10 dinner ideas for fussy toddlers
Feeding toddlers isn’t easy, and a normal part of toddler’s development is to go through a stage of fussy eating, which is when your toddler decides what they want to, or don’t want to eat.
Fussy eating is a toddler’s way of exerting their independence, as well as learning about the world, but knowing these things doesn’t make meal times with toddlers easier.
What may make it easier though is incorporating some toddler friendly dinner ideas into your meal planning activities, to maximise the chances of your toddler eating something, even if it’s just a small amount.
If you have a fussy toddler then here are 10 dinner ideas for fussy toddlers that you may like to try, that I hope will make feeding your toddler easier.
Also, something to remember when it comes to fussy toddlers is that it can take 10-15 times (or more) for toddlers to try a new food, so if your toddler doesn’t like one of these recipes, you can try again another time.
Tips to help with toddlers who are fussy eaters
If you’d like some more information on fussy eating, which includes tips on how to help fussy eaters, what fussy eating is, what causes fussy eating, and when toddlers are likely to stop being fussy eaters, then please visit tips to help with toddlers who are fussy eaters.
Dinner ideas for fussy toddlers
Here are 10 dinner ideas for fussy toddlers that I hope ease some of the stress that comes with toddler meal times.
Hidden Veg and Chicken Sausages
This Hidden Veg and Chicken Sausage recipe is a great toddler dinner idea, because sausages are easy for toddlers to hold, they can also be cut up and added to pasta, or left whole and placed in bread.
Spaghetti and Meatballs
This Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe is also suitable for adults, so if you make it you’ll only need to cook one meal for the whole family, saving you time in the kitchen.
Mac and Cheese Bites
Mac and Cheese is my go to dinner for my toddler, and these Mac and Cheese Bites are great because they can be held, making them a great toddler snack idea and a great toddler dinner idea.
Homemade Pizza
Homemade Pizza is a great dinner idea for fussy toddlers because you can put any topping on it that you think your toddler will eat, plus, it’s something fun to make with them.
2 Ingredient Pancakes
These toddler friendly pancakes are perfect for when you’re short on time, and can be made savoury by adding vegetables as a side, or sweet by adding cut fruit as a side, or a topping.
Chicken Fried Rice
You can customise this Chicken Fried Rice recipe by adding as many or as little vegetables to it as you like.
Fish Cakes
It can be hard to get toddlers to eat fish, especially if they don’t like the smell of it. However, these toddler fish cakes don’t smell like fish, and are small enough for toddlers to hold.
Mini Shepherds Pie
This Mini Shepherd Pie recipe is made with lamb, lentils, carrots, courgette and pepper, ingredients your toddler may not try on their own, so is a great way to get them to try something new.
Italian Pasta Salad
Pasta is a great dinner idea for fussy toddlers, because it can be made with many different pasta types, and have different things added to it.
This Italian pasta salad for toddlers doesn’t have many ingredients in it, and can be eaten hot or cold.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich and Tomato Soup
Perfect for cooler nights, or even for lunch, this Grilled Cheese Sandwich and Tomato Soup recipe is one that you can enjoy with your toddler as well.
What dinners does your toddler enjoy?
