Arrow backLanguage
12+ months
Article

PLAYING: Why toddlers need to eat in between meals

Add this post to favorites

Why toddlers need to eat in between meals

Did you know? Toddlers may get up to 25% of the calories they need from snacks.

2 mins to read Jan 4, 2022

As your child becomes more and more active, they need the appropriate amount of energy from food to keep them going. Yet your toddler’s tummy is still relatively small, so they may need to eat in between their main meals to maintain their nutrient and calorie intake.

One recent study found that about 40% of toddler eating occasions were snacks rather than meals. When choosing options for between meals, offer a variety of healthy foods, which provide vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients for your toddler.

Making the most of “mini meals”

While toddlers may get a quarter of their calories from snacks, not all snacks are healthy choices. Try to think of them as mini meals. Approach them in the same way you do main meals, by including foods from various food groups, and offering new foods in appropriate textures.

Mini meals can take many different forms, from simply cut-up fruit or vegetables to filled sandwiches or leftover pasta. The main thing is to avoid the high-sugar, high-salt foods that might be considered traditional snack foods, such as sweets and salty snacks. Focus instead on offering options that contain the vitamins and minerals they need in their diet. These nutrients will support their healthy growth and development. Dairy-based mini meals, for example, provide calcium, which is essential for bone growth. Iron, a crucial nutrient for brain development, can be offered via small dices of cooked meat, fortified breads and cereals, or dried fruit.

Healthy snacking can also help your toddler to develop their independence in eating. See it as another opportunity for them to try new tastes and textures, and foster their enthusiasm for healthy foods.

Need some inspiration? Discover these 5 simple and nutritious mini-meal ideas and ways to customize them using The smart snack guide.

Sources

  • Campbell KL, Babiarz A, Wang Y, et al. Factors in the home environment associated with toddler diet: an ecological momentary assessment study. Public Health Nutr 2018; 21(10):1855-64.doi:10.1017/S1368980018000186 

    Deming D, Reidy K, Fox MK, et al. Cross-sectional analysis of eating patterns and snacking in the US Feeding Infants and Toddler Study 2008. Public Health Nutr 2017; doi:10.1017/S136898001700043X 

    Duyff, RL (2017). Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Complete food and nutrition guide (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 

    Shelov SP & Altmann TR (Eds.). (2009). American Academy of Pediatrics. The complete and authoritative guide Caring for your baby and young child birth to age 5 (5th ed.). USA: Bantam Books. 

    https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages- stages/toddler/nutrition/Pages/Selecting-Snacks-for- Toddlers.aspx (Accessed August 8 2018) 

Join

MVP Logo

Your parenting instincts, our support

  • Super-sized Savings

    SIGN UP & GET A CHANCE TO WIN

    Sign up for Nestlé Baby & me and automatically be entered for a chance to win a $100* gift card! 

    For full details, please visit the Terms & Conditions.

  • PERSONALIZED EMAILS & SUPPORT

    Receive customized email updates with useful info, special offers, and product suggestions to help guide you through each parenting phase and celebrate your milestones along the way.

  • Helpful Resources

    HELPFUL TOOLS & RESOURCES

    Need a hand with something? We’ve got you covered! Access our helpful and interactive parenting tools and resources like calendars, calculators, checklists, and healthy recipes in one convenient hub.

  • EXPERT GUIDANCE

    We offer science-based advice and specialized nutritional guidance for every stage of the parenting journey—from preconception to toddlerhood.

*When registration is during pregnancy. If your baby’s already been born, expect to see your kit within a month

Search icon

Still haven't found what you are looking for?

Try our new smart question engine.