Savvy Toddler Mom

I was with some girlfriends the other night — one that has two toddler boys and one that is expecting her first child, also a boy.  The 2-toddler mom and I were sharing our boredom with making the same toddler meals over and over again for our kids.  Somedays I feel like that’s ALL I do.  Prepare one, get the toot to eat it, clean up, and five minutes later (or at least it feels like it), start the next one.  UGH.

Anyway, I was saying that I think I could come up with 10 toddler meals, but that’s about it.  10.  I know, I am desperately lacking in the creativity AND culinary departments.  (I just have other stuff on my mind!)  I try really hard to feed the toot whatever SavvyDad and I are having for dinner… but when it comes to a nutritious breakfast and lunch when I’ve already grabbed a bite of something not-so-good (today it was a strawberry yogurt and diet coke… yeah, yeah, I know…), I need to make him something all his own.

So, what’s the solution? 

A) I need to eat healthier.  However, that’s not going to happen overnight.  I’ve got 15+ years of grown-up bad habits and quick tricks to keep me going on my to-do list.  I’m just going to have to make an effort, though.

B) Toddler Meals.  You’ve got your staples, just like I do.  I want to hear them!  Here is the list that the 2-toddler mom and I came up with… for your benefit as well as our expecting friend!

• Chicken nuggets - oh, how cliche!  Costco has a couple of options here, including the dinosaur chicken nuggets.
• Grilled cheese sandwich
• Meatballs - Costco has these, too!
• Mini corn dogs
• Ravioli
• Scrambled eggs - one of the toot’s favorites
• PB & J sandwich - the toot hates peanut butter, though (sigh).  Does he know how inconvenient that is?
• Quesadilla - 2-toddler mom recommended adding deli meat as well for additional protein
• Mac and cheese - another cliche, but also another toot fav
• French toast sticks & bacon - a frequent breakfast at our house
• Cheeseburger/Hamburger - referred to by the toot as a “cheese sandwich,” not to be confused with “grilled cheese”
• Hot dogs - a recent addition to our repertoire… the toot will eat it with the bun and everything!
• Cereal
• Pizza - I don’t make this as a toddler meal, but it’s one of those sure-fire things that the toot will eat

Add to any of these a fruit and a veggie… this week we’ve had peapods, carrots, grapes, applesauce, blueberries, peaches, strawberries, and broccoli.

Other random snacks and sides are yogurt (LOVE the gogurts), crackers (fish crackers, especially), snack pudding (yes…), and fruit snacks.

Alright, I’ve laid my ideas on the table… I want to hear what else you’ve got!