4 Quick and Easy Toddler Meal Ideas! (Baby-Led Weaning)

Whether you’re just starting out with baby-led weaning or trying to feed a fussy toddler, preparing balanced meals for your kids can be a serious struggle.

Our tip? Don’t overcomplicate it! Opt for simple, bite-sized finger foods that are quick to prepare and easy for your little one to handle.

From pesto pasta to crumbed chicken, check out 4 of our favourite easy toddler and baby-led weaning meal ideas below.

Super Greens Pesto Pasta

Pasta-based meals are always a winner, even for the fussiest of eaters! This simple pesto pasta is quick to prepare, packed with healthy greens and provides the perfect opportunity for your toddlers to practice their feeding skills.

We recommend making a batch of homemade pesto which can be stored in the fridge or freezer, making meal prep even easier. Of course, you can also use store-bought pesto if you prefer.

This super greens pesto recipe is from nutritionist Ana Robinson at @mummy_mya.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole broccoli (heads cut off) 
• 1 cup baby spinach leaves 
• 1 cup basil leaves 
• 1 avocado 
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan 
• 1/4 lemon juice 
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 1/4 cup avocado oil (or olive oil) 

Method:

Blitz ingredients together in a food processor until well combined. Cook pasta (we recommend overcooking your pasta slightly for younger babies), stir through pesto and serve with corn and sliced tomatoes.

Easy Crumbed Chicken

Crumbed chicken is another crowd-pleasing food for kids, and a great way to get some extra protein into their diet. 

To make this kid-friendly crumbed chicken, you’ll need:

• 1 chicken breast
• ⅓ cup plain flour
• 1 egg, beaten
• Your choice of breadcrumb
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cut chicken into strips and lightly dust in flour. Dip chicken strips into the beaten egg before coating in the breadcrumb mix. Heat olive oil in a frying pan and cook chicken for 4-5 minutes each side, or until crispy and cooked through. For a balanced meal, serve this crispy crumbed chicken with a simple tomato pasta and some steamed veggies.

Mini Star Sandwiches

Nothing beats the humble sandwich for an easy toddler lunch. To make sandwiches more exciting, you can use cookie cutters to create different shapes (and even get your toddler involved in the process!). For a balanced meal, serve your mini sandwiches with some fruit and cucumber slices.

Some of our favourite sandwich fillings for toddlers include:

• Ham and cheese
• Vegemite
• Jam
• Nut butters
• Mashed egg and mayonnaise
• Avocado
• Mashed banana

Fruit, Yoghurt and Granola Bowl

Fruit and yoghurt bowls are so versatile and can be served for breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea - no cooking or baking required! Yoghurt is also perfect for your toddler to develop their skills with a spoon.

Simply fill a bowl with Greek yoghurt and a selection of age-appropriate toppings such as fruit, granola and desiccated coconut. 

How to Serve Toddler Meals for Baby Led Weaning

Our Silicone Baby Dinnerware range is the answer to mess-free mealtimes! Our Silicone Sectional Plates stick to surfaces to avoid being tipped over, while our Silicone Baby Bibs include a clever food pocket to catch any leftovers. Our Silicone Bowls also have a raised lip, making it easy to scoop up food with our soft Silicone spoons.

Available in a range of stylish colourways, shop our Silicone Baby Dinnerware sets and Silicone Baby Cups right here at Ela & Earth, with free shipping over $75.