There are a few tricks we moms have to master for sheer survival. For toddler moms, it’s having an arsenal of toddler lunch ideas at the ready.
When my children became hungry when they were toddlers, it meant meltdown city. Even now, they get what I call “hangry” (angry + mad) when they haven’t eaten in a while. (To be fair, hanger strikes me, too!) Moms of toddlers know that having the right lunch or snacks on hand to stave off a hunger-related meltdown can make or break your day. Moms also know that kids this age can be picky eaters, which can make packing toddler lunches extra tricky. You need quick and simple meals you can whip up on busy mornings, yet the kids need nutritious food to keep them healthy.
To help ease your toddler lunch stress, I’ve rounded up 15 toddler lunch ideas that you can send to daycare, or take with you wherever you and your little go. These genius toddler lunch ideas will make you feel like Super-Mom, while also ensuring your mini gets the nutrition she needs. I’ve found some really creative ways to present foods in a way that not even picky eaters will be able to resist them (think: food on sticks, sandwiches cut into cute shapes, and hidden veggies).
And even though these toddler lunch recipes are totally Pinterest-worthy, they’re surprisingly fast and easy to prep—which good news for procrastinators like myself. Plus, most of these lunches can be modified for your kid’s taste or food sensitivities, and you don’t need a fancy lunch or bento box to make them work.
There’s plenty to stress about during the toddler years, but coming up with appealing toddler lunch ideas doesn’t have to be one of them. Flip through these 15 brilliant toddler lunchbox ideas and consider lunch conquered.
Toddler Lunch Ideas
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Apple, Turkey and Cheese Roll-Up Toddler Lunch
Roll and go with this toddler lunch! There is no baking required—just minimal little assembly. These tasty rolls are nutrient-packed, satisfyingly crunchy, and easy to eat.
Photo: Weelicious
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Apple Sandwich Toddler Lunch
I pack sliced apples in my kids lunch, but I’ve never thought of it as a replacement for bread—until now! To make this lunch idea more toddler-friendly, cut the veggies into smaller pieces, peel the orange, and slice the sandwich in half.
Photo: Bless This Mess
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Greek Yogurt Parfait Toddler Lunch
My kids love fruit- and granola-topped Greek yogurt with a honey drizzle. Toddlers will go crazy for this non-sandwich lunch idea. Even better: It'll give them all the protein they need to fuel an afternoon of play.
Photo: Teach Eat Love
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Pancake and Eggs Toddler Lunch
Breakfast for lunch? Yes, please! You can never go wrong with pancakes when it comes to feeding toddlers. I like to sneak ground flax seeds and blended oats into the batter for bonus nutrition for my kids.
Photo: Kristine's Kitchen
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Peanut Butter and Banana Sushi
This bite-sized lunch looks like sushi, it's uncooked like sushi, you can eat it with chopsticks like sushi, but it's not real sushi. It's banana sushi.
Photo: Artsy Fartsy Mama
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Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Kabobs Toddler Lunch
Everything is more fun to eat on a kabob—even peanut butter and jelly! If you are worried about the skewers, you can use toddler-friendly plastic ones or skip the skewer and keep the sandwich cut up in small, one-bite pieces.
Photo: Cooking Classy
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Dinosaur Shaped Sandwich Toddler Lunch
Any sandwich is cuter (and more edible) to a child if it’s shaped like a dinosaur. It’s an easy upgrade for any sandwich, whether your child is a carnivore or herbivore! The rest of this Bento lunch is healthy, and easy prep. If your toddler isn't into dinosaurs, there are endless shapes that would work like a charm, too!
Photo: Wendy Copley - Wendolonia
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Superhero Toddler Lunch
Every child wants to be a superhero, and this toddler lunch idea feeds that fantasy with a lightning bolt and mini capes. Sure, it'll take a little extra prep work on Sunday, but it'll totally make you feel like Super-Mom once you pull it off.
Photo: Life With the Crust Off
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Tortilla Wrap Toddler Lunch With Alphabet Crackers
A yummy tortilla filled with veggies, meat and cheese is an easy way to get out of your sandwich rut. Bonus: One burrito will give you lunch for two days if you slice it in half.
Photo: Simple As That
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Waffle Sandwich Toddler Lunch
My kids love waffles for breakfast, so they would be thrilled to open their lunchbox and see their morning favorite. Use a cookie cutter to transform the waffle into a heart and add a nut butter and some apple slices for more nutrition and protein.
Photo: Little Inspiration
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Pizza Bagel Toddler Lunch
A half a bagel pizza is the perfect size for a toddler's lunch. The best part about this meal is that it can be adjusted for kids with allergies. A gluten-free bagel is still a super yummy option!
Photo: Keeley McGuire
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Quesadilla Toddler Lunch
A childhood favorite that works almost every time is a cheese quesadilla. It's a no-brainer for my kids. If I want them to eat, I pack a quesadilla. For even more nutrition, add black beans and chicken.
Photo: House Mix
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Turkey Pinwheel Toddler Lunch
This pinwheel lunch looks amazing and is so nutritious. I would love to pack it in my own lunch because I can never resist a recipe that includes cream cheese! Make it the night before or the morning of, and swap the large yogurt for a smaller yogurt in a pouch for less mess.
Photo: Yummy, Healthy, Easy
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Hummus and Pita Bread Toddler Lunch
One of my kid's favorite lunches is hummus and naan bread. Now, they have dipper size naan bread, which it's extra convenient for you and your toddler. Plus, it's a healthy meat-free option. Bonus points for the school bus tray!
Photo: Peas and Crayons
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Veggie Wrap, Berries and Applesauce Toddler Lunch
My kids will eat more fruit when it's blended in a smoothie, and they will always eat more veggies when they are presented in a wrap. Sweeten the deal with a clever butterfly fruit bag and side of applesauce and cookies.
Photo and Recipe: Hello, Wonderful
