No such thing as one size fits all when it comes to toddler meals. Here is how to pack healthy meals your toddler will finish up.
Is your champ starting school soon and you are confused on how to pack her lunch box? Here are a few tips for packing for the pint-sized set.
1. Portion Control
One of the biggest complains I hear is from parents is that kids come home with lots of unfinished food and it is expected. Large food portions can be overwhelming to kids and that can even discourage them from eating at all. Small portions simply look more palatable to them and they strive to even pick the very last grain in their plate to complete the mission. Five grapes is more welcoming than a big bunch! The less you pack, the more food kids eat.
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2. Go for finger foods if you can.
Hand-held foods are great for packed lunches if your kid is still learning how to use utensils. They are easier to hold from hand to mouth for toddlers. Prepare your sandwiches and cut it up into four smaller pieces and slices of fruit.
3. Consider the packaging.
Toddlers may have a difficult time opening packaged foods—and their teachers may have their hands full helping each child during lunch break. Open packaged foods, cut into small pieces your toddler can hold per time. Open the banana and cut into bits. Also make sure to get a lunch box that’s easy to open and close.
4. Beware of choking hazards.
For kids younger than age 4, slice fruits and food into tiny bits. Avoid packing food chunks, whole nuts, whole grapes and so on so they don’t choke on them or get lodge in their throats.
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5. Think outside the box.
Toddlers get bored of everything, and this includes food. To get them to eat, we need to get creative with their food. For instance, instead of a sandwich, you could pack some bites of leftover chicken or pieces of hard-boiled egg.
Here are some fun lunch box ideas for little kids.
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