Bedtime Snacks – My Little Food Critic
Let’s talk about bedtime snacks – for some toddlers a small snack before bedtime can be helpful for a good night’s sleep, help with their bedtime routine to wind down and fill in any nutritional gaps.
They aren’t necessary for every child, however if your little one is often saying they are hungry before bedtime or there is a long gap between dinner and bedtime, then a little snack might just be what they need.
Some kids also have high energy needs, especially if they have a big play after dinner, then they might just need those extra calories before bedtime.
Top Tips for Bedtime Snacks:
- Keep it simple. Offer a snack that isn’t particularly exciting, if they are genuinely hungry, then they will eat it!
- Include a protein and healthy fat source to keep them full.
- Make it a part of their bedtime routine, so they know exactly what to expect.
Bedtime Snack Ideas:
Banana & Peanut Butter – this is quick, easy and balanced.
Fruit and yoghurt – this is really filling, and you could even purée the fruit and mix it into the yoghurt.
A smoothie – you can add some seeds or nuts for an extra protein boost.
Cheese and veg – cucumber and cheese or carrots and cheese for a quick bedtime snack.
Hummus and veg. This is another easy option that will really fill them up.
Granola bar or energy balls – you can batch make these and just pull them out of the freezer when needed.
Toast – you could add any toppings they like, peanut butter, cream cheese, hummus, avocado etc
Crackers and cheese
Cottage cheese and fruit
