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We all know how crucial a nutritious breakfast is to start our day on a healthy note. Toddlers especially, need a balanced morning meal to provide them with the energy and nutrients necessary for their growth and development. These are the formative years of your kids, and healthy food should be number one on your checklist. Their meals must comprise of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains at the least. Breakfast is a meal that defines their day, so it is important that you focus on the meal.
While it is important to feed your toddler healthy and nutritious food, it is also important to have easier recipes for those days when you are busy. To make mornings easier for both you and your little one, we’ve put together 10 simple and delicious breakfast ideas that will have your toddler excited to start their day.
Banana and Peanut Butter Pancakes
Recipe - CookieDaddyTV
Pancakes are always a hit with kids, and this twist adds a healthy dose of potassium and protein. Simply mash a ripe banana and mix it with a couple of tablespoons of peanut butter. Add an egg (or a flaxseed egg for an egg-free option) and a pinch of cinnamon. Cook small, toddler-sized pancakes on a non-stick tawa until golden brown. Serve with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of Greek yoghurt for added flavour and nutrition.
Mini Idlis with Coconut Chutney
Mini idlis are bite-sized and perfect for toddlers. Prepare the idli batter as you usually would and pour it into mini idli moulds. Steam them until they are cooked through. For the chutney, blend fresh coconut with roasted peanuts and a pinch of salt. It’s a healthy chutney that complements the mini idlis well. This dish has healthy carbs, and the coconut helps develop the child’s brain.
Overnight Oats with Berries
Overnight oats are a time-saver for busy mornings. In a jar, combine rolled oats, milk, a touch of honey, and a handful of mixed berries. Seal the jar and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, your toddler can enjoy a nutritious, cold oatmeal filled with the goodness of oats and antioxidant-rich berries. You can add seasonal fruits to it as well for fibre and vitamins.
Mini Breakfast Burritos
Make mini breakfast burritos with scrambled eggs, diced veggies, and a sprinkle of cheese wrapped in a small tortilla. You can customise the fillings to suit your toddler’s taste. To make it healthier, you can add beetroot or spinach to the tortilla dough. These little burritos, filled with protein for your toddler's growth, are easy to hold and perfect for tiny hands.
Fruit and Yoghurt Parfait
Layering is fun for toddlers, and a fruit and yoghurt parfait provides the perfect opportunity for them to build their breakfast. In a small bowl, alternate layers of yoghurt with fresh fruit slices and a sprinkle of granola or muesli. It’s a colourful and nutritious way to start the day, not to mention the vitamin-rich meal that it is.
Poha
Recipe - Tarla Dalal
Poha is a popular and nutritious breakfast choice. To make it toddler-friendly, heat some ghee in a pan and add mustard seeds, curry leaves, and finely chopped vegetables like carrots and peas. Next, add in a lot of peanuts, as they are a good source of protein. Once the vegetables are tender, add the washed poha along with a pinch of turmeric and salt. Stir-fry until everything is well combined and serve with a sprinkle of fresh coriander leaves. This dish has both fibre and protein for the little ones.
Nut Butter and Banana Roll-Ups
Spread a thin layer of almond or pranut butter on a whole wheat tortilla, place a banana in the centre, and roll it up. Slice it into bite-sized rounds for a quick and portable breakfast. This combination offers healthy fats, protein, and natural sweetness that your toddler will love. Once in a while, add a little Nutella as a treat for your toddler.
Veggie and Cheese Omelette
Whisk up some eggs and pour them into a non-stick tawa. Add finely diced veggies like bell peppers, tomatoes, and spinach, along with a pinch of grated cheese. Fold the omelette in half when it’s cooked through, and let it cool slightly before serving. It’s a great way to sneak in some vegetables and make your toddlers willingly eat and love them.
Mini Whole Wheat Muffins
Baking a batch of mini whole wheat muffins in advance is a fantastic time-saving strategy. You can make a variety of flavours, like blueberry, carrot, apple cinnamon, or even savoury egg muffins. These mini muffins are easy for toddlers to handle and can be enjoyed as a quick and fun breakfast occasionally.
Suji Upma
To make toddler-friendly upma, start by roasting suji until it turns golden brown. In a separate pan, sauté mustard seeds, chopped onions, and mixed vegetables. Add the roasted semolina and cook it together, stirring continuously. Make sure the consistency is pudding-like for the toddlers to easily eat it. Season with salt and a squeeze of lemon juice for a tangy flavour and Vitamin C. Upma is not only delicious but also a great source of energy for your little ones, who need just that for the day.
Mornings with toddlers can be hectic, but a nutritious breakfast doesn’t have to be complicated. These 10 simple and delicious breakfast ideas will not only keep your child satisfied but also provide them with the essential nutrients they need to thrive. Feel free to customise these recipes to your toddler’s preferences and watch them start their day with a smile.
