Healthy Snack Ideas For Kids Going To Daycare

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Healthy Snack Ideas for Kids

Healthy Snack Ideas For Kids Going To Daycare

Smart choices for growing minds at Montessori Early Development Academy
Even though snacks are smaller than meals, they are a big part of your child’s day, especially when they’re in daycare. Healthy snacks provide the fuel young children need to learn, move, and stay focused. At Montessori Early Development Academy, we guide parents to pack snacks that are simple, wholesome, and supportive of each child’s growth and independence.
The best snacks for children in Montessori daycare include a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. Below, we’ve listed easy, nutritious snack options perfect for lunchboxes and little fingers.

Fruits For Kids:

Fresh, colorful fruits are rich in vitamins and fiber, perfect for a busy preschooler’s energy levels.

  • Bananas
  • Apples
  • Pears
  • Mangoes
  • Oranges
  • Cherries
  • Blueberries
  • Nectarines
  • Peaches
  • Cantaloupe
  • Grapefruit
  • Grapes
  • Kiwi
  • Strawberries
  • Pineapple
  • Watermelon
  • Plums
  • Apricots

Tip: To keep things interesting, serve fruit in fun ways: as kebabs, mini fruit salads, or blended into smoothies. These are especially popular with kids in our Pre-school in Calgary.

Vegetables For Kids

Crunchy, colorful, and packed with nutrients, veggies are a vital part of every daycare snack list.

  • Carrots
  • Green beans
  • Peas
  • Spinach
  • Cucumber
  • Cauliflower
  • Avocados
  • Zucchini
  • Celery
  • Tomatoes
  • Broccoli
  • Sweet potatoes

Tip: Make veggies more appealing by pairing them with dips like hummus, guacamole, salsa, or yogurt. These work well for toddlers in infant Montessori daycare and older children alike.

Low-Fat Dairy Products For Kids

Dairy helps build strong bones and teeth with calcium and vitamin D.

  • Cheese
  • Cottage cheese
  • Yogurt
  • Milk (including soy, oat, or almond milk alternatives)

Tip: Choose low-fat or fat-free versions and avoid flavored dairy products that are high in added sugars.

Whole Grains For Kids

Whole grains provide lasting energy and fiber to keep kids full and focused through play and learning.

  • Whole wheat bread
  • Whole grain tortillas or pita
  • Graham or whole grain crackers
  • Whole grain dry cereal
  • Brown rice
  • Whole grain pasta
  • Cereal or granola bars (low in sugar)

Tip: Stick with minimally processed options. Look for ingredients like oats, quinoa, or wheat flour, especially when packing snacks for those in our Pre-kindergarten program.

Lean Proteins For Kids

Protein supports growth and keeps children satisfied between meals.

  • Eggs
  • Nut butter (if allowed at home, daycare requires nut-free alternatives like sunflower seed butter)
  • Fish
  • Beans (e.g., edamame, chickpeas)
  • Tofu
  • Lean meats or poultry

Tip: Limit high-fat meats and serve small portions. Protein-rich snacks are ideal for children in our Montessori daycare for infants and those staying for after-school programs.

Healthy Beverages For Kids

Drinks should be simple, hydrating, and low in sugar.

  • Water (always the first choice)
  • Carbonated water (plain or lightly flavored with 100% juice)
  • 100% fruit juice (no added sugar, small portions only)
  • Low-fat or fat-free milk
  • Non-dairy milk like rice, soy, or oat

Tip: Avoid sugary drinks like soda or fruit-flavored beverages. Keep a labeled water bottle in your child’s bag each day.

How To Encourage Kids To Eat Healthy?

Helping children develop a taste for healthy foods starts with consistency and involvement. Let them take part in packing their snacks, kids are more likely to eat what they help choose. Use fun shapes and colorful containers, and offer small portions of new foods alongside familiar favorites.
For children in our Pre-K programs, we also encourage peer modeling, when kids see others enjoying fruits or veggies, they’re more likely to try them too. Make healthy eating feel like a fun and natural part of the day rather than a rule to follow.

Final Thoughts:

Healthy snacks aren’t just about nutrition, they also help build independence, especially in a Montessori setting. Children learn to open containers, serve themselves, and recognize their own hunger cues. At Montessori Early Development Academy, we work closely with families to reinforce good eating habits that support each child’s physical and emotional development.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Ques1. Can I send nuts or peanut butter with my child’s snacks?
Ans. No. Our facility is completely nut-free to protect children with allergies. Use seed butter (like sunflower or pumpkin seed) as a safe alternative.

Ques2. What if my child is a picky eater?
Ans. We recommend variety and trying fun shapes or pairings (like fruit with yogurt or veggies with dip). Our staff is experienced in helping children warm up to new foods gently.

Ques3. How many snacks should I pack for a full daycare day?
Ans. Usually two, one for mid-morning and one for the afternoon. Add more if your child is staying for after-school programs.

Ques4. Can I send homemade baked goods?
Ans. Yes, as long as they’re nut-free and not overly sugary. Mini muffins made with oats or whole grains are a great option.

Ques5. Do snacks differ for infants vs. older children?
Ans. Yes. For children in infant Montessori daycare, choose soft, easy-to-chew options like mashed fruit, yogurt, or steamed veggies.

Looking for a nurturing, health-conscious daycare option? Get in touch today to learn more about our full-day care, and Pre-K programs.


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