Toddler School Lunch

I still well up when I think of Kenya and Chloe’s first day of preschool. How they marched up to the lunch table as I watched on and carefully opened their lunch. They both took so much pride in their new lunch boxes and what we had picked to put inside. One of the greatest parts of having Gemma, only 2 now, is that she too will be starting school in a few months and I’ll get to do it all over again.

When you’re sending your toddler off to school for the first time it’s important to think about the foods they will be eating to keep them going throughout their busy day. I want them to eat foods that are nutritious for their growing bodies, but also easy for them to eat. I’ve watched over time as preschoolers pull out the first thing in their sack lunch never bothering to keeping going. A bento style container can be a huge help so that little ones can see all of their choices.

When making lunch I try to prepare foods that are really easy for kids to munch on. Instead of a big sandwich I’ll make tiny heart shaped sandwiches because they’re easier for kids to eat and a lot more fun. I cut apples, pears, cucumbers or other whole fruits and vegetables up so they take less time and don’t feel as daunting to crunch on. One of my weekly go-to’s is Stonyfield YoKids yogurts. Gemma could eat it all day long, so I know it will one of her first picks when she opens her lunch. At the end of the day it’s all about making lunch approachable and engaging as your toddler enters a whole new world of learning.

* This post was created in partnership with Stonyfield YoKids. All opinions are my own.