Introducing Healthy Snacking and Lunch Box Preparation

Hello there! If you’re currently in the stage of getting creative with food for your toddler’s lunch boxes. This is for you!

To be honest, It was really a constant struggle to find healthy, kid-friendly options that wouldn’t get squished, spilled, or thrown across the room (yes, that happened!).

But I’m here to tell you, it doesn’t have to be a chore! With a little planning and creativity, you can pack lunches that are nutritious, fun, and (dare I say it) even appealing to your little ones.

Today I’m going to share a lot of lunch-packing strategies with you.

But first, if you’re overwhelmed about…

What can I put in my toddler lunch?

Here’s your ultimate lunchbox list inspiration 

Fruits

Cut-up fruits: Apples (peeled and sliced), bananas (sliced), grapes (cut in half), pears (peeled and sliced), berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), melon (cubed)

Dried fruits: Raisins, cranberries, apricots (choose unsweetened varieties)

Fruit salad: Combine a variety of chopped fruits for a colorful snack.

Vegetables

Cut-up vegetables: Carrots (baby carrots or cut into sticks), cucumbers (sliced), celery (cut into sticks), bell peppers (cut into strips), zucchini (cut into sticks)

Veggie sticks with dip: Hummus, guacamole, yogurt dip, ranch dressing

Broccoli florets: Cooked and lightly seasoned

Proteins

Hard-boiled eggs: Cut in half for easier eating

Chicken nuggets: Baked or air-fried for a healthier option

String cheese or cheese sticks

Tuna salad: Made with mayo, celery, and a squeeze of lemon

Beans: Black beans, pinto beans, chickpeas (can be added to salads or hummus)

Grains

Whole-grain crackers: Paired with cheese or hummus

Whole-wheat bread: For sandwiches or wraps

Whole-grain pasta salad: With veggies, cheese, and a light dressing

Popcorn: Air-popped, not buttered

Other Options

Yogurt: Plain yogurt with fruit, granola, or a drizzle of honey

Hummus: Great for dipping veggies

Smoothies: Made with fruit, yogurt, and a bit of spinach or kale

Before we dive into healthy recipes for toddlers’ lunch boxes…

Here are some Mom tips for easy and creative lunch packing

Time-Saving Mom Hacks for Meal Prep

Prep on the Weekend: Set aside a few hours on the weekend to wash, chop, and prep veggies, fruits, and other lunchbox staples. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge.

Freeze It!: Freeze items like hard-boiled eggs, mini muffins, or yogurt pops ahead of time so they’re ready to grab and go.

Make Ahead Snacks: Prepare a batch of hummus, chicken salad, or fruit salad for easy additions to lunchboxes.

Creative Presentation

Themed Lunches: Pack a “Pirate Lunch” with cheese slices cut into swords, banana slices for coins, and a small container of “buried treasure” (a small toy or surprise).

Lunchbox Notes: Write a funny note or draw a silly picture on a paper napkin for your child to find in their lunchbox.

Use Cookie Cutters: Cut sandwiches, cheese, or fruits into fun shapes using cookie cutters.

Packing Tips

Use Reusable Containers: Invest in reusable lunch boxes, containers, and snack bags to reduce waste and save money.

Freeze Packs: Use freezer packs to keep cold items cold and ensure a safe lunch temperature.

Invest in Lunchbox Dividers: Keep items separate and prevent spills with lunchbox dividers.

Pack in Layers: Layering items in a lunchbox helps prevent crushing and creates a more visually appealing presentation.

Don’t Forget the Napkin: Always pack a napkin or two to help with spills and messy fingers.

10 Easy Lunchbox Recipes for Toddlers

Lunch box ideas for Preschool, Daycare, or Snacks at home

1. Rainbow Veggie Skewers

Ingredients:

Cherry tomatoes (halved)

Bell pepper strips (red, yellow, orange)

Cucumber (sliced)

Broccoli florets (small)

Skewers (toothpicks or small wooden skewers)

Hummus or Ranch dressing for dipping (optional)

• Instructions:
  1. Wash and prepare all the vegetables.
  2. Thread the veggies onto the skewers, alternating colors for a fun rainbow effect.
  3. Pack the skewers in a lunchbox with a small container of hummus or ranch dressing for dipping.

2. Mini Pizza Bites

Ingredients:

1 whole-wheat tortilla

1 tbsp tomato sauce

1/4 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix)

Chopped vegetables (spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms)

• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cut the tortilla into fourths or sixths.
  3. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on each tortilla piece.
  4. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and chopped vegetables.
  5. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Pack the mini pizza bites in a lunchbox.

3. Ants on a Log

Ingredients:

1 celery stalk (cut into 2-3 inch sticks)

1 tablespoon peanut butter (or sunflower seed butter)

1 tablespoon raisins

• Instructions:
  1. Spread peanut butter (or sunflower seed butter) evenly onto the celery sticks.
  2. Arrange the raisins on top of the peanut butter to resemble ants.
  3. Pack the celery sticks in a lunchbox.

4. Fruit Salad Kabobs

Ingredients:

1/4 cup cubed melon (watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew)

5-6 strawberries (quartered)

10-12 grapes (cut in half)

1/4 cup blueberries

Skewers (toothpicks or small wooden skewers)

• Instructions:
  1. Wash and prepare all the fruits.
  2. Thread the fruit onto the skewers in a fun pattern.
  3. Pack the kabobs in a lunchbox.

