Best Snacks for Traveling With A Toddler

If you have children, you are well aware of meltdowns and tantrums caused by hunger. Children need to snack constantly to refuel as they burn a lot of energy.  No parent wants to be in the crosshairs of a toddler meltdown stemming from lack of food.

Scarlett has done her fair share of traveling in her 3 years of life whether it's on the plane to Grandma's, or long car trips to visit relatives.  It's essential to always have snacks to not only calm her down and keep her happy, but to keep her full in-between meals.  For my baby shower, I received small multi-colored containers for kids that come in different sizes that are perfect for snacking on-the-go.  They get a lot of use and are ideal for throwing in a diaper bag or tote bag.  

1. Crackers

Crackers are truly a godsend.  No matter if they are wheat or cheese flavored, they are always happily accepted and devoured by my child.  Scarlett's favorites are Cheez-It's, Ritz's Mini Peanut Butter Crackers, and Wheat Thins. 

Dried fruit:

Scarlett can eat her weight in fruit if given the opportunity! Her love of grapes, blueberries, and apples knows no bounds.  Some dried fruit packs a ton of sugar so I like to limit it when possible.  I usually only give dried fruit when we're traveling since it's a treat.  Scarlett is partial to banana chips and apple rings.  Raisins and yogurt raisins are also big hits in my household too.  You can even do fruit bars or granola bars with fruit as well. 

Packing perishable snacks: 

I don't have much experience with traveling with perishable items, but I do pack Scarlett's lunch for school with an ice pack.  If you are traveling with a cooler, how about considering cheese sticks and yogurt tubes? As long as they stay properly chilled, your little one will be happy.

Pouches:

When Scarlett was younger, she used to eat the fruit and veggie pouches daily.  While she doesn't eat them anymore, she does enjoy the applesauce pouches.  These pouches are amazing and are far less messy than eating a cup of applesauce with a spoon.  I've seen different brands make them and they come unflavored and flavored.  Scarlett loves the berry applesauce and would eat the entire box in one day if given the opportunity.

Chips:

While I don't generally let Scarlett snack on regular potato chips, she does love veggie chips and Pirate's Booty.  These snacks are not only delicious but are half the fat and calories of normal potato chips.  While she's happily chomping away, I'm happy that it's a win-win snack for both mom and toddler.

I hope this list has given you some insight as to what to pack for your toddler for an upcoming trip.  Happy travels!