Healthy snack ideas for babies and toddlers

Plus, now they’re a bit older, they’re needing the extra calories for all the running about they’ll soon insist on doing. Arm yourself with a few of the options below to keep them ticking over between mealtimes.

Raw fruit and veg

Harder bits of fruit and veg, like chopped up carrots, pepper and cucumber, are good contenders for soothing sore gums. Having something to gum on and put pressure on the sore points is going to help your little one through teething phases. Plus, by this point, they’ll likely have a few teeth through, so chomping becomes a whole lot easier.

Avocado

This not-too-hard, not-too-soft superfood needs a special mention. It’s a good source of energy, healthy fat and nutrients — all the good stuff for a growing kid rolled into one. Mash it initially, then switch up to small slices or chunks.

A food pouch

Baby food pouches can be a lifesaver when your little terror needs a snack. Choose all-natural pouches like Piccolo which contain no added sugar and pack in a few of their 5 a day.

Hard-boiled eggs

Slices of hard-boiled egg are good for on-the-go because they’re pretty filling and mess-free (but kids always seem to find a way). Your little monster gets a good dose of protein, healthy fat, and iron from them too. Hard boil a few at a time to keep in the fridge for a quick fix at breakfast or throughout the day.

Cubes of cheese

If dairy has been given the thumbs up, press on with those calcium-rich dairy products. Chunks of cheddar are a good, mild option and the taste may already be familiar if they’ve tried similar foods like the Piccolo Butternut Mac & Cheese pouch. Just make sure you’re still avoiding giving them the unpasteurised cheeses e.g. Brie and feta.

Crackers or teething wafers

A bit of cracker can keep your kid occupied for a while since they’ll tend to suck on it until it goes mushy in their mouth. The usual rules apply here: avoid the salted variety. Your safe bets are wholewheat, plain crackers and those that are made specially for kids like Piccolo organic teething wafers in Mango, Banana & Blueberry, and Sweet Pea flavours.

Piccolo range and recipes

Remember, you’re not going it alone. In fact, Piccolo’s infant nutrition specialist and nutritional chef, Alice Fotheringham, has put together loads of simple and tasty recipes online to help you whip up everything from first purees to finger foods, family dinners.

Also, for those non-stop days where life takes over, Piccolo pouches can come in super-handy. The wide range of wholesome recipes suitable for every stage of weaning.