To celebrate the launch of our Breakfast Club Collection, we invited Boob To Food to share their top tips for smooth, successful toddler breakfasts.
Hands up if you've faced the hangry toddler morning struggle! Breakfast is ready, but your little one wants absolutely nothing to do with it. Sound familiar? We've all been there, trying to juggle a million things before 8am, and the last thing you need is a mealtime standoff. But don't worry, you're not alone.
Why Won't My Toddler Eat Breakfast?
One of the most common questions parents ask is, "Why won't my toddler eat breakfast?"" Often, the answer lies in their milk intake. If your toddler is still having a bottle or breastfeeding first thing in the morning, they may simply not be hungry for solid food yet. Morning weaning - whether from breastfeeding or a bottle - can help their appetite adjust to eating breakfast. If you suspect this could be the reason, consider gradually shifting their milk feed to after breakfast or offering it in a cup alongside their meal instead (for little ones over 12 months).
Tips for a Smoother Breakfast Routine
Create a Breakfast Routine
Offer breakfast at the same time each morning to set clear expectations and help your toddler's body clock align with mealtime.
Get Them Involved
Let your toddler help with tasks like pouring batter, cracking eggs, or spreading toppings. This gets them excited about their meal.
Don't Sit Them Down Too Early
Wait until everything is ready before putting your toddler in their seat. Once they're seated, the countdown begins, so let them move around before mealtime. Use a cue like a timer, song, or hand-washing routine to signal that food is coming.
Make Breakfast Appealing
Try these Wake Up Muffins high in fiber and protein, they're perfect for busy mornings and lunchboxes!
Lead by Example
Sit down and enjoy breakfast with your toddler. Seeing you eat will encourage them to follow your lead.
Offer Variety
Switch things up with leftovers, eggs, or a homemade muffin. Keep breakfast fresh and exciting.
Make Mealtimes Fun
Relaxed mealtimes create positive experiences. For more tips on family meals, check out our Tips for Family Meals.
Eat at the Table, Not in Front of the TV
Mealtimes are for connection. Eat at the table without screens to promote focus and togetherness.
Talk About the Foods You're Eating
Describe the food in fun, sensory ways to make breakfast more engaging. For example, "These eggs are so soft and fluffy!" or "These muffins are so warm and crumbly!" You can also ask, "Do you think this muffin is sweet or savory?" Talking about textures, tastes, and colors helps your toddler learn about food without feeling pressured.
For more toddler feeding tips and nourishing recipes, visit Boob to Food.
About Boob to Food
Boob to Food began as a humble side project, documenting founder Luka McCabe's journey introducing solids to her daughter, Florence, while working as a Registered Midwife and Nurse. Today, it has grown into a dynamic team of passionate and knowledgeable women dedicated to guiding families through starting solids and beyond.
Boob to Food's collaborative team combines expertise in dietetics, naturopathy, nutrition, speech pathology, occupational therapy, and maternal and infant health to provide practical, evidence-based support for families.
With a focus on whole foods and meaningful mealtime experiences, Boob to Food goes beyond nutrition, advocating for the emotional and social connections that food fosters. By creating positive feeding experiences from infancy through toddlerhood and beyond, it empowers parents with the knowledge and confidence to nourish their children and themselves, holistically.
About the Author, Luka McCabe
Luka McCabe is a former midwife, nutrition consultant, and mother of three who is passionate about helping families navigate the transition to solids with confidence. What started as a personal documentation of her daughter's food journey has grown into Boob to Food - a trusted resource for parents seeking holistic, evidence-based guidance on infant and toddler nutrition. Luka's approach goes beyond simply feeding; she advocates for whole foods, positive mealtime experiences, and family nourishment in every sense. Through her books, courses, and social platforms, Luka continues to support and inspire parents to foster a love for food and connection at every stage of their child's development.