Quick & Easy Finger Foods for a 21-Month Toddler
Toddlers are constantly testing the boundaries of their independence and can be notoriously picky eaters. Combining both of these things can make meal times exhausting. One of the tricks to getting toddlers to eat is to make eating fun and something they can do themselves. Toddlers like to explore new textures and tastes but often want to do it on their own terms. Healthy finger foods are a good option for little hands that aren't quite nimble enough for a fork or spoon.
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Cereals
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Cereal provides toddlers with whole grains in the form of a snack. Choose a cereal that is low in sugar and is easy to chew. Cheerios have been a standard snack for toddlers and babies for many years because pieces are easy to pick up and because the food dissolve in the mouth fairly quickly.
Fruit
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Toddlers love fruit because it is sweet and moms love it because it is healthy. However, caution is advised with certain kinds of fruit. Grapes and apples can present a choking hazard and should be cut into smaller pieces, and toddlers should be supervised when eating them. Bananas are an ideal fruit as they are easy to chew and easy to pick up. Melons should be free of seeds and cut into small pieces, but are usually a big hit. Give your toddler several options of fruit on their plate so they feel like they get to choose what they eat. Add a small bowl of yogurt for dipping if you want to add to the fun (and are willing to add to the mess).
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Cheese
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Cheese is an effective way to help toddlers get extra calcium. String cheese is a healthy snack disguised as fun if you help them learn how to peel the pieces off. Or, slice regular cheese into small squares for easy handling.
Vegetables
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Many raw vegetables are hard for toddlers to chew, so they are often better off with cooked or steamed veggies. Peas are tricky for little fingers to pick up but are handy for helping practice fine motor skills. Steamed baby carrots are easy to pick up and eat. Diced, boiled potatoes or sweet potatoes can be dipped in ranch dressing or ketchup. Green beans are simple for little hands as well.
Sandwiches
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Sandwiches are good for toddlers as long as they are cut into smaller pieces. You will be able to combine grains, protein and dairy while allowing children to explore the taste of different food combinations. Make it fun for your little one by using a small cookie cutter to make shapes out of the sandwich.
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