I had no idea how much I would love creating kid-friendly meals. Feeding Hayes has been one of my favorite parts of being a mom. I love making him new food, watching him explore new flavors, and the joy that it brings both of us! He hasn’t entered a ‘picky’ phase (yet! fingers crossed) but I’m sure that feeding a picky eater feels like a full time job.
My priority in feeding my baby is providing him with a balanced meal and allowing him to choose what he eats. I never pressure or force him to eat or finish anything, but I will serve him whatever he didn’t finish at his next meal! That has worked well for us.
I love giving Hayes new foods to try, but it takes alot of effort! So I always keep my tried and true recipes on repeat because then I know the fridge is stocked with things he loves, and it takes some pressure off when it comes to meal time.
If you’re struggling with a picky eater, here are a few kid-friendly meals to try!
Tips for Making Kid-Friendly Meals Everyone Will Eat
1. Keep Ingredients Familiar
Introducing new foods alongside something they already like makes kids more willing to try. Also, don’t be scared of offering something your picky eater doesn’t like multiple times! You never know when they’ll decide to try again.
2. Let Them Help
Kids are more likely to eat meals they helped make. Even simple tasks like stirring, sprinkling cheese, or choosing toppings can make a big difference. Getting Hayes this toddler tower made him my little kitchen helper and we both love it!
3. Don’t Over-Complicate It
I like to feed a variation of what I’m eating at every meal. I would not enjoy cooking a different meal for every person in my family! So cooking one meal that everyone will like keeps things simple and manageable.
4. Repeat the Wins
If a meal works, repeat it. I’m a creature of habit and love to make the meals that I love again and again. Having familiar foods (kid-friendly meals) available and stocked in the fridge will help you feel prepared and confident at meal time!
Kid-Friendly Meal Ideas
Italian Meatballs in Homemade Marinara
I honestly made these meatballs for my toddler because he loves red sauce and meatballs, but we all loved it. Now I’m planning to double batch and freeze some next time so I have quick & easy meals ready to go for the whole fam.
Starbucks-Style Cheesy Egg Bites (High-Protein & Toddler-Friendly)
These cheesy, fluffy little bites are everything you want in a quick, nourishing breakfast — and they double as a toddler-friendly snack for your little ones (Hayes is obsessed!).
Toddler Chicken Nuggets with Hidden Broccoli (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
I finally perfected these chicken nuggets and they are crispy, kid-approved, and packed with nutrition. This healthy, baked, no added sugar chicken nuggets recipe sneaks in some steamed broccoli and ground flaxseed, so your little ones are getting fiber, vitamin C, and protein without even realizing it.
Mini Banana Waffles for Toddlers (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, No Added Sugar)
They’re gluten-free, dairy-free, and have no added sugar, making them a great option for baby-led weaning, toddler breakfasts, or a healthy on-the-go snack. I usually make a double batch and freeze the extras for quick kid-friendy meals or snacks throughout the week—so convenient when hunger strikes!
