The number of times I’m asked for breakfast ideas for kids in the morning. I think as parents, we all really struggle with getting the inspiration to create something new – when we’re tired and, more often than not, in a rush. It’s so easy to get stuck on the same old breakfasts each day.
Choosing my top 10 breakfast ideas for children is tough as there are actually so many that I could pick.
So this blog is all about the inspiration. To give you ideas, so you can mix breakfast up and stop your baby or toddler from getting bored when it comes to your morning’s feast.
What is the healthiest breakfast for kids?
Breakfast is definitely one of the favourite meals in our house, most days! I find it’s a great opportunity to pack in extra nutrients and there are so many ways to make quick and balanced meals that many kids love.
There’s no one meal that’s the “healthiest” for babies and children. As always, it’s about variety and trying to think about balance and adding in extras where you can!
I try and vary breakfast as much as possible. In reality it’s normally weekends where my little ones get something different and during the week, porridge or Weetabix are what’s on offer.
In this blog I wanted to share 10 healthy breakfast ideas for babies, toddlers and young children! Hopefully these ideas will work for your family. There’s plenty of variety so there should be something for everyone, including some healthy breakfast ideas for picky eaters.
10 Breakfast Ideas for Kids
1. Porridge
It has to be porridge first. It’s definitely our favourite breakfast in our house and I just love how versatile it is! I’ve written about oats as a first food for babies. For plenty of porridge ideas, check out my blog on my favourite porridge recipes
2. Low sugar, fortified cereals
Cereal is of course a very popular breakfast option for many families! It’s ready in minutes and most children enjoy cereal, which can make it a good breakfast idea, even for picky eaters. However, many cereals available on the market can be quite high in added sugars, and so they aren’t ideal for babies and young children. Check out my blog on how to choose a healthy cereal for the kids to help choose some of the lower-sugar options! I also love adding in extra nutrients to cereal, by adding fruit, nut butter, seeds and more, to pack in a good dose of nutrition first thing!
3. Yoghurt, fruits and oats
People are often unsure if you can offer oats raw. Sprinkled on yoghurt with some fruit, nut butter or milled seeds makes for a filling, nutritious and super quick breakfast!
4. Toast and toppings
Think mashed avocado, banana and peanut butter, scrambled egg with tomatoes or some salmon and yoghurt. There are SO many different variations of toppings you can add to toast – check out my 10 healthy toast ideas for babies and children.
5. Vegetable omelettes
A great way to get some veggies in at the start of the day. You may want to offer some carbs on the side if there are no carbs in this brekkie. Potatoes in the omelette work or a simple ½ slice of toast on the side.
6. Overnight oats
Such a quick one in the morning, or if you need to feed your little one on the go. Fill a mason jar with oats and other ingredients, top it with milk and leave it in the fridge. The next morning it’ll be good to go! Check out my overnight oats recipe for children here. Baked oats are also another ideal option if you have a little more time. My book, How To Feed Your Toddler has a delicious baked oats recipe which my whole family loves!
7. Dippy egg and soldiers with some fresh fruit on the side
Always a winner and YES, babies can have dippy egg as long as it is red lion stamped. This is definitely a fun breakfast idea for kids that can help to keep the mealtime environment nice and positive!
8. Pancakes
Pancakes are an easy breakfast idea for children and an ideal one for the whole family. Check out my baby pancake recipe and my pancake toppings. For something a little different, try my easy pancake sheet recipe for babies and toddlers.
9. Fritattas
A quick option and you can even make them in bulk and defrost the night before you need them. Fritattas are also great for on the go as they are easy to store and relatively mess-free! Check out my baby friendly frittata recipe here!
10. English breakfast
One of those for when you’ve got more time! You could do anything from the whole works (if you’ve got the time) or just do a variation of whatever you fancy – beans, mushrooms, tomato, salmon (why not), toast, hummus! This can be a great option for serving family style and letting little ones choose what they fancy.
How to balance breakfast
It’s good to try and balance out breakfast so you’re getting some nutrients in there as well as a balance of the main food groups.
Try and think about how you can include one of each of the following:
- Carbs
- Fruit/veg
- Protein and/or dairy
That way they’ll be starting the day with a good dose of many of the vital nutrients they need for growth and development! For more on balancing meals, check out my blog on getting the balance right for toddlers.
For more breakfast ideas, check out my blogs on 7 days of breakfasts for kids as well as my egg-free breakfast ideas for babies and children!
