Eighteen months in and some of the fun is just beginning. Food has become an entirely different experience for your toddler than what it was a year ago. Some toddlers may begin to slow down for mealtimes while others are still only interested in being on the go.
If you find your little one is inclined to perpetual motion, grazing may be an option that would accommodate their reluctance to slow down and interest them long enough to get some tasty morsels in their tummy when hunger strikes. You can use an ice cube tray or another container with compartments to set up a grazing station at the table for your toddler. Fill the compartments with some bite sized foods like baked quinoa snack bites, cooked veggie sticks, bits of hardboiled egg and slices of ripe avocado or other soft fruits.
You’ll still want to avoid nuts, popcorn, whole grapes and other potential choking hazards. Various dips such as hummus, ranch dressing and yogurt can add another element of fun to eating for your child. These could also be included in a few of the compartments so they can explore pairing up different flavors. When your toddler is settled for a longer stay at the table than a drive by nibble, you can sneak a little more nutritional oomph into their meals with vegetable purees from their earlier days with solid foods. Pastas, sauces, dips and pizza bites are just a few opportunities to disguise some extra veggies.
Baked Quinoa Snack Bites
Now that your toddler is a bit older, you can even start to involve them in some kitchen fun before mealtime. For instance, if you are making smoothies for breakfast you can let your little one help drop some ingredients into the blender. They can also help add ingredients to the slow cooker before you turn it on or by adding ingredients to a bowl that need to be combined. This allows your child to see a whole new side of food and experience some different smells and tastes in its preparation. Helping set the dinner table may even be something your toddler would enjoy.
While they are still too young to help with anything that involves heated elements or sharp objects even these little tasks can be a thrill for your child. In the last year and a half your child has covered a lot of territory. This tiny person has tackled some pretty big milestones with just learning to walk, climb, talk and play. But they have done so much more. They have even seen their foray into solid foods through from purées to many foods we find on our own plates. They can feed themselves and even start helping out in little ways in the kitchen. While not quite ready to wield a mixer or perhaps even a wooden spoon, there are simple ways to involve your toddler with their food before it even makes it to their plate. And so with a bowl in hand, your little helper by your side, and a trusty freezer in the wings the adventure continues.
Big Kids (18+ months) Meal Plans
More questions or ready to move on to the next stage?
To see what we’ve covered in the series already and what’s ahead check the links below!
- Introduction
- How to Prep and Store
- Equipment
- Early Start (4-6 months)
- Help Myself (9-12 months)
- Happy, Healthy Handhelds (12-18 months)
- Big Kids (18+ months)