15 Toddler Breakfast Ideas (Easy + Healthy)

Breakfast can set the stage for the rest of your day in many ways. Having some favorite breakfast ideas for your kids will help you ensure that your morning starts smoothly and your kids start their day feeling their best. These 15 favorite toddler breakfast ideas are toddler-proof and great for Moms too!

healthy breakfast for toddlers shown on a grey plate avocado toast, hard boiled eggs, and oranges

How to Make Healthy Breakfasts for Toddlers

A healthy toddler breakfast (or mommy breakfast for that matter) typically involves all 3 macronutrients. Having a healthy mix of fat, protein, and carbohydrates will help ensure your little ones maintain a healthy blood sugar level and feel good throughout the morning.

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Knowing these 3 components will help you in pairing and creating a nutritionally dense breakfast for your toddler using the toddler breakfast ideas below.

The Three Components in Healthy Breakfasts for Toddlers:

  • Protein – Including a protein source in your toddler’s breakfast will help keep them full and satisfied. Meat, eggs, beans, yogurt, and nut butter are all great ways to work protein into breakfast for toddlers.
  • Complex Carbohydrates – Your toddler needs complex carbohydrates to fuel their growing muscles and active brain. These are found in fruits, starchy vegetables (squash, potatoes, peas, and corn), and even whole grains provide energy.
  • Fat – Fat is very important for toddlers and babies brain development. Grass-fed butter, avocado, full-fat yogurt, olive oil, ground flax seeds, and nut butter are a few great ways to work fat into your toddler’s breakfast.

Tips to Create a Healthy Breakfast for Your Toddler:

  • Plan ahead. – Make a plan for breakfasts for the week. Even just having a flexible meal plan of 3-4 different sample breakfasts you can serve throughout the week will help you have ideas for your toddler’s breakfast.
  • Meal prep breakfast foods. – Fixing certain items ahead of time can be key for many busy parents to ensure a healthful breakfast hits the table each morning. This can be as simple as prepping hard-boiled eggs, making muffins for the week, baking an egg bake, overnight oats, or even having cut produce ready to go.
  • Add veggies or fruit. – Whether you mix a few veggies in with the eggs, serve no sugar pumpkin muffins, or simply serve fruit on the side, breakfast is a great time to start sneaking in some extra veggies or fruit to start the day.
  • Minimize sweeteners and sugar. – All the toddler breakfasts below can be done with no added sugar. Get creative and use fruits to sweeten foods naturally. Consider using honey and maple syrup in small amounts occasionally instead of refined sugar.
  • Know your role. – As parents, it’s our job to choose what foods we serve to our kids and what time they eat. It’s up to them to decide how much and IF they are going to eat it. Remembering this helps to take the pressure off of the meal. By the way, serving 1-2 foods you know your child is comfortable with is a great way to take the pressure off new foods.

Toddler Breakfast Ideas

These toddler breakfast ideas are actually perfect for any age child. Simply modify the way that you cut or present the food for your child. Whether you are looking for breakfast ideas for your one year old or four year old, the important thing is to offer a variety of foods. These are some of my favorite ideas to start incorporating into your breakfast menu for toddlers today.

1. Egg Bake or Toddler Breakfast Egg Muffins

Eggs are an easy win for breakfast as they have protein and fat that toddlers need. This easy broccoli egg bake is a perfect way to add veggies in with your eggs. I do recommend chopping the veggies into small pieces if serving to kids. Egg muffins/egg bites can also be made and may appear more fun to your toddler. (You can even make egg bites in the Instant Pot with this nonstick and easy to use silicone egg bite mold.)

How to serve: This easy egg bake recipe is fast and a favorite among my family. Serve it with a whole grain carb or fruit on the side.

2. Hard Boiled Eggs

You can easily prep hard-boiled eggs using the instant pot and it makes a very easy breakfast to serve on rushed mornings.

How to serve: Hard-boiled eggs can be sliced on top of toast or simply served alongside a complex carbohydrate (such as oatmeal, toast, or fruit) to make a complete breakfast. I usually let my son practice cutting his egg himself with these kids kitchen knives (and lots of help and supervision.) I continually find that involving him in meal prep helps him to try new foods and enjoy food more.

3. Scrambled/Fried Eggs

This toddler breakfast idea is as basic as they come, but easy and perfect if you don’t love to meal prep or are looking for a quick idea to cook on the spot.

How to serve: Mix veggies in with your scrambled eggs to help boost the nutrition and consider spreading avocado on fried eggs for some extra healthy fat. Again you can serve this alongside a complex carb or even on top of toast.

