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View Full Version : Quick and Easy Dinners for Toddlers?


pelers
03-07-2012, 03:23 PM
So... my munchkin has finally completely transitioned to table food. He's pretty decent at eating with his fingers (he's like me, though... doesn't like getting stuff ON his fingers) and has gotten the hang of stuffing a loaded fork into his mouth, but we're still working on the stabbing the food part of that process.

Usually hubby and I share whatever it is that we're having for dinner with him. Since we aren't always the most nutritious of people, especially when dinner time tends to be really rushed (hubby gets home at 6, I like to have munchkin in bath and to bed by 7) I'm trying to get some ideas for quick, easy and nutritious toddler dinners.

Suggestions? Stuff that can be prepped either in advance or only takes 10-15 minutes to put together and cook is what I'm aiming for.

Roberta
03-07-2012, 05:21 PM
So... my munchkin has finally completely transitioned to table food. He's pretty decent at eating with his fingers (he's like me, though... doesn't like getting stuff ON his fingers) and has gotten the hang of stuffing a loaded fork into his mouth, but we're still working on the stabbing the food part of that process.

Usually hubby and I share whatever it is that we're having for dinner with him. Since we aren't always the most nutritious of people, especially when dinner time tends to be really rushed (hubby gets home at 6, I like to have munchkin in bath and to bed by 7) I'm trying to get some ideas for quick, easy and nutritious toddler dinners.

Suggestions? Stuff that can be prepped either in advance or only takes 10-15 minutes to put together and cook is what I'm aiming for.


Fruits, Vegetables and a lean Protein.

Hank
03-07-2012, 05:26 PM
Fruits, Vegetables and a lean Protein.

word

Roberta
03-07-2012, 05:33 PM
word

Are you stalking me with your thug B/S?

kwillia
03-07-2012, 07:20 PM
Are you stalking me with your thug B/S?
He is agreeing with you... are you trying to bully him?

Wenchy
03-07-2012, 07:29 PM
Peanut butter and jelly sandwich. He might like sweet potato fries.

Roberta
03-07-2012, 09:27 PM
He is agreeing with you... are you trying to bully him?

Nope I have no clue what "word" reply means. I asked in another thread and didn't get a answer. :shrug:

libertytyranny
03-07-2012, 10:25 PM
I make monster whatever I'm eating, she loves everything! But if I don't eat, or have something like sushi (though she eats cali rolls, and lovessss them) I give her half a banana and some cheerios, scrambled eggs, veggies and noodles (at walmart they have small servings of veggies in cups, kind of like fruit cups. Wayyy cheaper than the ones advertised for toddlers) a microwaved sweet potato and some chicken, a grilled cheese (I use whole grain bread and real cheese not that plastic stuff) oatmeal and fruit, roasted chickpeas, some sauteed firm tofu..there are lots of options..my kid eats anything and everything:killingme

pelers
03-08-2012, 09:15 AM
I've tried PB&J... he's not a fan. Going to try again sans peanut butter, maybe it's just too sticky.

Also tried quesadillas last night, he wouldn't let one get within 6 inches of his face.


Along similar lines, I was thinking of making up some trail mix type snacks for him. Any suggestions what to put in? I was thinking some puffs, cheerios (they have so many flavors now, it's crazy!), raisins, maybe some dehydrated/freeze-dried fruits...

lovinmaryland
03-08-2012, 09:20 AM
scrambled eggs
hard boiled eggs chunked up
turkey dogs cut into strips
egg noodles cooked in chicken broth
cooked veggies (green beans, carrots, broccoli, summer squash, butternut squash etc...)
fruits: bananas, avacado, peaches, berries,
cheese cut into small cubes
rice
cooked pasta


You can mix and match any of those to make a healthy meal for a toddler.

Roberta
03-08-2012, 12:05 PM
I've tried PB&J... he's not a fan. Going to try again sans peanut butter, maybe it's just too sticky.

Also tried quesadillas last night, he wouldn't let one get within 6 inches of his face.


Along similar lines, I was thinking of making up some trail mix type snacks for him. Any suggestions what to put in? I was thinking some puffs, cheerios (they have so many flavors now, it's crazy!), raisins, maybe some dehydrated/freeze-dried fruits...

