Daycare lunches

jtmomma13 · August 2014

So LO is almost 1 and is having a bit of a set back in eating- I feel like we eat the same exact things every day. He's having a texture issue- so I keep retrying and retrying things like eggs and meat. He is pretty bored with purees and will only eat a few bites before pushing my hands away and he's pretty good at eating by himself so I'd like to get away from purees anyway.

But I am struggling with lunchtime meals for daycare because I don't know if he's going to refuse what I pack. Last week he would eat a chicken nugget, this week he won't etc etc.

So anyway, I am just curious on what other mom's are packing for lunches. I am also trying to drop his second morning bottle so I am thinking I need to add in a mid morning snack.

jtmomma13 · August 2014

Thanks ladies! It's so hard- I feel like all he eats is whole grain pasta, peas, fruit and cheese (string cheese, grilled cheese) and I think he'd eat yogurt and toast all the time if I let him.

I keep looking at sites like weelicous and onehandedcooks but he doesn't seem to like anything I make off those site- like the turkey meatballs.

@CTGirl30 what are these spinach bites that you speak of? LO does like spinach- I just never feel like pureeing it. I think I will also try sweet potato fries from like Trader Joes- we've tried making our own but he refuses them...even though he loves sweet potato.

@acmedairyprincess- good point. I always feel like his diet is very bland and just the same things over and over but if he is liking it and it's healthy then I shouldn't worry. As he hits one and we are getting ready to stop formula soon, I just get so nervous that he isn't eating enough good foods!

jtmomma13 · August 2014

@tricia560 I just bought some ravioli so maybe I will try those tonight. He refused ones with wild mushroom the other day but maybe I can get him to eat ones with the meat basically pureed. Also, does your LO eat scrambled eggs? Mine will put them in his mouth and spit them out. He ate a few bites the other day but then continued to spit them out. I am wondering if maybe the texture of the hard boiled will be better....and do you do the yolk and the egg white part? I've been scrambling whole eggs so I am not nervous about an egg white allergy.

momofcatan · August 2014

I can relate a lot. DD (14 months) is pretty picky these days. Her lunch is usually 3 parts: a main and 2 veggie/fruit sides. If 1 out of three is something that I worry she won't eat and the other 2 will be favorites.

My (almost) guaranteed foods are: cream cheese sandwich, corn, peas, sweet potato (cut up into small cubes with a little olive oil and baked), tomato, or any fruit.

I have a very hard time coming up with a main since she refuses to eat cheese (unless its on pizza), eggs, or most meat. She loves peanut butter but we can't send that to DC.

Ditto about eating things for DC but not at home. Yesterday DC got her her eat chick peas but she never eats them at home, so don't hesitate to send something new to DC.

momofcatan · August 2014

@tricia560 I must admit she comes by it legitimately. Pizza is the only way I will eat melted cheese, but I'll snack on plain cheese while she refuses.

My DD will eat green beans only because we can make it a game of her learning how to take bites with her front teeth (holding on with her hand while pulling her head back coordination).Once she's bored of that game she stops eating the beans.

ccam · August 2014

Great suggestions above. I just want to add that DS seems to eat so much better at DC - I don't know if its the fact that all the other kids are "doing it" or what. But I tend to send the best meal to DC for lunch, load it up with veggies and good proteins because he usually eats it all. I feel like at home he puts up a fight because he knows there are lots of other options available and DH is usually quick to give in.

jtmomma13 · August 2014

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone! LO totally eats better at daycare too. I think his morning bottle and breakfast might be too close together now which is why we might be having a hard time with the morning.

jtmomma13 · August 2014

@CTGirl30 I am going to look for those this weekend! Thank you! And I keep thinking I should try the cheese in the scrambled eggs. He does love cheese!

heatherwhite1984 · August 2014

You could also ask the DC provider what other children are eating and if your LO is trying to get to what they are eating, if so pack some of that food. Also, on Pinterest, there is an idea where you fill ice cube trays with smaller portions but allows for more of a variety. Also, at snack time, can they offer LO the same food options if LO did not finish at lunch?

lexusolsen · August 2014

What about quinoa spinach patties? We like these ones. https://yummysupper.blogspot.com/2012/09/quinoa-kale-patties.html?m=1 maybe make them smaller? What about turkey meatballs with shredded zucchini in it?

Want a personalized experience?

Daycare lunches

Re: Daycare lunches

Choose Another Board

Search Boards