Top Healthy Breakfast Ideas For Toddlers(12 to 24 Months)

Essentially, in a day, toddlers need three healthy meals with the addition of one or two snacks well-spaced across the day. They must learn to chew the food well before swallowing. A toddler’s breakfast should be wholesome and nutritious. Let’s see some healthy breakfast ideas for toddler-

• Whole milk, yogurt and cheese are a good source of calcium and protein for toddlers. Dairy alternatives can be a choice for toddlers who are lactose intolerant
• Food rich in protein like scrambled eggs, small portions of lean meat can be included in the diet
• Cereals can be mixed with avocado, chia seeds, or flax seeds
• Vegetables are not very popular with toddlers but can be added in tricky ways
• Carbohydrates from whole grain cereals, or wheat toast and pancakes give toddlers the fiber and energy they need

Should I Ask my Toddler What They Want to Eat?

Toddlers have preferences and acquire different tastes that may vary every day. It is essential to consider what they like and ensure that they have a well -rounded, balanced diet. If you are looking for healthy breakfast ideas for toddler, you can involve them and take their inputs as well.

Asking toddlers what they want to eat, in fact reduces resistance on their part and helps avoid mealtime battles. However, certain things should be considered such as-

• Give them age-appropriate food. Take the toddler’s age into consideration and give them simple options and adapt those to their developmental stage
• Try a balanced approach by introducing new foods and slowly try to encourage them to try different kinds of food
• Get them involved in preparation. Toddlers can be encouraged to help in the preparation of their meal. This will also interest them

Important Proteins, Fats, And Carbs to Include in Breakfast

Start the day with specific dietary requirements and individual preferences in mind. Each toddler has different nutritional needs which you must closely watch and provide. The portion sizes and taste differ too for every toddler.

Healthy breakfast ideas for toddler must be wholesome and well-balanced options. It should contain a good mix of nutrients like proteins, carbohydrates, fats etc. If you are wondering what kind of food to give to toddler which contains all these, check out the list below-

Protein

Protein is essential for body’ growth and development. It is present in each and every cell of the body and helps the body build and repair cells and tissues. Protein is vital especially during childhood. It is also important for brain development in kids.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), a 2-year-old toddler needs 2 servings of protein each day. Some sources of protein to include in toddler diet are-

• Eggs- Very rich in high quality protein and can be prepared in various ways. Be it omelets, boiled or scrambled, you name it
• Yogurt- Good for digestive health and contains probiotics
• Cheese- Cottage cheese is a good source of protein
• Nut butter- Almond butter, peanut butter, or other kinds of nut butter can be used on toast or with oatmeal

Fats

Toddlers and kids need fat for energy. That energy is essential for their activities and growth. Fat is also needed for their brain development. growth and being active. Some sources of fat for toddler are-

• Chia seeds- These seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and they can be added to smoothies or just sprinkled on yogurt or added with milk
• Avocado- It is a healthy source of fats, monounsaturated fats to be precise
• Flaxseeds- Flaxseeds are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and can be added to baked goods or oatmeal

Carbohydrates

Toddlers need carbohydrates for growth and development. Carbohydrates are also required for their brain function. As it’s growing at a rapid speed at this age, a 2-year-old’s meal should make up at least 45-65% of carbohydrates. Some carbohydrates you can give your toddler are-

• Oatmeal by itself is a great source of complex carbohydrates. It can be cooked with water or milk with a topping of fruits ,honey or any flavor of your choice
• Fruits like apple, banana and berries provide natural sugars, vitamins, and fiber
• Bread made from whole grain or cereals provides complex carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients

Healthy Breakfast Ideas For Toddlers

Offer an array of food to your toddler. Give them choice to make their breakfast time a happy one. Some great ideas for nutritious toddler breakfast are-

• Pancakes- Mash bananas with beaten eggs and flour, and cook as small pancakes on a pan or griddle makes a sumptuous breakfast. You can serve pancakes with honey or yogurt
• Whole grain cereal with milk- Serve whole grain cereals with low sugar and milk. Add fresh fruit for more flavor and nutrition
• Yogurt Parfait- Greek yogurt with a variety of fruits or topped with granola or ground flaxseeds makes a yummy meal
• Veggie omelet- Cook mini omelets with vegetables

On-The-Go Breakfast Ideas For Toddler

There are a variety of breakfast ideas when you require quick and convenient on-the-go meals for toddlers. Here are a few to consider-

