Whether you are the parent of a preschool child, or a teacher or child care worker, you want to provide these little ones with healthy snacks rather than candy and cookies. Eating right is very important for your child’s health, as you want them to grow up big and strong. Here are a few ideas for healthy preschool snacks. Please remember to cut up the food into small pieces so the snacks do not become a choking hazard.
Fresh and Dried Fruit.
Preschoolers can eat fresh and dried fruit as a snack! You can give them apples, bananas, and peaches. Make sure you slice the apples and bananas and crush the peaches. You can also give them applesauce as well, which will be easy for you to serve and them to eat. If you want to give your preschoolers grapes, make sure you cut them up into quarters so that they do not become a choking hazard. Other choices are raisins and seedless watermelon. You want to be sure the watermelon is seedless so that your little preschooler does not choke.
Fresh Vegetables.
There are a few vegetables that can be given to your preschooler as a snack. Celery and carrot sticks are okay so long as you cut them in strips. You can skin cucumbers and slice them up into quarters or smaller. You can also give them a little Ranch dressing to dip their vegetables in. Be sure to sit with your child to be sure they are eating these vegetables right, so it remains a safe meal!
Dairy Snacks.
You can also provide your preschool with healthy dairy snacks. Yogurt is a great choice, but make sure it has fruit in it rather than chocolate chips and sprinkles. Yogurt can also be used as a dip for fruit slices, such as apples and bananas. Cheese is another choice and it can go with other healthy snacks (such as crackers).
Crackers.
There are many preschoolers who enjoy eating crackers. You can find different brands of crackers that are healthy for your little one. Whole grain crackers are a good choice and can be found at various brands and prices. They can eat the crackers with other snacks, such as cheese or Ranch dressing.
Healthy Drinks.
A healthy drink will go great with a healthy snack! You can give your preschooler 100% juice (such as fruit, apple, or grape), milk (such as whole or two percent), and even water. A healthy drink will complete this healthy preschool snack!
Healthy preschool snacks are great for home, preschool and child care centers, and even on the go! The healthy snacks will help your little one take on the rest of the day, whether they are learning their ABCs or playing in the sandbox! This will also get them into the habit of making healthy snack choices as they grow older. Provide your little one with right snacks and get them on the right track to being healthy and strong!
Sources and more information:
I am an aunt and have worked with children in the past (in child care settings).
Mommy Savers: Healthy Snacks for Toddlers and Preschoolers