Why at this young impressionable age are you going to feed your child snack food for dinner? Stop being lazy and prepare healthy meals, even if you have to do it the night before. I am not saying that an occasional PB&J with Fruit is a bad thing, just not a good idea for a steady diet. JMHO

Wenchy
03-08-2012, 12:15 PM
Why at this young impressionable age are you going to feed your child snack food for dinner? Stop being lazy and prepare healthy meals, even if you have to do it the night before. I am not saying that an occasional PB&J with Fruit is a bad thing, just not a good idea for a steady diet. JMHO

My little one went through a mac and cheese phase and then a PB&J phase. He wouldn't eat anything else. The pediatrician said he was healthy and give him what he wants. He did always like sweet potatoes.

He (who is now taller than I am) is healthy and will eat anything I make or he makes or any restaurant has.

He still wants mac and cheese. :lol: It's now a "special treat".

Hank
03-08-2012, 12:16 PM
Nope I have no clue what "word" reply means. I asked in another thread and didn't get a answer. :shrug:

bully

lovinmaryland
03-08-2012, 12:25 PM
My little one went through a mac and cheese phase and then a PB&J phase. He wouldn't eat anything else. The pediatrician said he was healthy and give him what he wants. He did always like sweet potatoes.

He (who is now taller than I am) is healthy and will eat anything I make or he makes or any restaurant has.

He still wants mac and cheese. :lol: It's now a "special treat".

I've got one like that only eats PB&J, Sausage, eggs, bacon, and of all things Broccolli :lol:

RareBreed
03-08-2012, 12:34 PM
I've got one like that only eats PB&J, Sausage, eggs, bacon, and of all things Broccolli :lol:

My two (11 and almost 8) love broccoli too. Whenever they order it at a restaurant, the waitress will say, "Oh mom, lighten up and let them have fries." They are always amazed that my kids like it and would rather eat it than fries.

Roberta
03-08-2012, 02:35 PM
My two (11 and almost 8) love broccoli too. Whenever they order it at a restaurant, the waitress will say, "Oh mom, lighten up and let them have fries." They are always amazed that my kids like it and would rather eat it than fries.

Good for you. You obliviously did something right when they were young for them to like Healthy Food.:dingding:

RareBreed
03-08-2012, 03:16 PM
Good for you. You obliviously did something right when they were young for them to like Healthy Food.:dingding:

Honestly, I didn't do a thing. :lol: They have known early on that I hate most vegatables and I only make them because they eat them.

pelers
03-08-2012, 03:44 PM
Why at this young impressionable age are you going to feed your child snack food for dinner? Stop being lazy and prepare healthy meals, even if you have to do it the night before. I am not saying that an occasional PB&J with Fruit is a bad thing, just not a good idea for a steady diet. JMHO

I didn't intend the trail mix for dinner. I intended it as a snack type thing I can take along with me while out and about, I was asking for advice about stuff I could put in that would add nutritional content that other parents have had success with. My post said that I was looking to use that as a snack, NOT as a dinner. :eyebrow:

lovinmaryland
03-08-2012, 03:50 PM
I didn't intend the trail mix for dinner. I intended it as a snack type thing I can take along with me while out and about, I was asking for advice about stuff I could put in that would add nutritional content that other parents have had success with. My post said that I was looking to use that as a snack, NOT as a dinner. :eyebrow:

Dont mind her she always has a stick up her ass :smile:

SoMDGirl42
03-08-2012, 03:59 PM
So... my munchkin has finally completely transitioned to table food. He's pretty decent at eating with his fingers (he's like me, though... doesn't like getting stuff ON his fingers) and has gotten the hang of stuffing a loaded fork into his mouth, but we're still working on the stabbing the food part of that process.

Usually hubby and I share whatever it is that we're having for dinner with him. Since we aren't always the most nutritious of people, especially when dinner time tends to be really rushed (hubby gets home at 6, I like to have munchkin in bath and to bed by 7) I'm trying to get some ideas for quick, easy and nutritious toddler dinners.

Suggestions? Stuff that can be prepped either in advance or only takes 10-15 minutes to put together and cook is what I'm aiming for.

