Ensuring your toddler receives naturally delicious meals isn’t always easy, especially for busy parents juggling multiple responsibilities. However, with some strategic planning, Squish 100% Fruit and Veg Puree, and a few clever shortcuts, you can simplify mealtime.
Here are some tips to help streamline your toddler’s meals while ensuring they remain balanced:
1. Batch cooking and freezing
Batch cooking saves time and ensures you always have options on hand, reducing the temptation to resort to processed or fast food when pressed for time.
Prepare larger batches of your toddler’s favourite meals – like this tasty Chicken Curry or this Veggie-packed Cottage Pie (pictured) – portion them into individual servings, and freeze. On busy days, you can simply thaw and reheat a meal in minutes.
2. Prep-ahead snacks
Set some time aside once a week to wash, peel and cut fruits and vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, apples and berries. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge, then pair with a dip for a healthy snack or lunchbox fillers.
To create a delicious sweet or savoury dip in an instant, simply stir Squish 100% Fruit or Veg Puree through a couple of tablespoons of plain yoghurt or cottage cheese. This Bean Dip is also tasty – prepare a batch to keep in your fridge. Squish 100% Fruit and Veg Purees all come with resealable lids, so you can just use what you need then pop the rest in the fridge for later.
3. Keep your pantry well stocked
Stock up on ‘convenience’ foods such as Squish 100% Fruit or Veg Puree, canned beans and whole-grain pasta that can quickly be transformed into a satisfying meal. For instance, stir Squish 100% Butternut + Carrot or Mixed Veg through cooked pasta, top with cheese and pop under the grill for a delicious meal your little one will love.
4. Create DIY snack packs
Create snack packs using small containers or reusable snack bags filled with a mix of nuts (for older toddlers), dried fruits, whole-grain crackers and cheese triangles. These packs are easy to grab on the go and ensure your toddler is snacking on healthy options rather than processed snacks.
Add a box of Squish 100% Pressed Fruit Juice to keep your little one hydrated. The 200ml size is perfect for toddlers and there are plenty of flavours to choose from, including Squish 100% Apple Juice, Apple + Grape Juice with Rooibos Extract, Pear + Prune Juice, and Summer Berries.
5. Transform leftovers
Get creative with the leftovers in your fridge. Turn last night’s mash into these veggie-loaded Potato Pops, or fill a pita with shredded leftover chicken or tuna mixed with Squish 100% Veggie Puree and grated cheese.
Why parents choose Squish
Time-pressed parents are constantly on the lookout for tasty and convenient food that their baby or toddler will love. Squish 100% Fruit and Veg Purees are naturally delicious, making them a smart choice and a pantry essential for families with small children.
Natural goodness
Squish 100% Fruit and Veg Purees are made from fresh, quality fruits and vegetables. The absence of added sugars, artificial colouring, flavourants or preservatives makes Squish Purees a naturally flavour-packed choice for parents striving to prioritise their child’s well-being and set them up for a lifetime of good eating habits.
Convenient and mess-free
All Squish 100% Fruit and Veg Purees come in convenient, resealable pouches, meaning less food waste. The 110ml pouches are also perfect for on-the-go snacking and mealtimes, and can easily fit into a handbag or nappy bag.
Variety of flavours
Squish 100% Fruit and Veg Purees offer a wide array of delicious flavours that cater to different taste preferences: from classics like Mixed Veg, Apple and Pear through to more adventurous combination like Apple, Beetroot + Guava and Pear + Sweet Potato. This variety not only encourages children to explore new tastes but also helps parents introduce them to a diverse range of fruits and vegetables, promoting a well-rounded diet.
Texture and taste
Texture and taste play a pivotal role in children’s food preferences. Squish 100% Fruit and Veg Purees have a smooth consistency that babies and toddlers find appealing, making it easier for parents to incorporate fruits and vegetables into their diet without resistance.
Trustworthy, transparent and supportive
Parents want the best for their children, and that includes food they can trust. Squish is committed to transparency and quality. The packaging includes a clear list of ingredients, so parents know exactly what they’re giving to their child – and Squish adheres to high-quality standards in the production process, ensuring each pouch is safe.
You’ll find a whole range of toddler-friendly and delicious meals and snacks under the Quick + Easy Recipes tab on the Squish website.
Main image credit: Michelle Parkin Photography