Breakfast. The first meal of the day and perhaps the most important. It is a great way to give the body the refueling it needs. Toddlers and small kids who eat breakfast tend to eat healthier overall and are more likely to participate in physical activities — two great ways to help maintain a healthy weight.
Skipping breakfast can make toddlers feel tired, restless, or irritable. In the morning, their bodies need to refuel for the day ahead after going without food for 8 to 12 hours during sleep. Their mood and energy can drop by midmorning if they don’t eat at least a small morning meal.
It’s important to provide a healthy breakfast for toddlers on a daily basis, but what they eat in the morning is crucial too. Choosing breakfast foods that are rich in whole grains, fiber, and protein while low in added sugar may boost overall attention span, concentration, and memory.
My mother was always mindful about what we ate and tried her best to feed us the most nutritious food available. Usually, our dinners were filled with wholesome foods that she would prepare and cook for hours. However, when it came to breakfast – it wasn’t given that much of an importance. Growing up, I viewed breakfast as a quick way to put “something” in my tummy to get my day started. We never planned our breakfasts or thought about how nutritional they were for us.
On most days, I would eat a huge bowl of cereal for breakfast. Healthy, right? Wrong. Most cereals lack nutrition and are filled with sugars that only slow you down – instead of providing you with the energy you need. I remember arriving to school every morning feeling so sluggish and out of energy. How could this be?! The day would have just begun. But I wasn’t eating anything that helped my body wake up and gain energy.
As I grew up and learned more about food and nutrition, I decided to make a change for myself and my family. We now view food as a way to help our bodies gain nutrition and grow efficiently. That’s why I put so much effort and care into what my toddler eats. I want to make sure he is eating foods that help his little brain grow and develop, instead of slowing him down.
I have listed 5 healthy breakfast ideas for toddlers: (All 5 are my son’s favorites!)
Scrambled Eggs, Toast & Fruit
Scrambled eggs and toast has to be my toddler’s favorite breakfast of all time. He has never refused to eat and finish all of his eggs.
How I make this:
- I usually cook his eggs in avocado oil to help make sure its a healthy breakfast.
- I then serve it with whole wheat pita bread and some fruits on the side.
- Some days he eats on his own and other days he prefers I feed him.
- Either way, as long as he finishes eating his healthy breakfast, I’m a happy mama!
Oatmeal Bowl
I have been making oatmeal bowls for my toddler since he was 6 months old. Oatmeal is one of the best ways to start anyone’s morning, especially a toddler because oats are incredibly nutritious. I also love that I am able to top his oatmeal bowl with other nutritious foods such as nuts, fruits, and seeds and make it an even healthier breakfast option.
I also tend to change the toppings when making his oatmeal depending on what I have in the refrigerator. Changing up the toppings also makes his oatmeal bowls a little more exciting from day to day. (Having the same breakfast often bores my son and so I have to get creative!)
How I make this:
- I purchase the large bag of Bob’s Red Mill Organic Oats from Costco and keep it in my pantry.
- I then cook the oats according to the package instructions and add a teaspoon of cinnamon while they’re cooking.
- Once they are cooked, I put some oatmeal in a bowl to let it cool. I then add any plant based milk to it (usually almond milk).
- Next, I top it with whatever fruit I have on hand (usually strawberries), chia seeds, organic unsweetened coconut flakes, and walnuts.
- Lastly, I drizzle some 100% pure maple syrup on top and Voile! Now you’ve got a delicious hearty breakfast your toddler is sure to enjoy.
Oatmeal and Banana Pancakes
These pancakes are my favorite option for a healthy toddlers breakfast by far. Toddlers will just love these! They have such a delicious banana flavor and are made out of really healthy ingredients that are highly nutritious. Win Win, am I right?! These have been a common breakfast option in my family for some time because we all enjoy them. The flour in regular pancakes is opted out for oats making them a healthier breakfast option for small kids.
Click here for Recipe!
Zucchini and Carrot Muffins
This is a healthy breakfast idea I tend to use often. It’s a breakfast option I normally feed my toddler when we’re on the go. If I have an early appointment or have to be out of the house quick, I grab a few of these mini muffins with me for my son to enjoy. Every few weeks, I make a big batch of these zucchini and carrot muffins and I freeze them. This way they’re always available in the mornings I’m not able to make breakfast. I try not to sacrifice feeding my toddler a healthy breakfast regardless of how busy my schedule gets.
Click here for Recipe!
Green Smoothie
This is another one of my quick healthy breakfast ideas for toddlers and small kids that is highly nutritious. I usually make my toddler a quick fruit smoothie that is packed with nutrients when he’s not willing to eat an actual meal. Some days he sips on it throughout the morning and other days he’ll just drink it all at once.
Click here for my toddlers favorite green smoothie recipe.
Tip: Preplan healthy breakfast ideas for your toddler ahead of time so you are always prepared in the mornings.
I hope this was helpful.
Sincerely,
Mama Malak
2 comments
I love thin pancakes!
Yes they’re thin and crispy on the edges. They’re delicious!