Since toddlers don't eat much, when you prepare meals, get some freezer containers and freeze one or two meals for him for those nights you need something quick and healthy for him. It's quicker to heat up and serve those than to prepare an entire meal, or just have him eat the left overs from the night before. Every night save him a meal from your dinner. The next night, heat up his dinner and let him eat while you are preparing dinner for you and hubby for that evening. He'll just be a day behind you on his meal plan.

lovinmaryland
03-08-2012, 04:27 PM
Since toddlers don't eat much, when you prepare meals, get some freezer containers and freeze one or two meals for him for those nights you need something quick and healthy for him. It's quicker to heat up and serve those than to prepare an entire meal, or just have him eat the left overs from the night before. Every night save him a meal from your dinner. The next night, heat up his dinner and let him eat while you are preparing dinner for you and hubby for that evening. He'll just be a day behind you on his meal plan.

I did this when I would make a batch of home made chicken noodle soup. I freeze little containers w/ the soup, noodles & veggies. Thaw then nuke in the micro instant healthy dinner. I normally would drain off most of the broth after cooking, but it still had a lot of the basics chicken, veggies, & pasta.

pelers
03-08-2012, 07:33 PM
I did this when I would make a batch of home made chicken noodle soup. I freeze little containers w/ the soup, noodles & veggies. Thaw then nuke in the micro instant healthy dinner. I normally would drain off most of the broth after cooking, but it still had a lot of the basics chicken, veggies, & pasta.

Have a good chicken noodle soup recipe? I've never tried making from scratch and I've been avoiding the store bought stuff because of the insane sodium levels.

Was thinking on making some crock pot beef stew this weekend... hmmm...

Roberta
03-08-2012, 08:57 PM
Dont mind her she always has a stick up her ass :smile:

Just because I don't fit in your click doesn't mean my opinion is wrong or I have a stick up my ass. #### you.

vraiblonde
03-08-2012, 09:05 PM
Just because I don't fit in your click doesn't mean my opinion is wrong or I have a stick up my ass. #### you.

Nope, no sticks here. :jet:

:lol:

lovinmaryland
03-09-2012, 09:22 AM
Have a good chicken noodle soup recipe? I've never tried making from scratch and I've been avoiding the store bought stuff because of the insane sodium levels.

Was thinking on making some crock pot beef stew this weekend... hmmm...
Yes I do. Whenever I have turkey or chicken I always use the bones/carcuss (sp) to make stock.

Just get a big stock pot put the bones/carcuss in cover about 3/4 of the pot w/ water drop in some chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Toss in any herbs you like I usually do a little thyme, parsely, and just a touch of rosemary. Add about 1T of salt, and 2 T of whole peppercorns. Bring this to a simmer, and cook over night w/ the lid halfway on (I usually prop a wooden spoon on the pot to keep it half off)

In the morning strain the stock into a container (sometimes it is so much you need two) Taste it for seasoning. It will usually need just a touch of chicken base (or a boullion cube if you use those) Voila! Instant base for chicken soup and many other soups for that matter.

To my stock I just add chopped celery, carrots, and finely minced onion. Bring to a boil and cook for about 5 minutes. Then add wide egg noodles or rice which ever you prefer. Cook for about 8 minutes. (I under cook the noodles just a touch because the soup stays warm for so long it continues to cook them) Turn the heat off and fold in some chunked or shredded chicken. :yum:


Just because I don't fit in your click doesn't mean my opinion is wrong or I have a stick up my ass. #### you.

I dont have a click...I just have never seen you ever post anything positive. You always have some holier than thou comment. :shrug:

Roberta
03-09-2012, 12:55 PM
I dont have a click...I just have never seen you ever post anything positive. You always have some holier than thou comment. :shrug:

No, I am just older and wiser. Dry the water from behind your ears and pay attention.

Hank
03-09-2012, 12:57 PM
No, I am just older and wiser. Dry the water from behind your ears and pay attention.

In other words you are an old hag.... word...:yay:

Roberta
03-09-2012, 01:00 PM
In other words you are an old hag.... word...:yay:

Not quite yet. Experienced Cougar.

lovinmaryland
03-09-2012, 01:05 PM
No, I am just older and wiser. Dry the water from behind your ears and pay attention.

Older sure...wiser not so much!

Roberta
03-09-2012, 02:28 PM
Older sure...wiser not so much!

Oh, I forgot you youngins' know everything. :doh:

Pete
03-09-2012, 02:32 PM
Gummy worms and Diet Dr. Pepper

RoseRed
03-09-2012, 02:38 PM
Polly-O string cheese and frozen pancakes.

Don't forget the jello shots! :yay:


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