10 Lunch Ideas For 19-month-old Toddlers That They’ll Enjoy

Lunchtime is a nice break from playtime and chores for your toddler. It is smack dab in the middle of the day and is usually followed up by naptime. Lunch is also a great time to just come together and talk about morning happenings and to freshen up and prepare for the rest of the day.

 

Most toddlers can eat what their parents eat, but with a few modifications. Feeling stuck on what meal to prepare for your toddler? Here are 10 different lunch ideas for your 19-month-old!

 

What Healthy Foods Should I Give My Toddler?

Toddlers are growing faster than you can blink, and nutrition should be a priority for any parent. Between 12 to 24 months, toddlers are in a transitional stage where they experiment with solid food and eat with their hands. While breast milk and formula are still excellent sources of nutrition, toddlers will soon have to learn how to eat at the dining table.

 

Toddlers need a variety of food to fuel them throughout the day. These include protein (such as meat, poultry, and legumes), dairy products (like milk, cheese, and yogurt), fruits, vegetables, and grains (including rice and oatmeal).

 

It is natural for toddlers to be picky when they first try eating solid food. Some products might have a taste or texture your tot might dislike. Instead of forcing your child to eat what they do not want, offer a variety of healthy and tasty meals and encourage them to try new food on the table. You can also involve them in meal prepping and planning.

 

Children also enjoy feeding themselves. So while eating with a fork and spoon encourages good table manners, you can also give them finger food to encourage motor skill development and creativity. 

 

How Much Food Does My Toddler Need?

Toddlers do not eat as much as older kids and adults do. Toddlers need 1,000-1,400 calories daily to keep their minds sharp and their bodies healthy.

 

Occasionally, your toddler might refuse to eat, even if you served them their favorite dish. They might either be craving more playtime or are still full from breakfast. In severe cases, a lack of appetite can mean an illness. Whatever the reason, it is best to hold onto the plate and give them food later when they feel more hungry.

 

What Food Should I Avoid?

Junk food like candies, chocolates, chips, fast food, and sodas are a big no-no for toddlers, especially since their bodies are more sensitive than adults. While a bite here and there should not cause problems, eating unhealthy food routinely can increase the risk of diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

 

Some food like nuts, hard candies, whole grapes, marshmallows, and chunks of meat can be choking hazards if not prepared properly. Children can have these foodstuffs lodged into their windpipe when served as a whole piece. It is recommended to give these foods bite-size to avoid choking.

 

10 Lunch Ideas for Your 19-month-old Toddler

You can create many delicious combinations with veggies, meat, and carbs. Below are suggestions on what you can prepare for lunch that your toddler can enjoy while maintaining a balanced diet. You can modify these recipes to make something that fits your toddler’s nutritional needs and lifestyle. Here are 10 tasty lunch ideas for your toddler:

 

1 Egg Salad Sandwich

Nothing beats a picnic classic like an egg salad sandwich! To make them toddler-friendly, slice the sandwich into smaller pieces, like triangles or mini squares. What’s great is that you can mix minced vegetables like celery, carrots, and onions into the salad.

 

2 Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Bacon Bits

Mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food for any American. You can make it as creamy or chunky as you want, and you may even substitute regular potatoes with sweet potatoes. You can sprinkle sliced bacon as a meaty topping for an added crunch. 

 

3 Cauliflower “Mac” and Cheese

Mac and cheese is a staple meal in the US. But you can give it a healthy veggie twist by using cauliflower instead of macaroni. This “mac” and cheese alternative is creamy and protein-rich.

 

4 Sliced Toast with Peanut Butter and Jelly

Need a simple lunch idea? Peanut butter and jelly is a classic combination, and you can never go wrong with them on toast. This combo is best served with fruits like bananas, apples, and oranges.

5 Chicken Wrap with Mixed Veggies

Wraps are delicious and easy to prepare. You can never go wrong when combining pulled chicken and some veggies together. May we suggest adding some pureed avocados?

 

6 Baked Ziti with Tomato Sauce and Cheese

Who doesn’t like pasta? Baked ziti is a favorite for many kids and adults alike. While it does take some time to prepare and cook, there’s no denying that this American favorite will wow your tot!

 

7 Chicken Noodle Soup with Bite-size Vegetables

You don’t need to be sick to enjoy a steamy bowl of chicken noodle soup. It is quick to prepare and can be enjoyed on any occasion. Throw in some vegetables like carrots and celery, and you have a balanced meal in a bowl.

8 Ham and Cheese Sliders

Ham and cheese are a pair that cannot be beaten. So on your next barbeque, maybe consider serving some simple but delicious ham and cheese sliders. Maybe slide in a pickle for some tangy flavors.

 

9 Mini Cream Cheese and Spinach Pizza

We know toddlers are not the biggest fans of leafy greens, but cream cheese and spinach taste divine on pizza. Try it out first with mini pizzas and see if your toddler agrees.

 

10 Stir Fried Rice with Ground Pork/Beef and Veggies

Fried rice is a classic Chinese favorite that many people worldwide enjoy. And what’s great is that you can throw in any ingredient you can think of. So don’t hold back with your vegetables, meats, spices, and sauces!

 

FAQ

How do I avoid choking hazards when serving food to my toddler?

Chop your toddler’s food into bite-size pieces. Avoid giving them food that can be easily swallowed whole, like grapes and nuts.

 

My toddler plays with their food instead of eating it! What should I do?

Let them play at a limit. Toddlers learn a lot through playtime. Things should be fine unless they start throwing food across the table.

 

My toddler does not like to eat their veggies. How can I convince them?

Your toddler does what you do most of the time, so be a good example and show yourself eating veggies on the table. And praise them once they do try a bit.