Snack time keeps your toddler energized through their preschool day. As a busy parent, it can be tempting to pack a sugary but convenient snack in your child’s lunchbox. However, more nutritious snacks can teach your child that food can be healthy and delicious. Below are some healthy snack ideas that you can prepare in a pinch.

What Healthy Snacks Should Your Child Bring to Preschool?

1. Granola Bars

Some granola bars can be the perfect snack for your preschool child. Just be sure to check the label for sugar content. You might also choose to make your own granola or protein bars at home using ingredients like oats, quinoa, nut or sunflower seed butter, and dried fruit. Either way, these snacks stash easily in a lunchbox or backpack. 

2. Fruit

Fruit like apples, bananas, oranges, and mangoes offer your child a sweet and healthy treat during the day. Berries and grapes are also a convenient option. You can make busy mornings easier by cutting up fruit early in the week and packaging it for daily preschool snacks. Add cheese or nut butter to these snack packs to make them even more filling.

3. Cheese & Crackers

If your child enjoys savory snacks, cut up some cheese to pack with crackers. This snack will give them fiber, calcium, and protein. Natural jerky or pepperoni can add even more protein to the mix. Just be sure that you choose a cracker that isn’t too crumbly, such as a rice cracker, as this snack can get messy at preschool. 

4. Fresh Vegetables 

Vegetables like celery, baby carrots, or cucumbers are a satisfying snack that you can also make ahead of the preschool day. Pack these veggies with a dip like hummus, guacamole, or nut butter. If you’re supplying snacks for your child’s preschool class, vegetables are usually allergy-friendly options. Just be sure to talk to the teachers before choosing a dip in this case. 

From snack time to playtime, the team at Lov-In Hands Daycare creates a healthy and supportive environment for young children in Queens and Rosedale, NY. This daycare center has been operating in the area for over 22 years, offering a variety of programs to enrich your children. Their knowledgeable preschool teachers will help your child prepare for kindergarten through reading, writing, and math activities. You can also trust their staff to care for younger babies. Visit them online to learn more about their services, or call (718) 723-0324 to discuss enrollment.