5. Yogurt Parfait Pops

Ingredients:

1/2 cup plain yogurt

1/4 cup fruit puree (mango, berries, or banana)

Popsicle molds

• Instructions:
  1. Mix the yogurt and fruit puree together.
  2. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds.
  3. Freeze for at least 4 hours, or until solid.
  4. Pack the frozen yogurt pops in a lunchbox with a small container to catch any drips.

6. Edible Play Dough

Ingredients:

1 ripe avocado, mashed

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon dried herbs (optional)

• Instructions:
  1. Mash the avocado in a bowl.
  2. Add the olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs (optional).
  3. Mix well to combine.
  4. Pack the edible play dough in a small container.

7. Mini Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Ingredients:

1 cup shredded cooked chicken

1/4 cup chopped celery

1/4 cup chopped grapes

1 tablespoon mayonnaise

2 slices whole-wheat bread

• Instructions:
  1. Combine chicken, celery, grapes, and mayonnaise in a bowl.
  2. Spread the chicken salad mixture onto the bread slices.
  3. Cut the sandwiches in half or into quarters for smaller sizes.
  4. Pack the sandwiches in a lunchbox.

8. Whole Wheat Pancakes on a Sticks

Ingredients:

1/2 cup whole-wheat pancake mix

1/4 cup milk

1 egg

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Maple syrup or fruit for topping

Skewers (toothpicks or small wooden skewers)

• Instructions:
  1. Mix the pancake mix, milk, egg, and vanilla extract in a bowl.
  2. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or skillet over medium heat.
  3. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake.
  4. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
  5. Let the pancakes cool slightly before threading them onto skewers.
  6. Drizzle with maple syrup or top with fruit before packing in the lunchbox.

9. “Build Your Own” Taco Salad

Ingredients:

Small tortilla chips

Shredded lettuce

Diced tomatoes

Black beans (rinsed and drained)Shredded cheese

Small container for salsa or guacamole (optional)

• Instructions:
  1. Pack each item in separate containers within the lunchbox.
  2. Let your toddler assemble their own taco salad at lunchtime!

10. “Silly Face” Sandwiches

Ingredients:

2 slices whole-wheat bread

Peanut butter or hummus (spread)

Sliced cucumbers (eyes)

Cherry tomatoes (halved, for cheeks)

Cheese cubes (for teeth or a mouth)

• Instructions:
  1. Spread peanut butter or hummus on the bread slices.
  2. Arrange the cucumber slices, cherry tomato halves, and cheese cubes to create silly faces.
  3. Cut the sandwich in half or quarters.
  4. Pack the sandwich in a lunchbox.

How to Choose the Right Lunch Box for Kids

Choosing the right lunchbox for your child can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! Here are some key factors to consider:

1. Age and Stage

• Toddlers: Look for lunch boxes with easy-to-open closures and compartments to prevent spills and keep food separate. Consider ones with a handle for easy carrying.
• Preschoolers: Opt for lunchboxes with sturdy construction and fun designs that appeal to their interests. Larger capacity is helpful for growing appetites.
• School-Aged Children: Choose lunchboxes with durable, leak-proof containers, insulated compartments for keeping food cold or warm, and a roomy design for a variety of food items.

2. Features

• Durability: Choose a lunchbox made from sturdy materials that can withstand daily wear and tear. Look for options with reinforced corners and seams.
• Leak-Proof: Select a lunchbox with leak-proof containers or compartments to prevent spills and keep food fresh.
• Insulation: Consider an insulated lunchbox, especially if your child is packing cold items or needs to keep their lunch warm.
• Compartments and Dividers: Compartments and dividers help keep different food items separate and prevent them from crushing.
• Easy to Clean: Look for lunchboxes that are easy to clean and dishwasher-safe (for the containers).
• Size: Choose a lunchbox that is the right size for your child’s needs and the amount of food they need to carry.
• Style and Design: Select a lunchbox with a design and theme that your child will love.

3. Additional Considerations

• Reusable: Opt for lunchboxes and containers that are reusable to reduce waste.
• BPA-free: Look for lunchboxes and containers that are free from BPA (bisphenol A), a chemical that can leach into food.
• Safety: Choose a lunchbox that is safe for your child and has no sharp edges or loose parts.

Popular Types of Lunchboxes:

• Soft-sided Lunch Bags: Lightweight and easy to carry, but may not be as durable as hard-sided lunchboxes.
• Hard-Sided Lunchboxes: Sturdy and durable, with compartments to keep food organized.
• Insulated Lunch Bags: Keep food cold or warm for longer periods.
• Lunch Boxes with Built-in Coolers: Offer the best insulation for keeping food cold for hours.

Tips for Packing a Healthy Lunch

• Pack a variety of foods to keep meals interesting and prevent boredom.
• Choose whole grains, fruits, and vegetables whenever possible.
• Limit added sugar and saturated fats.
• Use an ice pack to keep perishable foods like yogurt and sandwiches cool.
• Consider using a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Remember mama,

The key is to get creative and make lunch fun and engaging for your little one. Pack a variety of nutrient-rich snacks like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Keep in mind to limit added sugar and saturated fats, and use an ice pack to keep perishable foods cool.

With a little practice, packing a healthy lunch can become a habit that supports overall health and well-being.

What to Read Next:

How to Keep Kids Busy at Home: 9 Engaging Activities to Try

10 Gentle Parenting Techniques Every Mom Should Know

Quick and Easy Breakfast Recipes for Picky Toddlers

Benefits of a clean home for Moms