Toddler Meals & Recipes
Looking for nutritious and easy toddler meals to keep your little one happy and well-fed? Our collection of toddler food ideas is packed with balanced, delicious options for every mealtime. From quick snacks for 1 year olds to satisfying toddler dinners, these toddler recipes are designed to encourage healthy eating habits while making mealtime stress-free. Explore our variety of food ideas for 1 year olds that are simple to prepare and perfect for growing appetites.
Zucchini Slice with Tzatziki
Apple Crumble
Chicken and Rice Tray Bake
Beetroot Crackers
Spinach and Cheese Muffins
Tofu Nuggets
Mini Meatballs with Pasta
Pork and Apple Sausage Rolls
Get more meal ideas with our toddler recipe book
Want more meal ideas? Our toddler recipe book is filled with simple, nutritious food ideas for 1-year olds to make mealtime fun for both you and your little one.
Sign up or log in to Nestlé FamilyNes for free access to our recipe book, packed with toddler food ideas for every stage of your toddler's growth.
Toddler Recipe Book
Making toddler mealtimes easy & enjoyable
We know mealtimes with toddlers can be tricky—whether it's dealing with picky eaters, introducing new textures, or just getting them to sit still! If you're looking for ways to expand your toddler's food choices, make meals more fun, or tackle those mealtime struggles, we're here to help. Explore our articles for tips and meal ideas that will make feeding your toddler a little less stressful and a lot more exciting.
A Guide to Family Meals with Toddlers
Mealtimes are a time to bring everyone together and for your toddler to learn how to eat at the table with you. Here are some tips to having a successful family meal with a toddler.
Your Guide to Toddler Meals and Nutrition
As you probably already know, toddlers are incredibly active and energetic! For their body size, toddlers need to make every bite count with nutritious meals and snacks.
Understanding and Managing a Fussy Eater
Are you facing challenges with a picky eater? Wanting some tips for fussy eaters? You're not alone. Many parents encounter difficulties when it comes to their child's eating habits.
When Can Babies Have Cow's Milk
If your baby is under 12 months old, they aren't ready for cow's milk. If they're over 12 months, you can begin to introduce it.
Feeding a Fussy Toddler
If you thought feeding your baby had its challenges, then eating with a toddler is going to be even more amusing for you.
Eating Together
Eating is an essential human function. Every country and every civilisation has created its own eating habits and cuisine.
Tips for turning toddler mealtimes into a positive experience
Transform mealtime into a stress-free, positive experience with these simple tips for serving toddler meals and encouraging happy eating habits.
Create a relaxed atmosphere – Keep mealtimes calm and distraction-free by turning off screens and focusing on enjoying food together.
Introduce new foods smoothly – Pair unfamiliar flavours with familiar favourites to make trying new toddler food exciting rather than overwhelming.
Make meals interactive – Let your toddler help with simple tasks like stirring or choosing their plate to build excitement around food.
Offer choices, not pressure – Instead of forcing bites, give two options, like “Would you like a banana or yoghurt?” to help them feel in control.
Enjoy meals as a family – Eating together shows toddlers that mealtime is a fun and social experience, making them more likely to try new toddler recipes.
Toddler food FAQs
What to make for fussy toddlers?
For fussy toddlers, try familiar toddler foods with slight variations. Offer toddler meals like deconstructed taco plates with separate ingredients or veggie-packed muffins to make eating less overwhelming. Smoothies, homemade mini pizzas, and fun-shaped sandwiches are also great food ideas for 1-year-olds and up. Keep textures and flavours simple to encourage exploration and avoid pressuring your child to eat. For more tips, see our guide on feeding a fussy toddler.
What foods are good for toddlers?
Toddlers need a variety of nutritious toddler food to support healthy growth and development. Balanced toddler meals should include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Soft-cooked veggies, yoghurt, cheese, eggs, fish, avocado, and thinly spread nut butters are excellent food ideas for 1-year-olds and older, providing essential nutrients to fuel their energy and development.
What to give a toddler for breakfast?
Breakfast should be quick, nutritious, and easy to eat. Try oatmeal with fruit, whole-grain toast with nut butter, scrambled eggs with avocado, yoghurt with granola, or banana pancakes. Smoothies with milk, fruit, and a little spinach are also a great way to add extra nutrients.
What to give a toddler for a snack?
Snacks for 1 year olds should be filling but not too heavy. Offer cheese and whole-grain crackers, sliced fruit with yoghurt, hummus with veggie sticks, mini sandwiches, or homemade energy bites. Opt for whole, fresh ingredients whenever possible.
