by Lyn Lomasi

Created on: September 04, 2010   Last Updated: September 07, 2010

Let's face it, when a toddler is hungry, there is not much time to prepare a meal before the crankiness starts. The meals must also be good, or they'll wind up smashed into the floor, table, high chair, or even all three. Sometimes this can lead to unhealthy meals, such as fast food or frozen food ridden with preservatives. As a health-conscious mom, sacrificing your child's health for a quick meal is likely not an option. Spending hours listening to a toddler scream due to impatience probably isn't either.

Here are some practical ideas that help mealtime run smoother along with some ideas that are yummy to a toddler's tummy and can also be tasty for the parents. Keep in mind that it is alright to provide a treat every now and then, just not every day.

Ideas for Simplifying Things
When it is getting close to any mealtime, a toddler will grow cranky. To avoid that, have a bowl of grapes or some other fruit your toddler enjoys readily available. While you cook, your toddler can snack, but still have room for dinner. Also have a coloring book and crayons at the table or highchair. Your toddler can color while waiting. If your child likes to put crayons into his or her mouth, you may want to opt for an Etch a Sketch or Magna Doodle instead.

Since toddlers are rather impatient, there are a few things you can do ahead of time to make preparing meals go much quicker. Keep tupperware containers of a variety of sliced fruits in your refrigerator at all times. These can make handy snacks and also act as side dishes for a meal. Also do the same with vegetables. Be sure they are all sliced into appropriate bite sizes for toddlers.

If your toddler drinks from a sippy cup, try having a few pre-filled ones in the refrigerator. Keep these stocked. That way when he or she is thirsty, you can get to the drink much faster. It also helps meal prep time go faster. Some should contain water and some should contain milk. Most juice should be avoided, due to tooth decay. Your toddler can get more nutrition from the actual fruit than from the juice. Freshly squeezed orange juice is fine, in moderation.

Also keep storage bags with cubed cheeses (mozzarella and mild cheddar are usually a good bet for kids) in the refrigerator. Cubed lean ham and turkey are a good idea as well.

Also keep pre-cooked wheat pasta noodles (whatever shape your child loves) in the refrigerator and freezer in tupperware containers for quick access and easy cooking. If you like to use meat in your pasta recipes,

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