Cereals

Cereals are a good option for toddler breakfast.  Packaged cereals are not good as they are actually loaded with sugars. Some healthy cereal options for your toddler are- 

• Granola- Select granola which has low sugar and added dried fruits and nuts
• Multigrain cereal- Choose cereals that have a blend of oats, barley, and wheat
• Oatmeal- Cook unsweetened oatmeal with milk or water for a wonderful meal. Add fruits, honey, or cinnamon to make the meal more interesting and beneficial

French Toast

A delicious and nutrient filled French toast is simple and suitable for your toddler. Ensure to cook it thoroughly and serve at room temperature. Two slices of bread, an egg, a quarter cup of milk, and a small amount of butter are the simple ingredients for French toast.

Smoothies

Smoothies can be a good way to introduce fruits, vegetables and other nutritious ingredients into your toddler’s diet. A mix of fruits adds sweetness and flavor to the smoothie. Milk or milk-alternatives like yogurt, are good base for smoothies.

Basic ingredients for a smoothie- One ripe banana, half a cup of berries, a quarter cup of spinach and a teaspoon of honey for an added tinge of sweetness.

Yogurt

Yogurt is a great nutritious addition to your toddlers’ meal. It is a source of calcium, protein, and probiotics which are good for digestion and bone health. Yogurts are simple and easy to digest, so go ahead with your choice of yogurt with the tips given below-

• Choose plain unsweetened yogurt. Enhance the flavor with honey but avoid packaged flavored ones that contain high sugars
• Opt for whole milk yogurt or if necessary a low-fat one
• More protein is present in Greek yogurt
• Dairy free yogurts are available for toddlers who are lactose intolerant

Make Ahead Breakfast Ideas For Toddler

When you prepare make-ahead breakfast options, your toddler can start the day with a good nutritious meal. Always remember to keep good storage ideas and follow food safety guidelines when you prepare make-ahead meals for toddler. Some make ahead breakfast ideas for toddler are- 

Soaked Dry Fruits

Dry fruits when soaked, become softer and easily chewable for a toddler. Select dry fruits which are suitable and safe and totally nutritious. A perfect choice includes dates, raisins, figs, prunes, and cranberries.

Rinse the dry fruits to remove dust or debris and soak them in a bowl with water and leave them overnight. Next day drain the water to remove any impurities or excess sugars. Serve them directly or add them to other meals. You can store the soaked dry fruits in airtight containers in a refrigerator for a few days.

Overnight Oats

Overnight oats are simple to prepare and are a convenient meal, to serve with various ingredients at breakfast time. Just take oats and milk in a jar and mix it. Add some honey if desired. Use fresh fruits as toppings. Seal the jar and refrigerate overnight. Stir and serve in the morning at room temperature. This makes for a wholesome and nutritious meal for a toddler.

Pancakes

Pancakes are a delicious option for toddlers which they look forward to. They are easy to make and you can also sneak in some mashed fruits or veggies to make them more nutritious. Your toddler will be happy seeing the colorful pancakes and you would have achieved the task of feeding them fruits and veggies which is a hard thing to do otherwise.

Some fruits or veggies which you can add to the pancakes are bananas, apples, strawberries, spinach, beetroot, pea puree, etc. Instead of refined flour or maida, use whole wheat flour.

Waffles

Waffles are a delightful meal, suitable for toddlers at breakfast time. For waffles too you can use whole wheat flour in place of refined flour or maida. Add pureed fruits like apples, bananas etc. or mashed veggies like spinach, carrots, etc. for added nutrition.

There are numerous healthy breakfast ideas for toddlers. Provide a balanced meal with a combination of proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats for their proper growth and development. Consider dietary needs and allergies while deciding upon healthy breakfast options for your 2-year-old toddler.

FAQ’s

1. How Much Should a 2-Year-Old Eat For Breakfast?

The amount of food a 2-year-old can eat for breakfast varies with individual nutritional needs and appetite. An ideal breakfast for a 2-year-old may include a glass of milk, a serving of fresh fruit like banana or apple, along with a small portion of cereal or an egg.

2. Is One Egg Enough For Breakfast For a 2-Year-Old?

Yes. One egg is sufficient for a 2-year-old as part of a good and balanced diet.

3. How Many Chapatis Should a 2-Year-Old Eat?

The number of chapatis that a 2-year-old should have, varies according to the toddler’s dietary needs and appetite. Generally, one chapati is an appropriate serving portion for a 2-year-old.