Toddler-Friendly Meals, Made Easy

Girl Mom and digital creator, Madisyn Priest , shares her tips, tricks, and favorite recipes to make healthy, toddler-approved meals a breeze.

As a mom, I know first hand the challenges of cooking for toddlers. From picky eating, to ensuring balanced nutrition, to aiming for easy, mess-free meals—cooking for little ones is an artform. Here are some of my go-to tips and recipes that have been lifesavers in our household for making mealtime simple and stress-free.

Must-Have Cookware for Toddler-Friendly Meals

When it comes to hassle-free cooking, Caraway’s ceramic-coated Cookware and Bakeware are my go-tos. I use these non-toxic, non-stick pieces every single day, and have peace of mind knowing there are no harmful chemicals leaching into my family’s food. I also love using Caraway’s Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven for slow cooked meals, and their Food Storage is a must-have for toddler meal prep! The ceramic-coated glass containers are freezer, microwave, oven and dishwasher-safe, so cleanup is always easy.

Tips for Stress-Free Toddler Meals

Whether meal prepping breakfasts, assembling snacks, or slow cooking dinner, here are some simple tips to make your time in the kitchen fun and enjoyable. 

Involve Your Toddler: Let your little one participate in simple tasks like stirring or adding ingredients. It makes them more interested in the meal and keeps them busy while you’re cooking. My daughter is always in the kitchen when I’m cooking and loves to help.

Keep It Simple: Opt for recipes with minimal steps and ingredients. The less complicated, the better. I love meals that I can whip up during nap time and slow cook throughout the day. 

Meal Prep: I spend one day a week prepping meals ahead of time. It saves so much time and energy on busy week days. I love to store food in Caraway’s ceramic-coated Food Storage Containers. They’re non-toxic and are safe for the microwave, oven, fridge, freezer, and dishwasher, making cleanup easy! 

Recipes, Meal Prep & More 

Below are three of my favorite recipes to make throughout the week. They’re nutritious, simple, and my daughter loves them! 

Chia Pudding

This is one of my favorite breakfasts to prep ahead. It’s quick, easy, and customizable!

Ingredients:

• 4 tbsp chia seeds

• 1 cup milk of choice 

• 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey

• splash of vanilla

Directions:

Mix ingredients in Caraway’s Small Food Storage Container. Let sit for 10 minutes, then mix again to break up any clumps. Refrigerate overnight. Top with fruit and granola before serving.

Berry Baked Oats

These berry baked oats are a toddler favorite and so easy to make!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats

• 2 tsp cinnamon

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 3/4 cup milk of choice

• 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey

• 2 eggs or flax eggs

• 3 tbsp coconut oil, melted

• 2 tsp vanilla

• 2 cups of blueberries or fruit of choice 

Directions:

Combine dry ingredients in one bowl, wet in another. Add berries to Caraway’s Small Baking Sheet, then layer the dry mixture on top. Pour the wet mixture over the oats and top with more berries. Bake for 45 min at 375°F.

Caldo de Res

This is my family’s favorite comfort meal! I love starting this while my toddler is napping and slow cooking it throughout the day. 

Ingredients:

• 2-3 lb chuck roast

• 1/2 of a white onion

• 1 head of garlic

• 2 Bay leaves

• 2 corns, halved 

• 2 large carrots

• 2 calabazas 

• 2 gold potatoes

• 1 cup green beans 

• 2 heaping tbsp beef bouillon powder 

• Salt & pepper

Directions:

Cut chuck roast into cubes. Add to Caraway’s Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven. Season with salt and pepper and brown on all sides. Fill pot with water and add onion, garlic, bay leaves and beef bouillon. Cover and cook on medium low for 2.5 hrs. Add veggies to pot and cook for an additional 30 minutes. Season with salt to taste. Serve with lime, cilantro and serve with corn tortillas.

More Family Time, Less Stress

At the end of the day, cooking should be enjoyable and something you can do with your kids. Don’t be afraid to try new recipes, get your little ones involved and lean on tools that make life easier. Caraway has helped make cooking less stressful and more enjoyable in our home, and I hope these tips and recipes bring the same ease to yours!