When it comes to feeding toddlers, parents have a lot of questions. What snacks are best for 3-year-olds? What foods should be avoided? How much should they be eating? Here we’ll look at some of the best snacks for 3-year-olds, as well as what to avoid and how much they should be eating.
Healthy Snack Ideas For 3-Year-Olds
The best snacks for 3-year-olds are those that provide them with the nutrients they need to grow and develop. Here are some healthy snack ideas for 3-year-olds:
- Cheese and crackers
- Celery and peanut butter
- Yogurt and fruit
- Whole-grain toast with hummus
- Mixed nuts and dried fruit
- Veggie sticks and dip
- Fruit smoothie
- Popcorn
- Whole-grain cereal with milk
These snacks are packed with nutrients and will help keep your child’s energy levels up throughout the day. They are also a great way to get your child to eat more fruits and vegetables.
Avoiding Unhealthy Snacks
In addition to providing healthy snacks for 3-year-olds, it’s important to avoid unhealthy snacks. These include processed foods, sugary snacks, and fried foods. These snacks are not only unhealthy, but they can lead to weight gain and other health issues. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding snacks with added sugars, including candy and sweets, as well as salty snacks like chips and crackers.
How Much Should 3-Year-Olds Eat?
It’s important to ensure that your 3-year-old is eating enough healthy snacks throughout the day. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children between the ages of 2 and 3 should eat about 1,000 calories per day. This should be split between 3 meals and 2 snacks. Each meal should be roughly 200-250 calories and each snack should be about 100 calories.
It’s also important to remember that snacks should not replace meals. If your child is filling up on snacks, it can lead to them not eating enough at meal times. It’s best to provide snacks in between meals, rather than instead of meals.
Making Healthy Snacks Fun
Snacks can be a great way to get your child to eat more fruits and vegetables. However, it can be difficult to get them to eat healthy snacks. To make healthy snacks more appealing, try to make them fun. For example, you can cut vegetables into shapes or use cookie cutters to make fun shapes with sandwiches. You can also add dips or sauces to make the snacks more interesting.
Including Your Child in Snack Time
Involving your child in snack time is another great way to make healthy snacks more appealing. Ask your child to help you prepare the snacks or let them choose which snacks they want. This will make them more likely to eat the snacks and give them a sense of pride and ownership in their food.
Conclusion
Choosing the best snacks for 3-year-olds can be a challenge. To ensure your child is getting the nutrients they need, provide them with healthy snacks like cheese and crackers, yogurt and fruit, and whole-grain cereal with milk. Avoid snacks with added sugars, such as candy and sweets. Make snacks fun by adding dips or sauces or involving your child in the preparation process. With these tips, you can ensure your 3-year-old is eating healthy snacks and getting the nutrients they need to grow and develop.