Toddler Breakfast Ideas

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, especially for the younger ones who need extra nutrients to grow healthy and strong, and to help them go through the whole day! Plus, a healthy breakfast provides all the energy needed and improves your toddler’s concentration in school. Other benefits of a healthy breakfast include helping with weight management, reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease in the long term.

Seven Toddler Breakfast Ideas (for an entire week!)

1) Banana Coconut Oats Porridge

Ingredients: 1 cup water,

½ cup quick-cooking oats,

1 banana, chopped (best if overripe),

2 tbsp shredded coconut,

1/4 tsp grated nutmeg (optional),

Pinch of powdered cinnamon.

Directions: Bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan.

Add the oats, chopped banana, coconut, and nutmeg. Simmer and cook till you get a smooth mixture.

Turn off the heat and serve in individual bowls. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

2) Classic Scrambled Eggs

Ingredients: 1 tbsp. butter,

2 large eggs,

1 tbsp. sour cream or heavy cream (optional),

Salt or Pepper.

Directions: In a small non-stick pan over medium heat, melt butter. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs and sour cream, if using, until frothy.

When butter is foamy, reduce heat to medium-low and add beaten eggs. Let sit until the very edges look like they are about to set, about 20 seconds, then stir using a wooden spoon or spatula until soft curds form. Season with salt and pepper and serve with some avocado toast.

3) Egg Omelet Bites (on cake pop maker)

Ingredients: 2 or 3 eggs,

1/3 cup milk,

1 cup shredded cheese,

Green onions, bacon, ham, peppers, or mushrooms.

Directions: Heat your cake pop maker and spray with non-stick cooking spray or oil.

Whisk your eggs together with milk in a large measuring cup with a spout.

Sprinkle cheese and desired omelet ingredients into egg mixture. Close cake pop maker and let cook for 2-3 minutes. Remove and serve.

4) Banana Pancakes

Ingredients: 2 cups buttermilk (or 2 tablespoons vinegar + enough milk to equal 2 cups),

1 large or 2 small ripe bananas,

2 eggs,

3 tablespoons unsalted butter,

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract,

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour,

¼ cup granulated sugar (can substitute pure maple syrup),

1 tablespoon baking powder,

½ teaspoon baking soda,

½ teaspoon salt.

Directions: Add the buttermilk to a large bowl. If you're using the vinegar plus milk option, let sit for about 10 minutes to allow the milk to turn to buttermilk. Whisk in the mashed banana, eggs, butter, and vanilla into the buttermilk.

To a medium bowl, add the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together to combine.

Pour the dry ingredients over the wet and mix just until incorporated. Then let the batter rest for about 5 minutes.

Heat a non-stick griddle to 325F or place a large frying pan over medium heat. Melt a little butter on the cooking surface, spreading it evenly, if desired.

Using a 1/3 cup measure, pour the batter onto the griddle or into the frying pan. The pancakes are ready to flip when they look a little dry around the edges and start to form little bubbles. Flip and cook on the other side until golden brown and cooked through.

Serve with sliced fruits and maple syrup.

5) Apple Pancakes

Ingredients: 100g wheat flour,

1 medium apple,

1 tsp oil,

¼ tsp cinnamon powder,

½ tsp ghee,

¼ tsp baking powder (optional),

50ml water or milk.

Directions: Sift wheat flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon and salt in a bowl. Then add oil and water and mix, ensuring no lumps.

Peel and core the apple. Grate it with a fine grater. Add the grated apple to the flour mixture. Set aside for 10 minutes.

After 10 minutes, give the pancake batter one more mix. Add the jaggery or sugar at this point.

Heat a griddle on medium flame. When hot enough, grease it with ghee or butter.

Pour a ladle of the batter onto the pan. You can make small shapes like circles or triangles so that it will be easy for the toddler to hold and eat.

Cover the pancakes with a lid and cook for 1 minute on a low flame. This helps the grated apple to cook well and blend with the batter. Wait for bubbles to appear.

6) Yoghurt with Fruits Smoothie

Ingredients: 1 ripe banana,

2 tbsp orange juice,

¼ cup frozen strawberries,

½ vanilla flavored or plain yoghurt.

Directions: You need to place the orange juice, banana and strawberries in a food processor and make a puree.

Add the puree and yoghurt until it turns smooth.

Now, it is ready to be served and enjoyed.

7) Multi-Fruit Porridge

Ingredients: 1 cup chopped mango,

1 cup chopped papaya,

1 cup custard apple pulp,

1 cup sliced banana pieces,

½ cup raisins,

3-4 cups of toddler cereal,

4-5 cups milk.

Directions: Add mango, papaya, and custard apple pulp into a blender and blend until there are no solid lumps.

Cook the baby cereal in milk for four to five minutes. Add fruit puree to it and cook for two more minutes.

Transfer the porridge to a bowl and garnish with sliced bananas and raisins.

Important Nutrients Toddler Breakfast Ideas must Include

The right breakfast should contain the essential nutrients for a toddler, such as:

Calcium

Calcium helps to build strong bones and teeth, plus it gives your little one energy.

Vitamin B

The B suite of vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6) contribute to the release of energy from food.

Iron

Iron is a great choice for energy and healthy behaviour.

Magnesium

Good for strong bones, muscle activity, and a healthy immune system.

Potassium

Potassium helps in healthy muscle function.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is necessary for vision and bone growth. It’s also important for healthy skin, hair and nails.

Vitamin C

Good for gums, and to support a healthy immune system. Plus it’ll help your toddler’s body absorb iron from those iron-rich foods.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a must for helping your toddler grow healthy bones.

Vitamin E

A powerful antioxidant that also supports healthy immune system function.

Zinc

A must for healthy growth, development, and energy levels.

Important foods to include in breakfast:

Dairy products, such as milk, yoghurt, or cheese. And dried fruits.

Eggs.

Fruits, especially bananas, mangoes, strawberries, and avocados.

Oatmeal.

Nuts and seeds.