Snack ideas
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Babies aren’t really supposed to have snacks between meals until 12 months when it’s recommended they have three meals and 2 snacks. I don’t give baby snacks, if he’s hungry between meals I just breastfeed. Milk is still their main source of nutrition until 1.
I use those on the go or the veggie straws or just regular breadsticks! Its only now and again and sometimes buys me 5-10 mins if shes getting annoyed or we wont be able to have lunch til we get home.
We also don’t subscribe to “snacking” and try to focus on 3 meals sat at the table with us. If he is hungry between then we give breast milk.
Thanks for all of your replies. Those of you who don’t offer snacks, thanks for your perspective! The health visitor told me I should be offering snacks instead of breastfeeds so it’s good to know that actually I don’t need to.
I give mine a few pom bear crisps or a rich tea finger biscuit 🤷🏼♀️ she doesn't like any of the children snacks you can buy.
It’s so confusing when you see so much stuff online about how milk is supposed to be the main source of nutrition before one but then I’ve heard of a few people getting this advice from the HV, to stop offering milk and to give snacks. I don’t really understand it, it’s so much easier for me to just give baby a breastfeed if he’s hungry between meals and surely that’s more nutritious for baby?! Seems weird to me.
@Harriet RoseI think it really depends so I had a question about over feeding and had to text my HV but she wasn’t my usual one as mine was on AL and this woman goes yeah three meals and 2 snacks at 7 months 😂 I disregarded it and waited till my usual HV was back. For me I think I want to teach my baby to have hunger cues and then eat. She currently doesn’t need snacks because by the time she’s hungry it’s either time for a meal or a bottle. I don’t believe in shoving a bottle in when she’s not hungry so I do the same with snacks - she’s not hungry so there’s no need for it 🤷🏽♀️ that’s just my point of view though and thank fully my HV said the same when she’s was back! But only a parent knows what’s right for a child so if snacks are what you want I would stick to cucumbers/ can do hummus if you want or make your own. Peppers can be cut up into sticks or fruit and yogurt things like that? Xx
@Krupha it’s completely different for formula vs bf babies though. The feeding pattern will be completely different as unfortunately it’s impossible to measure breast milk volume outputs. You also can’t over feed a breastfed baby. The breast milk changes in its consistency (volume/water content/calorie content) depending on the babies needs at the time; they are also likely taking lower volumes at a time than formula fed babies so may need to feed more frequently. Babies will also breastfeed for thirst - I don’t wait until a meal time if I’m thirsty so why should my baby?! 🤷🏼♀️
@Jenny of course I get that! but we give our baby plenty of water now too since she’s almost one she drinks as much as she wants from her sippy cup though most of it is used to clean the floors 😂🤦🏽♀️ but again I know it’s not necessary to give water either it’s just what each person decides is right for their child xxx
Babies under 1 don’t really need snacks. But some snack ideas that are nutritious are: cucumber sticks, hard boiled egg, Greek yogurt, rice cakes with nut butter, toast with nut butter or chia jam, strips of cooked chicken, pancake bites, homemade muffins (both mine love the banana, spinach and sweetcorn ones in the wean in 15 book), eggy bread etc