Description
This Baby Trail Mix is a wholesome, no-cook snack perfect for toddlers and young children. It combines soft, chopped dried fruits, baby-friendly cereals, puffed grains, unsalted nuts, mini pretzels, and freeze-dried fruits to provide a nutritious and convenient on-the-go treat that’s easy to prepare and safe for little ones to eat.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits
- 1/2 cup unsweetened dried apples, chopped into small pieces
- 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped into small pieces
- 1/4 cup unsweetened raisins or dried cranberries (check for no added sugar)
- 1/4 cup freeze-dried fruit (such as strawberries or blueberries)
Cereals and Grains
- 1/4 cup mini whole-grain cereal (like Cheerios or a baby-friendly cereal)
- 1/4 cup small puffed rice or puffed quinoa
Others
- 1/4 cup small, unsalted nuts (optional, finely chopped for babies under 4 years old)
- 1/4 cup mini pretzels (unsalted)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the dried apples and apricots into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure they are soft and easy for babies to chew safely.
- Chop Nuts if Using: If including nuts, finely chop them into very small pieces to eliminate any choking hazards for toddlers under 4 years old.
- Check Size and Safety: Double-check that all ingredients are appropriately sized for babies and toddlers, avoiding any large chunks that could cause choking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add all chopped dried fruits, mini whole-grain cereal, puffed rice or quinoa, raisins or dried cranberries, mini pretzels, freeze-dried fruit, and optional nuts.
- Mix Thoroughly: Gently stir all the ingredients together until well combined. Since this is a no-cook recipe, ensure even distribution of all components for balanced flavor and texture.
- Serve or Store: Serve the trail mix immediately as a healthy snack or pack it for on-the-go occasions. Alternatively, store it in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Ensure all dried fruits are unsweetened and soft to avoid unnecessary added sugars and ease chewing.
- Finely chop nuts to prevent choking hazards; avoid nuts entirely if not suitable for your child’s age.
- Store trail mix in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy.
- This trail mix is ideal for toddlers over 12 months but always supervise young children while eating.
- Mini pretzels should be unsalted to keep sodium content low and baby-friendly.
