Toddler Smoothies!

Who doesn't love tasty smoothies?! Myla Rae loves them and that's great because smoothies are actually really easy to make, they can be inexpensive, make a great treat for snack time, and can be incredibly nutritious.

 



Smoothies are also perfect if you need breakfast on-the-go, because they are easy to take along with you in a sippy cup and can be filling to little tummies. When we have any early appointments to get to in the morning, I will make her a Breakfast smoothie the night before, put it in her straw sippy cup and refrigerate it, and then in the morning, just grab, shake and go. She can sip it while she's in the stroller or car seat. That keeps her quiet, occupied and contented as well (so no fidgeting and trying to get out of the stroller lol).

You can use a blender or shaker if you have those. If you don't it's still ok, because you can mash ingredients with a fork and then just use a handheld whisk to incorporate it into the smoothie. I love sneaking in as many healthy things into each drink as I can so it's always bursting with nutrients.

Here are 3 Smoothie recipes which I love (and Myla Rae loves too!). You can adjust the amount of each ingredient to suit your toddler's needs and preferences.

Breakfast Smoothie - For Breakfast on the Go!



A breakfast smoothie is wholesome and filling, making it a great way to start the day.

1 ripe banana
150ml of Friso Gold formula milk
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon of baby cereal (oats)

Just add 5 scoops of Friso Gold formula to 150ml warm water. Stir and add the baby cereal and honey. Mash the banana and whisk it into the rest of the ingredients. Leave it in fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving (or if your toddler prefers it, you can serve it straight away as a warm beverage too)

Vege Smoothie - For when your toddler refuses vegetables!



A vegetable smoothie combines naturally sweet fruits with nutrition-rich vegetables.

1 portion of Spinach (finely chopped or blended)
Half of a ripe avocado
1 cup of plain greek yoghurt or vanilla yoghurt (whichever your toddler prefers)
Some coconut water (optional)

Spinach is rich in vitamins and antioxidants. I buy frozen spinach that is already finely chopped up (if you don't have a blender, you should definitely get this kind of spinach). This is the one I usually buy from the supermarket.



Thaw 2 portions of frozen spinach (each portion is frozen about a meatball size) and add it into the yoghurt. Mash the avocado and blend it (or whisk it in). If you find this smoothie to be too thick (especially if using greek yoghurt), you can add a splash of coconut water. Done!

Milk + Fruit Smoothie - For a vitamin packed treat!



A milk+ fruit smoothie is a refreshing and colourful drink for a hot day.

1/2 a Mango or 1 slice Papaya
Some of your toddler's formula milk, breast milk or whole milk

Simply mash the mango or papaya with a fork. Then slowly add milk. I mix Myla's Friso Gold formula with water, I usually make about 60ml, and the stir bit by bit into the mashed fruit and stop when I get the smoothie consistency I want.

Find out more about nutrition for your toddler from the good nutrition articles at the Friso website. They have information on nutritional needs for different age groups, must knows about dietry fibre for your child, and even food safety.