delicious snacks can be a great options to complement their meals and provide additional nutrition. It's important to offer healthy snack options such as small pieces of fruit, vegetables, to support their growing needs.
Keep in mind that a balanced snack should not replace meals but rather be incorporated into a balanced feeding routine.
A Typical Snack Routine For Baby
In many households, a typical snack time routine often involves a mid-morning snack to bridge the gap between breakfast and lunch. This could be a piece of fresh fruit or a small plain yogurt.
In the afternoon, another snack might be enjoyed to help with hunger before dinner. This could range from an oat bar, some cheese and crackers.
The key is to choose snacks that provide energy and sustenance without being too heavy, helping to maintain productivity and focus throughout the day.
Give this one a try and let me know what on you think! Great baby food ideas for us busy parents!
Ingredient information
Mature Red Leicester cheese - This is a great cheese and if you and your family haven’t tried it you must! A real tang and bite, my son loves it! You could use a cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese instead if you like. A great source of protein too!
White sourdough bread - There are so many benefits to sourdough bread for example it contains higher levels of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and allows you to absorb the nutrients easier than regular bread. If you fancy making your own white bread there is a recipe here: White bread.
Extra virgin olive oil - I have used extra virgin olive oil, this is great for added flavour to the croutons! And it is a healthy option for frying!
Dragon fruit - This is a great fruit, full of antioxidants!
Cherry oat cake bites - These are so tasty and quick to make, a great alternative to bought rice cakes and biscuits.
Serving suggestion
The bento box is great on its own for healthy baby snacks, so for example if you are out for the day and needed a portable snack for your little ones this would be a great way to incorporate easy snacks for a seem-less.
Other great healthy snack ideas for that picky eater of yours, suitable for lunch box snacks (no added sugar): Whole fruit, apple slices, hard-boiled eggs, peanut butter sandwich, cottage cheese pudding, plain yogurt (great source of protein), cooked carrot sticks, cooked green beans, cooked sweet potatoes, fruit bars.
Adding blueberries or strawberries would be a great addition!
Other bento box recipes you may like for older toddlers (also suitable from 6 months old): Pesto pasta, Giant cous cous or Heart shaped pancakes.
Storage instructions
The bento box can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days in the fridge.
So this is a great snack box to keep going back to if needed throughout the week!
You could make larger portions and then decant into the snack box.
All the information how to freeze and store the cherry oat cake bites are in the post.
Equipment used to help with this recipe
Recipe | Healthy And Nutritious Baby Snacks For Toddlers
Makes 1 bento box for little tummies
10g mature red Leicester cheese, finely grated
1/2 slice white sourdough bread, sliced into cubes
1 tablespoon extra Virgin olive oil
4 slices dragon fruit, cut into quarters
Instructions
Start by pre heating the oven to 180C or 350F.
Place the cheese in small mounds on a lined baking tray.
Pop in the oven for 6 minutes. Once out of the oven leave to cool fully.
To make the croutons, pop the sourdough cubes in an oven proof dish and drizzle over the olive oil. Coat the bread and pop in the oven for 15 minutes, turning halfway through. Leave to cool.
For the cherry oat cake recipe click here: Cherry Oat Cakes.
Place the dragon fruit into the bento box alongside the other elements. I use silicone cups to separate.
Hope you and your family enjoy!
Recipe notes
If you wanted to substitute the croutons for plain sourdough bread for younger babies 6-12 months old you absolutely can!
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