I’m raising three little boys, and it has been amazing to see how each of them treat eating differently. Each child really is different and we as parents need to learn how to read their cues, needs, and help teach them along the way. Regardless of what your baby is like, or how you choose to parent, we can all agree on one thing: Healthy eating plans for our children is of paramount importance.

Healthy eating plans for children consist of breakfast, lunch, dinner and two healthy snacks.

Between the ages of 8 and 24 months children get about 25% of their calories from snacks.
1/3 of 8-24 month olds are not eating whole grains each day.
90% of 2 and 3-year-olds fall short on MyPlate recommendations for whole grains.

Each of my children has approached eating differently. My youngest son rarely cries, and is almost always happy. Between the ages of 6 and 9 months his weight stayed the same, but he was always so happy that I didn’t realize he needed to eat more calories. You see my older boys were about as subtle as a bear at a campsite when it came to their need for food, so based on my experience as a mother he was fine because he wasn’t freaking out like his brothers would have.

Luckily I realized what he needed and all was well.

Healthy Eating Plans

There is a lot of great meal plans for children of all ages. As long as you get the base started when they are young it will come naturally to them, and you, as they get older.

While our children are little every single thing they eat should play a meaningful role in their overall nutrition. When I’m planning our family meals for the week I make sure to seek out snacks that will help set my boys up for a healthy life while the taste and variety keep them happy.

My older boys consider apples with peanut butter, or strawberries and yogurt a dessert! I consider that a win win.

I appreciate Gerber® snacks because they are full of good-for-you ingredients like whole grains, real fruit and yogurt, and none of the bad stuff {i.e. no artificial flavors or colors}. They’re perfect when we are on the go – which feels like always!

If you’re looking for a great alternative to chocolate and candy this Easter fill your kids baskets with these good-for-you Gerber® snacks! My older boys love the yogurt melts, so I know they would love these too.