Here is the much anticipated sequel to my Top 5: Baby Foods post. So what are my favorite finger foods for a toddler?
- Peas: Nutrition packed and just the right size, it almost like God made them especially for toddlers. I've noticed that toddlers don't like these overcooked, though. We buy them frozen, plop in boiling water. As soon as the water comes to a boil, we strain them and douse them with cold water to stop the cooking. I've noticed that you don't have to reheat the leftovers. Toddlers like them cold, too. An even easier way to prepare peas is to buy the steam-fresh frozen variety.
- Goldfish: Dkay guessed this one correctly. I must admit, the first time I saw toddlers eating goldfish, I was horrified. But then I read the
nutrition label and realized it wasn't too bad. They come in whole grain now, which is even better. Plus, I was delighted to find that they now sell the whole grain version in the big 'ole humungo box. The only nutritional concern is the high sodium, but high sodium may not be as bad as once thought. - Cheerios: This one should come as no surprise. Is there a toddler today that doesn't get half their calories from cheerios? There are some organic brands that are slightly better nutritionally, but some of those are too hard for toddlers to chew.
- Bananas: The only carryover from the the Top 5 Baby Foods, instead of mashing we cut them into bite-sized pieces. It won't take long before you can just put half a banana in their hand and let them chomp down on their own. Pumpkindoodle used to "double-fist" a banana every morning. Also a great snack for adults and they even come in their own wrapper (ever notice someone put bananas in their own little plastic bag at the grocery store, what's up with that?).
- Raisins: Like peas, just the right size, and like Goldfish and Cheerios, they travel easily.
4 comments:
I would have to take peas off. I can't stand peas, therefore Hannah has never had to eat them. It is really the only veggie I don't like, so I figure it is okay. Also, if you were horrified to see toddlers eating goldfish, I am sure you would cringe to know I always have a pack of fruit snacks in my bag. I used to by the gerber ones, but now Hannah prefers Princess' or Dora. They are the best thing ever when I am in a place the requires more patience than a 2 year old can give. Oh, I would also add Ritz Crackers if I were making a list. :)
A few more of Bug's favorite are: Grapes, Strawberries, Cantelope, Watermelon, Honeydew, Fresh Pineapple and Cashews.
The kid could live off of fruit, crackers and nuts.
I love giving the kids fresh and frozen blueberries. And fruit snacks became a staple snack last year. Actually the baby ones have as much sugar as the princess ones. Another favorite snack I do for the kids is baked apples. Pink Lady apples work best and require no sugar. And the funny thing about peas...N and I cannot stand peas, but both of our kids LOVE them. :-)
We like frozen peas in our house - no kidding!!!
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