4. No Sugar Pancakes or Waffles

Whole-grain pancakes or waffles are a fun way for your toddler to start their day. Prepare pancakes or waffles to freeze and simply pop them in the toaster to make for a fast breakfast. Look for a recipe made with whole grains and minimal (if any) sweetener.

How to serve: I love this healthy banana oat pancake recipe for toddlers as it’s super simple to make AND has extra eggs for protein and fat making it a great stand-alone breakfast for toddlers. This dairy-free pancake recipe using coconut milk or cream is also a huge hit at my house.

More traditional pancakes which are primarily carbohydrates are great served with a thin layer of nut butter for extra fat and protein or alongside eggs or full-fat yogurt.

5. No Sugar Toddler Breakfast Muffins

Muffins are a huge hit for my 2-year-old’s breakfast. I made a somewhat unconventional decision to not give my son any sweetener (including honey and maple syrup) before his second birthday. These 13 no sugar baby muffins are perfect for any toddler, but especially fun for a baby or 1-year-old breakfast who doesn’t eat other sweeteners.

How to serve: Freezer-friendly sugar-free pumpkin muffins are a favorite at our house. Top muffins with nut butter or serve alongside (or even on top of) full-fat yogurt to add healthy fats or protein. Save time by freezing homemade muffins.

pumpkin muffin for a healthy toddler breakfast idea

6. Oatmeal

Oatmeal can be a great last-minute breakfast as it can be cooked relatively quickly in the microwave. It’s best to avoid instant oats with added sugar, but otherwise, any kind of oats (steel-cut, old-fashioned, quick-cook) can be a part of a healthful breakfast. Check out my post for the best way to fix oatmeal for toddlers.

How to serve: Mix in a variety of hemp protein, ground flaxseed, shredded coconut, yogurt, nut butter, butter, diced fruit, berries, or mashed banana to add nutrition and flavor to your toddler’s oatmeal. Mixing in fruit can help you avoid extra sweeteners and make the oats more enjoyable to your little one. Try different kinds of oats like steel-cut oats as your toddler may prefer the texture of one kind over another. Here are some of the best ways to serve oatmeal to toddlers.

7. Baked Oatmeal

Baked oatmeal is comforting and can be served fresh or as leftovers. Look for a fruit-sweetened or minimally sweetened recipe to enjoy with your kids.

How to serve: This no sugar baked oatmeal looks delicious or you could mix it up with these baked oat cups.

8. Overnight Oats

Prep several containers of overnight oats together to save time throughout the week. They are a great breakfast to pack for daycare or travel.

How to serve: Overnight oats are perfect because they can be an all-in-one breakfast since they usually contain a variety of foods. Try these no sugar banana overnight oats and customize them with your family’s favorite toppings.

9. Toddler Breakfast Cookies

Breakfast cookies are without a doubt one of the most fun breakfasts for toddlers (and adults.)

How to serve: These freezer-friendly toddler cookies are loaded with all the good stuff from hemp protein to carrots, your toddler will enjoy this special breakfast. Serve alongside yogurt, cheese, or eggs for extra protein.

toddler reaching for breakfast cookies

10. French Toast or French Toast Sticks

Homemade french toast is a simple and delicious breakfast. Because it’s coated in egg it’s higher in protein than traditional toast or pancakes making it a great and easy choice.

How to serve: This baby french toast recipe looks perfect! Try cutting it into long skinny pieces. Offer yogurt or berry compote for dipping and berries or sliced bananas on the side.

11. Breakfast Smoothie

A breakfast smoothie should include protein, fat, and carbs if it’s the entire breakfast. We often make a green smoothie and serve it alongside other food, but a complete breakfast smoothie can be a great option for on the go.

How to serve: This standalone breakfast smoothie recipe would be perfect for busy mornings. By the way, check out these 3 best smoothie cups for toddlers to serve it in!

12. Avocado Toast

A personal favorite breakfast of mine and my toddler is avocado toast. Avocados are full of healthy fats that are so important for babies, toddlers, and mommas! Yes, not only do our little ones need fats for their brains, but healthy fats are incredibly important for fertility, childbearing, and postpartum nutrition.

How to serve: 1) Toast whole sprouted grain bread. 2) Spread with butter or olive oil. 3) Mash avocado on top. 4) Season! We typically season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. To add more protein: Mix the avocado with yogurt or serve the toast alongside another protein source such as yogurt, cottage cheese, or an egg.

13. Nut Butter + Sliced Banana Toast

Another favorite breakfast (or snack) at my house. I started eating this breakfast years ago when I started running. And now my son loves this as well.

How to serve: Toast sprouted/whole grain bread, spread nut butter on top, and add sliced bananas.

