Being a parent and feeding a toddler is a proper task. Besides being hyperactive, most of them are picky eaters and give a tough time finishing a meal. But the good thing is, at this age, the preschoolers are full of curiosity. They love exploring and trying new things in these years of life. So it’s the best time to offer a variety of food options for toddlers with different colors, textures, and tastes.

Besides being palatable, it is equally important to provide the essential nutrition that will help them in rapid growth and development. However, before proceeding further, it is also notable to avoid certain foods that may cause choking hazards. This includes hard food particles like candies, nuts, raisins, whole grapes, large pieces of meat and carrots, etc.
Learn more about first aid for choking babies.

Apart from the nutrition point of view, baby feeding is also a great way to develop sensorimotor skills. For example, holding a spoon, pinch gripping small food particles, hand-to-mouth coordination, etc.

Even though offering every type of food in your kid’s meal is fine, the following are the best 14 nutrition-dense items that must be included in a toddler’s diet:

List of Best Nutritious Food Options For Toddlers

Eggs

Eggs are considered to be wholesome nutrition. The egg white contains protein while the yolks are a significant source of zinc and vitamins A, D, E, and B12, to be precise.

Previously, it was advise by physicians that eggs should not be give before a baby’s first birthday, but according to the latest research pieces of evidence, eggs are completely safe and healthy to be your baby’s first solid food. However, always ask your baby’s pediatrician to rule out any allergies.

Bananas

These energy-filled packs are high in fiber which helps maintain a healthy digestive system. The carbohydrate component of bananas provides sustained vitality to your little one in the growing stage. Although they are easy to peel and swallow, mash them if given to a baby under one year of age to avoid choking.

Cheese

Cheese is an excellent source of calcium for babies. Experts prefer cheese to cow’s milk for calcium and riboflavin. There are a lot of varieties of cheese you can offer to your pre-schooler in a number of ways.

Cream cheese, cheddar, cottage, and tofu are some examples you can offer. But in case it doesn’t suit your little one, check for lactose intolerance.

Avocados

The highest content of protein within any fruit is found in avocados. They are also a dominant source of high-density lipoproteins (LDL) that are consider ‘’good fat’’. Just make sure they are ripe before giving them to the baby.

Chicken

A sufficient amount of protein is essential for babies in their developing years. Chicken can provide a good amount of protein and vitamin B6. The best thing is chicken is a versatile item, and it can be prepare in many ways. If your little one is a picky eater, you can serve it with other vegetables or rice.

Carrots

An antioxidant, beta-carotene, is responsible for carrot’s bright orange color. This vitamin A enriched vegetable plays a pivotal role in developing healthy vision. However, they might be hard to bite for the little fellow. Carrots are best given par-boiled and thinly sliced for toddlers or in the form of purée for babies.

Yogurt

Lactation consultants do not encourage animal milk for humans. Instead, other dairy products are advise to include in the baby’s intake as a source of calcium. Yogurt has a good quantity of calcium, protein, and phosphorus as well.

It also serves as a probiotic to maintain healthy gut bacteria that eventually boost immune responses. Just serve it as it is, and make a fruit smoothie or a yogurt parfait.

Apple

Botanically named as genus malus, apples are the most widely cultivated fruit across the globe. This vitamin C and fiber-enriched fruit are low in fat, cholesterol, and sodium, making it a healthy snack for toddlers. Just make sure they’re thinly sliced, peeled, and de-seeded.

Lentils

Rich in potassium, folate, and fiber, lentils are a good choice of solid food you can start weaning your baby with. Apart from that, lentils are also one of the iron-riches foods.

Having said that, due to high fiber content, always check the right ratio before offering as it may cause constipation in your preschooler.

Cucumber

Comprising 95% water, cucumber can be starte as early as 6 months of age. Considering the baby’s stage, cucumbers can be given in round slices, thinly cut long slices, peeled, or de-seeded. Besides its nutritional benefits, the cooling effect soothes the teeth and gum of the infant during the teething process.

Broccoli

Green vegetables are the most nutritious. To preserve the maximum color and nourishment, steamed broccoli should be serve to toddlers. Babies can be serve with broccoli purées for the reason it can’t be chewed by them. They are dense in iron, vitamin A, C, and D, antioxidants, and potassium.

Berries

Apart from choking hazards, berries are a rich source of vitamin C and fiber for toddlers. Strawberries, blueberries, and also blackberries can be serve as a smoothie, purée, or small pieces as finger food according to the baby’s age.

Besides this, berries can also be consume with cereals or yogurt. Remember not to add refined sugar as they’re already high in sugar content.

Spinach

One of the most enriched sources of iron. However, they’re difficult to chew as it is. Hence, it’s rather puréed or blanched with other vegetables.

Spinach apple purée is widely use for baby weaning. A lesser-known gain of spinach is vitamin K which helps promote healthy bones.

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Bottom Line

Alongside nutritional benefits, the above-mentioned food options for toddlers are baby-friendly in a way of colors, flavors, and feel. Eating a meal also helps develop various sensorimotor skills.

Moreover, combining these items with other food can improve the quality of baby meals. In the end, the main concern is the right proportion and nutrition for the baby.