When my daughter started eating solids, I was completely unprepared for how much prepping it was going to require. She went to daycare, and we had to pack her real food, lunch and snacks. The amount of time I spent in the kitchen chopping and cooking was… too much.
I quickly realized I needed to be super efficient to make the most of my time. Enter: meal prepping in batches anytime I was already going to be in the kitchen.
Yes, we all know about meal prepping for ourselves, but I learned that I could cut down on kitchen time (and save my sanity) by doing two things at once. Here’s what worked for me, in case you too, feel like you’re cleaning and chopping every second of every day.
-
I multi-tasked in the kitchen: Anytime I was in the kitchen prepping an adult meal, I also prepped a series of toddler meals. You already have the cutting boards, knives, and pans out, why not use them again? When I was prepping our breakfast, I was prepping Amelia’s lunch for the following day. Making dinner? Chopping veggies to have on hand for the week. It might sound chaotic, but it works!
-
I meal prepped favorite foods: So that they were ready to go, I also washed and cut up fruits and veggies, cheese slices, or any other type of food that we seemingly needed all.the.time. As she’s gotten older, we still do this and it’s easy for her to reach into the fridge or pantry and grab something healthy that’s ready to go.
-
I packed and prepped multiple lunches at once: I figured that while I was already making one lunch, what was two more? For anything that could hold for a few days in lunchboxes, bento boxes, or glass jars, I went ahead and put everything together to make about three lunches at one time. I would always thank myself each morning because all I had to do was put everything in her backpack and head out the door.
-
I found containers that made my life easier: I spent way too long searching for containers that were durable, made from safe materials, didn’t leak, and (yes) actually looked good. Surprisingly hard to find. We ended up loving Lalo’s stainless collection of portable plates and bowls: they’re plastic-free, non toxic, sturdy, easy to clean, and hold up over time. Plus, they fit perfectly into lunch bags and make prepping multiple meals at once so much easier. XX
Overall, keeping up with all the kid food each day is a real feat (there’s a reason there are a zillion memes about how much you’ll spend on fruit for toddlers), but making the most of kitchen time is truly the key for me. Now, 5 years later, I still use this method, prepping lunch while I’m making dinner, prepping dinner while I’m making breakfast, etc. It really does feel like efficiency at its finest, and honestly, it’s the only way I’ve stayed sane doing this.
FAQS:
What are good toddler lunch ideas for daycare?
Balanced options include a mix of protein, carbs, and produce, like pasta with veggies, cheese and crackers, fruit, yogurt, or sandwiches, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
What is the easiest way to meal prep for toddlers?
The easiest way is to prepare toddler meals while you’re already cooking for yourself. For example, you can chop extra fruits and veggies, batch cook simple foods, and store them for the week all while you’re already prepping other food.
How long do toddler meal prep foods last in the fridge?
Most prepped fruits, veggies, and cooked foods last around 2 to 3 days in the fridge when stored properly in airtight containers, sometimes more, depending on what type of food it is. Always check the USDA’s storage suggestions if you aren’t sure.
How do I meal prep for picky toddlers?
Toddlers are still trying to figure out what they like (and what they don’t). Stick to familiar favorites, prep small portions, and rotate foods throughout the week to keep things predictable but not boring. Another idea? The American Academy of Pediatrics says choosing foods they can help you prep can encourage them to eat.
How do I meal prep toddler lunches for daycare?
Prep a few staple foods in advance, then assemble 2 to 3 lunches at once using safe, non-toxic containers that keep food fresh and easy to grab in the morning.
