Take a Dip!
Mealtime Options for Toddlers
By Donna Smith
Now what to
dip in their dip? "Traditional finger foods that most people think of include soft fruits like banana slices [cut in half to avoid a choking hazard], mango, soft peaches, pears, etc., cheese, soft-cooked vegetables and crackers," says O'Shea. "But be adventurous with your child! Try dipping a sandwich – and make it fancy by cutting it up with a fun-shaped cookie cutter. Or try dipping different shapes of pasta into tomato sauce."
Always remember to be careful when serving a toddler foods that could be a choking risk. "Be sure that crunchy fruits and vegetables are cooked and soft and that pieces are cut small enough not to pose a choking hazard," says O'Shea. She says the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) considers these foods to be dangerous for children younger than 3:
- Nuts
- Hard candy
- Grapes
- Hot dogs
- "Chunks" of meat
- Raw carrots
- Popcorn
- Apples
"It is also recommend by the AAP that all toddler food be cut into thin slices to prevent choking," adds O'Shea. "Also, make sure your toddler is seated whenever he or she is eating, and never leave your toddler unattended when he or she is eating."
Toddlers are very inquisitive about most things, including the foods they eat. So get your toddler involved and make a healthy dip. "The more they feel a part of their own food choices and selections the more apt they are to eat the healthy and nutritious foods that are offered to them," says O'Shea.
| 3/4 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 bunch broccoli, cut into small florets
Combine the cottage cheese, yogurt and parsley together in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate. Serve with the broccoli florets (trees) for a fun snack. | |
| 2 cups cooked broccoli florets, chilled
1/4 cup low-fat sour cream or yogurt
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
Juice from 1 lemon
Dash of chili powder, optional
Salt, to taste, optional
Combine all the ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Transfer to a serving bowl and refrigerate until ready to use. Serve with baked tortilla chips, broccoli florets or other favorite vegetables. | |
| 1/2 cucumber
1 carrot
1 container (8 ounces) plain yogurt
Garlic powder, optional
Dash of Worcestershire sauce, optional
Grate the cucumber and carrot and place on paper towels until almost all the moisture has been absorbed. Combine the grated vegetables, yogurt, optional garlic powder to taste and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well. Cover and chill until ready to use. Serve with your child's favorite cracker. | |
| 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced thin
1 tablespoon orange juice
2 teaspoons olive oil
Dash of chili powder, optional
Dash of ground cumin, optional
Place all ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and cook on high for 10 to 13 minutes or until carrots are very tender. Pour mixture into a blender and pulse until smooth. Serve warm or cold with baked tortilla chips or your child's favorite raw vegetables. | |
| 1 package (12 ounces) silken tofu
1 package ranch dip mix
1/3 cup grated vegetables (carrots, yellow squash, zucchini, cucumber, broccoli, etc.), optional
Put the tofu and dip mix in a blender. Pulse to combine, and then stir in grated vegetables, if using. Serve with vegetables, baked tortilla chips or crackers. | |
| 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 container (8 ounces) vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup whipped cream (can use frozen, non-dairy whipped topping)
Dash of cinnamon, optional
Combine the peanut butter and vanilla yogurt. Mix well. Fold in the whipped cream and cinnamon. Serve with your child's favorite fruits. | |
| 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup applesauce
2 carrots, grated
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl, adding a little more applesauce if needed to make a good dipping consistency. Serve with cut-up fruit, graham crackers or with small pieces of toast. | |
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