Did you know that breakfast is often called the most important meal of the day, and for a growing toddler, it sets the tone for their energy, mood, and overall nutrition. So it’s important to get it right. As a mum to two young children, I can share some of the breakfast ideas for 18 month old children which have gone down a storm in our house. You don’t want to be making a different breakfast for the whole family, so these can easily be used to feed older children and anyone else who eats breakfast at your house. Some of the ideas can be prepared in advance, some are better if you prepare them in the morning, but either way, there are plenty of breakfast ideas for 18 month old kids to get you started with.
Breakfast Ideas For 18 Month Old
If you’re looking for easy toddler breakfast ideas that give your toddler everything they need to start their day, this post can help. 18-month-olds can be tricky to feed, so it’s a good idea to have lots of breakfast ideas for your little ones, so you can mix up what they start their day with. From healthy muffins to overnight oats and finger foods, here’s a collection of great breakfast ideas for 18 month old kids to make mornings easier and meals more exciting for your little one.
Whilst you are here, I have some other posts which might be of interest –
Best Busy Board for Toddlers
Games to Play with 14 Month Old
Best Climbing Toys For Toddlers
Best Wooden High Chair for Baby
Why Breakfast Matters for Toddlers
You’ll find that a good breakfast plays a crucial role in a toddler’s development. After a long night of fasting, their tiny bodies need a replenishment of nutrients to kick-start their day. You’ll find that if your little one is eating a balanced breakfast, that will not only provide them with the immediate energy they need to go on being, well, toddlery, but a good, hearty breakfast will also support their brain function, growth, and general well-being.
Benefits of Breakfast for Toddlers
If your toddler is anything like mine, they are highly active and require a steady source of energy to fuel their play and learning. By feeding them a nutritious breakfast, you will help maintain their stamina throughout the morning.
Did you know that essential nutrients like iron, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein contribute to your 18-month-old’s cognitive function, memory, and concentration? Essentially, a good breakfast feeds their brain function.
By establishing a routine of eating breakfast, you are laying the foundation for healthy eating habits. This is important as what you do in the first few years really sets the foundation for lifelong healthy eating.
Did you know that it has been proven that skipping breakfast can lead to increased hunger and poor food choices later in the day. Although at this age, you as a parent are determining what a child eats, you do want to lay sound foundations which will set them up for life.
You’ll find that a balanced breakfast helps stabilise blood sugar, reducing crankiness and mood swings. These are always useful when dealing with toddlers, eh!
What Should Toddlers Eat for Breakfast?
A well-balanced toddler breakfast should include a variety of nutrients from all the different food groups. Here are some of my top tips and things to include if you can.
Whole Grains
These provide fibre, energy, and essential nutrients. Good breakfast options for your 18-month-old could include whole grain toast, oatmeal or porridge, oat flour pancakes, and whole wheat English muffins.
Protein
Protein is great as it will help with muscle growth and keep your toddler full for that bit longer. Excellent sources of protein include eggs, full-fat Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, peanut butter, seed butter, and lean meats like leftover chicken.
Healthy Fats
These healthy fats are much needed for the brain development of your toddler. You’ll find healthy fats in foods like avocado, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and nut butters, for example, peanut butter or cashew butter.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruit and veggies will give your little one essential vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C. These are ideal for boosting their immune system. If they attend a playschool, day care or nursery, it can only be a good thing. You can add in fresh fruit, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens.
Dairy or Dairy Alternatives
These are so important for bone development due to their calcium and vitamin D content. You might want to include plain yogurt, Greek yogurt, sour cream, or fortified plant-based alternatives in your toddler’s breakfast.
It’s key to make sure that your 18-month-old has a good variety of these nutrient-rich foods at breakfast time. That way, this meal can become one of the most nourishing and enjoyable parts of the day.
Breakfast Ideas For 18 Month Old
Here are some suggestions for breakfast which tick all the boxes for 18 month old children.
Overnight Oats
You’ll find that overnight oats are a great idea for busy mornings since you prepare them the night before. It especially works well if you have older children who you need to take to school, and everyone needs to be fed first.
You’ll need to mix rolled oats with breast milk, plain yogurt, or Greek yogurt and let them soak overnight. In the morning, add fresh fruit, chia seeds, or seed butter for extra nutrients. I’d suggest experimenting with different flavours like cinnamon or vanilla as well.
Banana Pancakes
I’ve found that banana pancakes are one of the easiest ways to introduce solid foods in a soft, toddler-friendly form. All you need to do is mash one banana, mix it with an egg and oat flour, and cook small pancakes on a non-stick pan.
It’s so quick and simple. You can serve them with a dollop of Greek yogurt or peanut butter for added protein.
Whole Grain Toast with Toppings
Toast is an easy, go-to option. Wholegrain toast provides fibre and will release energy slowly, which is ideal for a toddler who is on the go all morning. Top their toast with cream cheese, peanut butter, or mashed avocado for that extra nutrition. Why not add a sprinkle of chia seeds or a slice of fresh fruit for variety?
Eggy Bread or French Toast Sticks
This is easy enough to make. You simply cut whole grain bread into strips, dip them in a mixture of egg and a splash of milk, and cook them in a skillet or a frying pan.
You’ll find that eggy bread goes down a treat with even the fussiest of toddlers. You can serve these with Greek yogurt or a side of fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast.
