Are you fiddling with portion sizes, snack options, and lunch boxes?
We’ve got you covered.
Snack ideas for daycare providers can be challenging when you’re still learning about child care. Picky eaters and cautious parents mean more guidelines. All this can make snacking stressful for beginners.
While you have the Verywell Family to help you decide on portions, you may need experienced professionals to help you with choices and presentations.
We have some nutritiously delicious and child-friendly ideas to share.
Have a look:
1. Fresh Fruits, Veggies, & Grains
Toddlers and preschoolers need a well-balanced diet and a healthy nutrient quotient during this growing age. The only problem is that picky eaters will turn their noses to real food for kids despite your best efforts.
Here’s some inspiration to turn frowns upside down:
● Serve tasty fruit bowls with sliced bananas, apples, berries, and citrus fruit
● Dried fruit such as raisins, prunes, cranberries, and apricots
● Baked kale, potato, corn, or zucchini chips
● Cut Multi-grain bread and homemade baked goods in fun shapes and fill them with tasty fillings to make yummy snacks
● Steam/boiled veggies with light seasoning to enhance the flavor
Depending on a child's age, you can serve fresh fruits and veggies in skewers. Tossing salads and mixing fruit and yogurt can also add versatility to the menu.
When serving children under five, consider choking hazards. Ensure the meals you prepare are soft and the correct size.
Pro Tip: Download our hand-washing poster to promote hygiene.
2. DIY Snack Ideas for Daycare Providers
Children at this age start becoming more independent and autonomous. Encourage their independence by allowing them to create their snack bowls. You may dedicate a day each week to this activity.
Here are some ideas:
● Allow the toddlers to make their trail mix with nuts, dried food, and granola
● Let children choose different fillings for tacos, pita pizzas, or sandwiches
● Schedule kid-friendly cooking class once a year to help them explore different cuisines and cultures
Add more variations depending on your budget, the space, and the response from parents. You may share weekly menus with parents. That way, they can send prepared lunch boxes if required.
3. Drinks for Thirsty Tots
Milk, fresh juice, and water are healthy beverage options for children. You should consider the nutrient quotient for juices and ask parents about lactone intolerance beforehand.
A meaningful discussion around food and drinks with families can help you decide on options. As far as the serving quantity is concerned, the American Academy of Pediatrics shares an age-appropriate chart to help you.
If you watch Abbott Elementary, you know the wrong food and beverage choice can result in multiple trips to the bathroom. The same rules apply in a daycare setting.
Therefore, choose wisely!
Ask a Parent: What about Packaged Food for Daycare?
You need a few knick-knacks ready to counter mealtime meltdown. As a daycare provider, picking packaged items can feel confusing.
We strongly advise you to read reviews before you shop. If you don’t know where to start, we have a list ready from Parently with an assorted collection of real food for kids.
The winning products have:
● Great taste and high nutritional value
● No artificial flavors or colors
● Kid-friendly shapes
These characteristics keep children and parents happy, making it a win-win situation for you.
Pro Tip: Ask parents to complete this “Get to Know the Child” survey to know about food allergies. The information can reduce snack time risks at your daycare.
Are You Ready for Snack Time?
Youngsters love snacking. Yet, they’re equally ready to throw a tantrum when the food you serve doesn’t match their taste. It would be best if you didn’t let the protest get to you.
Use our tasty snack ideas for daycare providers to prepare nutritious meals for tiny tots in your care. If you need more advice, join our community.
We share one-on-one support and group coaching to give you a head start on daycare routines. Our practical tips and personalized support can stop young ones from waging a food war at your center.
Get in touch today for further information.
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