Let your independent toddler in on the snack-making action. These ideas are fun, safe ways for your little one to start honing those kitchen skills under the watchful eye of Mom or Dad.

Sandwich Shapes

Fun shapes make sandwiches more exciting to eat. Show your child how to place Publix Deli turkey and low-fat cheese slices between pieces of whole wheat sandwich bread, and use small plastic cookie cutters to cut fun shapes out of the sandwich.

Chocolate "Pudding"

Little hands can stir unsweetened cocoa powder and a drizzle of honey* into plain Greek yogurt, mixing until smooth. Serve with graham crackers or fruit for dipping.

Easy Guacamole Dip

Halve and seed the avocado for your toddler. Then, let your little one scoop the avocado out of the peel with a spoon and smash it. Serve with whole grain crackers or veggie sticks.

Tortilla Pizza

Let your toddler spread a whole wheat tortilla with pizza sauce and sprinkle with low-fat shredded cheese. Mom can microwave the tortilla until the cheese is slightly melted. Cool slightly before serving.

Fruit & Cheese "Snakes"

Cut fruit and low-fat cheese into bite-size pieces, and have your toddler arrange them in an "S" shape on a plate along with strawberries and bananas.

*Honey is not safe for children under the age of one year. For children under one year, try mashed banana for added sweetness.

Let your toddler try making a meal from the start by planting a pizza garden to harvest and enjoy later.

Sources:
"5 Great Reasons to Cook with Your Kids." HealthyChildren.org. December 14, 2016.
"Toddler - Food and Feeding." American Academy of Pediatrics. 2017.
"Infant Food and Feeding." American Academy of Pediatrics. 2017.
"Selecting Snacks for Toddlers." HealthyChildren.org. December 14, 2016.
RD recommendations; Reference document created by Publix registered dietitians based on the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Publix Baby Health & Wellness Recommendations. Supplied on 5/19/16.
"How can I protect my baby from infant botulism?" Mayo Clinic. June 4, 2015.

This content is provided for general information purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice or a guarantee of prevention, improvement, or treatment of specific conditions. Always consult with your healthcare provider about your specific medical questions or concerns.