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Quick with WIC: 10 Snacks for Toddlers in under 10 minutes, using WIC Foods

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July 3, 2024 Children

Plus icon These snack ideas are not only quick and easy to prepare, but also provide a good balance of nutrients to keep little ones satisfied and energized throughout the day. Plus icon

Fruit Kebab

Plus icon Fruit Kebabs Plus icon

Thread small pieces of WIC-approved fruits (such as grapes, strawberries, pineapple chunks, and melon balls) onto wooden skewers for a colorful and fun snack.

Plus icon Vegetable Sticks with Hummus Plus icon

WIC-approved vegetable sticks (such as carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes) with a side of hummus for dipping.

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Whole Grain Crackers

Plus icon Whole Grain Crackers with Cheese Plus icon

Offer whole grain crackers with slices of WIC-approved cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella) for a satisfying and nutritious snack.

Plus icon Yogurt Parfait Plus icon

Layer WIC-approved yogurt with granola and sliced fruits (such as bananas, berries, or peaches) in a small cup or bowl for a delicious and creamy snack.

Mini Quesadillas
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Plus icon Mini Quesadillas Plus icon

Fill small whole wheat tortillas with shredded WIC-approved cheese and beans, then fold and lightly toast in a skillet for a tasty and protein-packed snack. Serve with salsa.

Homemade Trail Mix

Plus icon Homemade Trail Mix Plus icon

Mix together WIC-approved nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, or peanuts), dried fruits (such as raisins, apricots, or cranberries), and whole grain cereal or pretzel pieces for a crunchy and portable snack.

Apple Sandwiches

Plus icon Apple Sandwiches Plus icon

Slice apples horizontally and remove the core. Spread peanut butter or almond butter on one apple slice and sandwich another slice on top. Optional: add raisins or granola between the slices for extra flavor and crunch.

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Frozen Banana Pops

Plus icon Frozen Banana Pops Plus icon

Insert popsicle sticks into peeled bananas and freeze until firm. Roll the frozen bananas in WIC-approved yogurt, then sprinkle with crushed nuts or granola, and roll with blueberries or diced strawberries. Return to the freezer until the coating is set, then serve as a refreshing treat.

Ants on a Log

Plus icon Ants on a Log Plus icon

Wash celery sticks and cut into halves. Add peanut butter into the pit of each celery stick and spread lengthwise. Push raisins into the peanut butter for the “ants”.

Plus icon Rice Cake Toppings Plus icon

Spread rice cakes with WIC-approved toppings such as mashed avocado, cottage cheese, peanut butter, or almond butter. Top with sliced fruits or vegetables for added flavor, texture, and nutrition.

Side Lying Hold

Side-Lying Hold

  1. For the right breast, lie on your right side with your baby facing you.
  2. Pull your baby close. Your baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple.
  3. In this position, you can cradle your baby’s back with your left arm and support yourself with your right arm and/or pillows.
  4. Keep loose clothing and bedding away from your baby.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

Cross Cradle Hold

Cross-Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, use your left arm to hold your baby’s head at your right breast and baby’s body toward your left side. A pillow across your lap can help support your left arm.
  2. Gently place your left hand behind your baby’s ears and neck, with your thumb and index finger behind each ear and your palm between baby’s shoulder blades. Turn your baby’s body toward yours so your tummies are touching.
  3. Hold your breast as if you are squeezing a sandwich. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  4. As your baby’s mouth opens, push gently with your left palm on baby’s head to help them latch on. Make sure you keep your fingers out of the way.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

Football Hold

Clutch or “Football” Hold

  1. For the right breast, hold your baby level, facing up, at your right side.
  2. Put your baby’s head near your right nipple and support their back and legs under your right arm.
  3. Hold the base of your baby’s head with your right palm. A pillow underneath your right arm can help support your baby’s weight.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Bring baby to you instead.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

Breastfeeding Holds

Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, cradle your baby with your right arm. Your baby will be on their left side across your lap, facing you at nipple level.
  2. Your baby’s head will rest on your right forearm with your baby’s back along your inner arm and palm.
  3. Turn your baby’s tummy toward your tummy. Your left hand is free to support your breast, if needed. Pillows can help support your arm and elbow.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

Breastfeeding Holds

Laid-Back Hold

  1. Lean back on a pillow with your baby’s tummy touching yours and their head at breast level. Some moms find that sitting up nearly straight works well. Others prefer to lean back and lie almost flat.
  2. You can place your baby’s cheek near your breast, or you may want to use one hand to hold your breast near your baby. It’s up to you and what you think feels best.
  3. Your baby will naturally find your nipple, latch, and begin to suckle.

This hold is useful when: