After talking to you a few weeks ago about breakfast ideas, I wanted to turn this in to a mini-series. When Oliver started to wean off formula I was left feeling completely blindsided. I was asking my girlfriends so many questions including “now what?!” So I’m sharing my toddler meal ideas for lunch!
If you haven’t done so already, check out my post from a few weeks ago for Toddler Breakfast Ideas.
Starting solids with your little one is a stressful but very exciting time! It is so fun to learn what flavors he loves and what just doesn’t hit his palette quiet right. I’m lucky enough to have a toddler that really does eat anything that I put on his plate.
The hardest part for me was knowing when he was full, or if he was getting enough nutrients through the day. Just know this – they will certainly let you know when they are hungry! Oliver is not shy from the snack pantry!
Here are a few tried and true favorites of ours that keep Oliver happy and full;
- Perdue Panko Chicken Nuggets – These are a must have and even I sneak a few. I like them baked in the oven and I usually give Oliver 3-4 pieces along with his side items.
- Earth’s Best Mini Meatballs – Another favorite and they are so easy to pop in the microwave.
- Deli Meat – I like to keep things simple with the deli meat. Costco has a great packaged selection and Oliver is a huge fan of the ham. 2-3 slices on his plate is good enough for him!
- Cheese Stick – My little guy loves cheese, just like his Mama. I dice up a cheese stick to go with a protein.
- Hummus and pita – I honestly never really tried to offer hummus until he had it at my in-laws and ate it right up. Great source of protein and goes well with steamed carrots or pita slices!
- Canned/Steamed Vegetables – I try to make meal times as easy as possible. I like to keep canned green beans on hand, they are so easy to open up and toss on his plate. Another few options are carrots, corn, black olives, and broccoli (steamed).
- Mac & Cheese – What kid doesn’t LOVE mac and cheese?! Annie’s Homegrown is a staple in our house.
- Cheese Quesadilla – So easy to make and I let him dip in salsa for some flavor and fun.
These are just a few ideas I try to run through each week. Some days we miss lunch if we have to do an early nap etc. Another great idea is using leftovers from the night before!
Whether your child eats anything or decides he/she is going to be picky, try to offer only a few items. I’ve learned that offering too much at once can be overwhelming and leads them to believe they can always make “special requests” for each meal time.
Keep it simple mamas! Don’t stress, your little babe will let you know when he’s hungry or full!
*All links are affiliates through ShopStyle or Amazon. Thank you for supporting the brands we love!*
Great list! I run an in home daycare so I’m always looking for new ideas. It’s so easy to fall into a lunch time rut.
These are great ideas!! It can be such a difficult road trying new foods. Thanks for the ideas.
Thank you for some new ideas. My 2 year old is starting to be picky. I’ve been getting a new deli meat every 2 weeks for her to try and mix it up.
Some great ideas for toddlers here! I love the mac and cheese and the meatballs and nuggets! At least when they dont finish their food, Mummy wont mind eating the leaft overs so much! 😉
Some cool and easy ideas, toddlers are so fussy but these seem like good options
Our kids are pretty much eating the same foods! lol
I love buying frozen organic chicken meatballs which heat up super fast and are different than the usual chicken nuggets. I’ll have to try offering some hummus. My son loves any kind of dip or sauce, so it should be a perfect fit!
These are awesome! Thanks so much for sharing! I can’t wait to try them out with my kiddos!