Cottage Cheese with Fruit
Did you know that cottage cheese is packed with protein and calcium, making it a healthy toddler breakfast? I suggest teaming with some vitamin C-rich fruits like strawberries or kiwi for a delicious and nutritious meal.
Sheet Pan Eggs
Sheet pan eggs are a great breakfast idea if you’ve got a large family that needs feeding, or even if you want to make a big batch that lasts for several days.
Simply whisk eggs with a splash of milk, pour into a baking tray or sheet, and bake. Cut into squares and store them in the fridge for a quick and easy breakfast option.
Pitta Bread with Hummus or Seed Butter
Pitta bread goes down well in our house, any time of the day. It’s soft and easy for toddlers to chew. You can spread hummus, seed or nut butter, or cream cheese on top for a protein-packed breakfast. I’d also suggest adding slices of cucumber or tomato for extra nutrients in your little one’s breakfast.
Sweet Potato and Egg Muffins
These healthy (and delicious) muffins are a great addition to your toddler’s breakfast rotation. These are easily made with oat flour, eggs, mashed sweet potatoes, and cheese. You’ll find that they’re easy to prepare in advance. You can simply store them in your freezer stash for quick breakfasts.
Toddler Smoothies
A toddler smoothie is an easy way to pack in extra nutrients. And trust me, toddlers love smoothies. You just need to blend Greek yogurt, fresh fruit, and chia seeds with a splash of milk or breast milk for a nutritious meal on the go.
Leftover Chicken and Whole Grain English Muffins
There are no rules when it comes to toddler nutrition, so if you have leftover chicken from dinner, repurpose it for breakfast! I’d suggest serving with a toasted whole grain English muffin spread with some cream cheese or avocado for a protein-rich start to the day.
Porridge with Add-Ins
Porridge or oatmeal is one of the best healthy cereals for toddlers and it’s a go-to in our house. Choose a variety with no added sugar, we simply buy organic porridge oats. Once cooked, you can mix in what you like. In our house, mashed bananas, peanut butter, chopped dates, chopped nuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and chia seeds all make for extra flavour and nutrition.
Scrambled Eggs with Vegetables
You’ll find that eggs are a great source of protein and healthy fats. Scramble some eggs with finely chopped spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a nutritious breakfast that introduces new foods to your toddler’s diet. If your little one struggles to eat scrambled eggs, why not turn them into an omelette instead? That way, you can slice the egg up into easy fingers that are ideal for toddlers and those following baby-led weaning.
Avocado Toast with Cheese
It’s super simple. Just spread mashed avocado on whole grain toast and sprinkle with shredded cheese. This tasty breakfast meal is rich in healthy fats and essential nutrients for growing toddlers and their brains.
Healthy Muffins with Oat Flour
If you can prepare these ahead, it makes mornings much simpler. Prepare a batch of oat flour muffins with bananas, blueberries, and a little honey. These make for an easy grab-and-go breakfast that the entire family can enjoy.
Breakfast Quesadilla
Fill a whole wheat tortilla with scrambled eggs, cheese, and diced tomatoes. There are several ways to serve this. You can use mini-wraps for little ones, or you could cut them into small pieces. I’ve also seen people suggesting using a clothes peg on the bottom to keep them together for toddlers. It’s an easy-to-eat toddler breakfast.
Chia Seed Pudding
You just need to mix chia seeds with milk or Greek yogurt and let them sit overnight to create a thick pudding. In the morning, add fresh fruit and a drizzle of honey for a delicious breakfast idea for 18 month olds.
Homemade Granola with Greek Yogurt
You could make a big batch of homemade granola with oats, nuts, and dried fruit. Simply, serve your yummy granola with Greek yogurt for a crunchy, nutritious breakfast.
Rice Pudding with Fruit
You could cook some brown rice with milk and a little cinnamon for a toddler-friendly rice pudding. I’d suggest adding pureed or chopped fresh fruit for a touch of natural sweetness.
My Top Tips for Serving a Healthy Toddler Breakfast
Make sure you offer a variety of food groups. Take the time to check that you are including protein, whole grains, fruits, and healthy fats in meals.
I would incorporate new foods regularly, as this will encourage little ones to try new foods. Introducing different flavours and textures helps prevent picky eating further down the line.
Make breakfast time. This could be in the form of finger foods, colourful plates and displaying the food in fun shapes and designs. My husband loves to make the kids a sunshine egg, which is an egg in the middle with the rays made up of different vegetable sticks. The kids love it!
If you have slow eaters or if you have to get out in a rush, I’d suggest preparing as much as possible in advance. Chop things the night before and pop them in the fridge. A freezer stash of healthy snacks and breakfast recipes will also save time on busy mornings.
You’ll want to limit added sugar. Choose meals that only have natural sweetness from fruit rather than processed sugars. Avoid the kids’ cereals as these are often packed full of processed sugars, which isn’t good for anyone.
Finding good breakfast ideas for your 18-month-old doesn’t have to be stressful. Just try a couple of these ideas out. Not only will your 18 month old enjoy them, I bet your whole family will too. These breakfast ideas for 18 month old children ensure your toddler gets the nutrition they need to grow, learn, and explore their world. You’ll enjoy them eating a healthy, balanced breakfast, and you’ll find that this will keep them full (and full of beans).