Tasty and Easy Meals for Your Toddler

Your baby has grown up! He’s finally joining the family table. This usually happens when he starts eating solid foods, between 12 and 18 months.

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However, children aren’t as ready to eat as adults, so meals should be designed to suit their age and appetite, and meals shouldn’t include foods that are unhealthy. For my children, during this time, the entire family shared several menus. I was constantly thinking about how we would eat our meals so I could prepare one dish for everyone. Some of these meals didn’t require specific recipes, so I decided to summarize some of our meal ideas in this post, which I hope will inspire your cooking!  

Why nutrition is important for young children

Children between the ages of one and three need at least four to five meals a day, including snacks. Their diet should include:  

•  Proteins : Essential for growth. It’s recommended to consume 2-3 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. Good sources include meat, fish, eggs, lentils, chickpeas, and dairy products such as milk and yogurt.  
• Vitamins : Especially vitamins A, C, and D, which are found in fruits, vegetables, and fortified milk.  
• Minerals  : Calcium is essential for bone growth. Aim to consume 2-3 cups of milk or its equivalent (such as cheese or yogurt) daily.  
• Energy  : Young children are active and need energy from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.  

Avoid processed foods like potato chips, candy, and sugary snacks, as they can reduce your child’s appetite for nutritious meals.  

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Delicious and easy meals for your little one

But be aware that these aren’t set meals, but rather one-time meal ideas that require a little, but not a lot, kitchen work. These meals are feasible in any season because they contain products that can be found in the fresh produce section in both summer and winter (and are not necessarily “local” as a result) or in frozen foods.  

 

Parmentier fish

– Finely grated carrots, lemon sauce  

Here’s Parmentier  

– Brie cheese, bread  

Apple and cinnamon compote  

 

Preparing Parmentier fish

Steam the potatoes and fish separately. Mash the cooked potatoes with a fork (or a blender or potato masher), adding milk and a pinch of nutmeg if desired. In a dish, crumble the fish and mix it with some aromatic herbs, then place it on the bottom. Cover with the mashed potatoes, then garnish with breadcrumbs (or grated cheese). Bake for 15 to 20 minutes at 180°C (350°F).  

 

 

green bean salad

– Half a Knak sausage with pasta and spinach cream  

– Homemade plain yogurt  

Apple slices  

 

Note : Foods such as sausage should be limited in your child’s diet due to their high salt and unbalanced fat content. However, they can be offered occasionally, provided they are balanced throughout the daily and weekly menu.  

 

 

Creamy Spinach Pasta

 

Preparing spinach and cream pasta :

Cook frozen spinach patties in a pot, and at the end of cooking, add a spoonful of fresh cream. Meanwhile, cook the pasta in water. Then mix all the ingredients together, and why not add a little Parmesan cheese? It’s so delicious and helps kids eat their vegetables, especially spinach, which they love.  

 Easy Meal Ideas for Toddlers

 

 1. Creamy rice porridge

Cook fine grain rice in water or milk until tender.  

– Add a touch of breast milk or formula for a familiar taste.  

Avoid adding sugar. Substitute pureed fruit such as bananas or apples for natural sweetness.  

– Why it’s great  : Rich in iron and easy to digest.  

 

 2. Mashed potatoes with vegetables

Steam or boil the potatoes until soft, then mash them.  

– Mix in finely chopped vegetables like carrots or broccoli for more nutrients.  

Why it’s great  : Potatoes are a kid-friendly base, and adding vegetables boosts vitamin intake.  

 

 3. Carrot puree

Steam or boil the carrots until tender, then blend them into a smooth puree.  

Dilute the puree with water, milk or a little broth.  

Why it’s great  : Carrots have a naturally sweet taste that toddlers enjoy, and they’re packed with vitamin A.  

 

4. Broccoli and potato puree

Steam the broccoli and potatoes separately, then mix them together.  

Add a little milk or water to get the desired consistency.  

Why it’s great : Broccoli is rich in vitamins, and combining it with potatoes makes it even more appealing to picky eaters.  

 

5. Pear or apple compote

– Cook peeled and diced pears or apples with a little water until soft.  

Blend the ingredients until you get a smooth compote. For extra variety, add a little fine rice for a creamier texture.  

– Why it’s great  : A natural sweet treat rich in fiber and vitamins.  

 

 6. Banana mash

Mash a ripe banana and mix it with a little milk or yogurt.  

For a warm option, microwave the banana for a few seconds before mashing it.  

Why it’s great : Bananas are an energy-packed snack that’s quick and easy to prepare.  

 

7. Dried apricot puree

Soak the dried apricots in hot water until soft, then blend until you get a smooth puree.  

– Can be mixed with rice porridge for extra texture and flavor.  

Why it’s great  : Apricots are rich in iron and beta-carotene, making them a great choice, especially in the winter.  

 

 

These ideas are simple, nutritious meals that can be adapted to all seasons. They’re perfect for busy parents who want to prepare one meal for the whole family while ensuring their little ones get the nutrients they need. Enjoy cooking!

Foods to avoid

To ensure your child’s safety, avoid the following before age 3:
Choking hazards   : popcorn, whole grapes (cut into quarters), raw carrots, and hard candy.
Processed snacks : potato chips, sugary sweets, and candy.

 

Tips for feeding young children

• Offer variety : Rotate different foods to expose your baby to new tastes and textures.
• Keep portions small : Young children have small stomachs, so offer them small, frequent meals.
• Be patient : It’s normal for young children to be picky. Keep offering healthy options, even if they reject them at first.

By focusing on nutritious, easy-to-prepare meals, you can help your child develop healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime. Try these recipes and watch your child develop and grow!

 

Moms, I love hearing from you! What are your kids’ favorite meals? Do you have quick and easy recipes your little one loves? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below; your suggestions may inspire other moms in our community! Let’s help each other make mealtime easier, healthier, and more fun for our little ones. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know if you try any of these recipes! 😊