14. Breakfast Burrito

This is a great breakfast to make for a family since they can be customized and a great way to encourage kids to add veggies that they enjoy to their breakfast.

How to serve: Whole grain or homemade tortillas stuffed with scrambled eggs, sausage, green onions, tomatoes, peppers, and cheese. Letting your toddler pick their own ingredients and fixing it themselves will likely pique their interest in actually eating the burrito. Or, they may choose a deconstructed breakfast burrito and just to eat ingredients separately which is fine too.

15. Yogurt, Granola, and Fruit Parfait

This fun toddler breakfast idea is another way to easily involve your toddler in the kitchen. Let them sprinkle their own granola and fruit on top.

How to serve: Use organic full fat yogurt (greek or regular, either one) and top with low sugar granola along with berries or other fruits. When I have time I enjoy making my own granola like this recipe (ensure any nuts in granola are finely chopped.) By the way, I answer all your questions about the best yogurt for babies and toddlers in this post.

Tips for Quick and Easy Toddler Breakfasts

One of the easiest ways to simplify breakfasts for toddlers is to work ahead. Making a meal plan is the first step, but cooking foods to stock in your freezer or fridge can take the pressure and stress out of a busy morning. If you are looking for something fast beside cereal, consider prepping some picking 1-2 of these recipes to cook each week for your family’s breakfasts.

Make-Ahead Toddler Breakfast Ideas

  1. Egg bake or egg muffins
  2. Hard-boiled eggs
  3. Freezer friendly whole-grain pancakes or waffles (or simply store in the fridge for a shorter time span)
  4. Freezer friendly whole grain muffins (or simply make for few days/week in advance)
  5. Baked oatmeal
  6. Overnight oats
  7. Breakfast cookies (for the freezer or simply week)
  8. Yogurt Parfait

Toddler Breakfast Tips for Daycare or On the Go

Buy a small thermos like this Foogo insulated thermos to use for packing cold or hot items such as oatmeal, yogurt, and hard-boiled eggs. Other items that do not need refrigeration such as whole-grain muffins or pancakes can also be packed for on the go.

Protein Breakfast Ideas for Toddlers

  1. Eggs – Fixed any of the ways mentioned above.
  2. Yogurt – Eaten alone or mixed in oatmeal or smoothies.
  3. Nut butter – Smear a thin layer on top of toast or pancakes. You can also try mixing nut butter in oatmeal or adding it to a smoothie.
  4. Cottage cheese – Eaten alone, mixed in smoothies, or on top of toast.
  5. Breakfast burrito – Use scrambled eggs or nitrate-free sausage for a protein source.
  6. Milk – While dairy milk does contain protein, some milk alternatives do not. Depending on the milk your family chooses it can be a source of protein. (Note: Here’s a guide all about the best milk for toddlers.)

What can I feed my picky toddler for breakfast?

Picky toddlers! Such a popular topic. It’s easy to feel extra stress over a picky eater (of any age.) However, just remember your role is to choose WHAT is offered. It’s your toddler’s job is to decide how much (and IF) they will eat it!

  • Rotate through a variety of breakfasts to help keep your toddler exposed to various foods.
  • Offer new foods with ones they feel comfortable with to help alleviate uncertainty about the new item.
  • Invite your child to the kitchen when you have extra time to prepare their breakfast together. This is hands down the most certain way my toddler will try something. I will find him sneaking bites of foods he doesn’ usually touch on his dinner plate if he’s in his learning tower helping (we love this one.) By the way, I have more ideas on kitchen-related gifts and gear for toddlers here.

Is fruit a good breakfast for a toddler?

YES! Breakfast is an excellent time to serve your toddler fruit. It’s easy, simple, and loaded with antioxidants. I do recommend serving the fruit along with protein and fat to help it satisfy your toddler for longer. (You know unless you want to deal with requests for a snack 30 minutes after breakfast.)

How to serve fruit as a breakfast for toddlers: Pair it with your favorite nut butter, yogurt, eggs, cheese, hummus, or cottage cheese.

Need More Toddler Meal Ideas?

35+ Easy (and Healthy) Toddler Lunch Ideas – If you are looking for more ideas on feeding your toddler meals, these toddler lunch ideas include man mix and match foods to create new meals for your toddler at home.

Why My Toddler Won’t Eat Dinner – I’ve answered all of your questions if you are one of many parents having trouble getting your toddler to eat their dinner!

How to Stop Picky Eating – I highly recommend using the Division of Responsibility to help remove the pressure we (as parents) feel regarding mealtime and picky eating. It will help you confidently establish mealtime and feeding boundaries with your kids — helping to reduce picky eating.

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