If you are a parent with a toddler, the struggle of trying to feed them healthy meals while navigating their refusal to eat new things can be a frustrating one.
It is a normal part of a child’s development to refuse to try new foods, and actually comes from an evolutionary need to avoid eating potentially dangerous foods and stick to what we know is safe.
However, this doesn’t make it any easier when your little ones turn their noses up at the healthy vegetables you’ve prepared. Luckily, there are plenty of simple healthy recipes out there that you can try if you feel like you are stuck for ideas, and lots of creative ways of making sure your little ones are getting all of the nutrients they need.
Read on for a few of our favourite recipes from around the web that are perfect for busy parents and fussy toddlers.
Meatballs
Meatballs are delicious and toddler-friendly, and if your child is a big fan of pasta, serving with spaghetti is sure to be a winner. This recipe sneaks vegetables into the meatballs, ensuring that your little one is eating the nutrients they need, and you can make a big batch and freeze in little portions to save you time later.
Meatballs can be served with pasta, rice, or even on their own, so they’re a great and versatile option for your little one.
Baked eggs
Most little ones love eggs and soldiers, and this baked egg recipe is a great way to include a little bit more nutrition into the mix too, and even sneak in some veggies.
What’s more, it’s super easy to make, and you can easily throw them together while juggling 100 other parenting tasks. This recipe is a great jumping-off point, but you can customise them in whatever way you like, to suit your little one’s palette.
Tasting plates
A great way to get your little one to try new things is to give them a tasting plate with small portions of different dishes. You can easily do this with leftovers from meals you have made for yourself, or by saving a little bit over a few days.
This gives them the opportunity to try new things, but as there are plenty of options, they can leave what they don’t like. Include a few known favourites too, and promise they can eat them last once they’ve tried a mouthful of everything else.
Mini Shepherd’s Pies
Shepherd’s pies are often tolerated by even the fussiest of toddlers, as they taste tomatoey and delicious, and what toddler doesn’t love a mash topping?
This recipe for mini toddler sized versions is perfect for batch cooking, and you could even freeze uncooked portions before the oven stage, to make your life much easier when you don’t have time to prepare anything new.
These little shepherd’s pies are packed full of vegetables and goodness, and plenty of protein, making them a healthy option that is still delicious too.
Salmon and sweet potato muffins
These delicious salmon and sweet potato muffins tick all the boxes – they’re super simple to make, easy for your little one to hold, and a great way to get them to eat fish, which contains lots of healthy omega 3.
They only contain 5 ingredients, and take just 20 minutes to cook, so they’re brilliant for parents who want to get toddlers to eat something healthy but don’t have a lot of time.
These are just a few ideas for meals that you can try if you are trying to introduce healthy food into your little one’s diets, but struggling to think of ideas that they will actually eat!
Be sure to check out our range of toddler dolls prams, interactive dolls, and dolls pram accessories here at Play Like Mum – you just might find the perfect toys for encouraging your little one’s imagination.