What My Toddler Eats In A Day (2.5 years old)

Feeding a toddler can feel unpredictable! Some days they have endless appetites, and other days they barely nibble. Over time, I’ve learned to focus on balance, variety, and meals that can be prepared without too much stress. In this post, I’m sharing what my toddler ate in one day, along with simple recipes and ideas you can try at home. My goal is to give you inspiration for meals that are nutritious, easy to prepare, and actually toddler-approved!

Breakfast: Apple Steel Cut Oats with Scrambled Eggs

Oats are one of my favorite breakfast staples for toddlers because they’re hearty, customizable, and filling. Lately, my toddler has been loving steel cut oats. The texture is chewier than rolled oats and keeps her full for longer. This morning, I cooked the oats with diced apples and cinnamon, then topped them with sunflower seed butter and shredded coconut. On the side, I added scrambled eggs for extra protein!

Ingredients:

• ½ cup steel cut oats
• 1 ½ cups water or milk
• ½ apple, diced
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp sunflower seed butter
• 1 tsp shredded coconut

Instructions:

1. Cook steel cut oats according to package directions.
2. Stir in diced apple and cinnamon while cooking.
3. Top with sunflower seed butter and shredded coconut before serving.

Serve alongside scrambled eggs for added protein.

Morning Snack: Sweet Potato Cheese Waffles and Milk

I originally made these sweet potato cheese waffles for my 7-month-old as part of her solids journey, but as soon as my toddler saw them, she wanted some too. They turned out to be a hit—soft, savory, and nutrient-dense. She ate several pieces along with a small cup of milk.

Sweet Potato Cheese Waffles Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mashed cooked sweet potato
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup flour (whole wheat or all-purpose)
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Mix mashed sweet potato, cheese, flour, and egg in a bowl until smooth.
2. Scoop batter into a preheated waffle maker.
3. Cook until golden and fully set.
4. Slice into toddler-friendly pieces.

These waffles also freeze well. Just pop them in the toaster for a quick snack!

Lunch: Tofu and Veggie Fried Rice

Fried rice is one of my go-to meals for toddlers because it’s quick, balanced, and uses up leftovers from the fridge. This version included extra firm tofu for protein, carrots for sweetness and crunch, spinach for greens, and scrambled eggs for added richness. A touch of sesame oil and light soy sauce brings it all together.

Tofu and Veggie Fried Rice Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked rice (preferably day-old)
• ½ block firm tofu, cubed
• 1 egg, scrambled
• ½ cup diced carrots
• 1 handful spinach, chopped
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium)
• 1 tsp sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a pan and cook tofu until golden.
2. Push tofu to the side, scramble the egg in the same pan.
3. Add carrots and spinach, sauté until softened.
4. Stir in cooked rice and soy sauce. Mix everything together and serve warm.

Afternoon Snack: Muffin, Fruit, and Crackers

Snack plates are always a favorite in our house because they give variety in small portions. On this day, I served a mini blueberry muffin, fresh strawberries, and cheese crackers. Later in the afternoon, I offered a few sweet potato crackers when she asked for more.

👉 Here is my Blueberry Muffin Recipe!

Snack plates are also a great way to add color and texture to encourage toddlers to try new foods without pressure.

Dinner: Noodles with Braised Chicken and Kimbap

Dinner was hearty and family-style: wheat noodles topped with braised chicken, potatoes, and carrots in a light broth, plus a side of kimbap. This meal is comforting and balanced with protein, carbs, and vegetables, while also being flavorful enough for the whole family to enjoy.

👉 Here is my Braised Chicken Recipe!

What I love about meals like this is that they’re cooked mostly in one pot, which makes cleanup easier and flavors more rich.

Final Thoughts

No two days look exactly the same, but keeping a mix of whole grains, proteins, fruits, and vegetables on my toddler’s plate helps me feel confident she’s getting what she needs. Meals like oats, savory waffles, fried rice, and simple noodle dishes have become staples in our home because they’re flexible and toddler-approved.

If you’re in need of realistic toddler meal inspiration, I hope this look into what my toddler eats in a day gives you new ideas to try with your little one!