My 14-mo old son is going to a mom's morning out program twice a week. They have asked that we bring finger food lunches that do not require refrigeration or heating. We were sending a toasted waffle and fruit cup or cereal bar, but lately, he is turning up his nose at that. He loves bread, but I am having a hard time thinking of spreads to put on a sandwich (no peanut products allowed). He does not like any type of baby food and isn't crazy about lunch meats as they can be a little difficult for him to chew still. He has a BIG appetite, though. Does anyone have any ideas of things I can take? I almost forgot to mention that he is allergic to egg when it comes in contact with his skin, but he can eat foods that contain egg like custard, waffles, etc. Thanks so much!
We have a similar situation, in that my son's kindergarten lacks a refrigerator for children's lunches. What I do, that works well, is I use an insulated lunchbox and put in a small bottle of frozen water each day (keeps everything cool). He brings back the lunchbox with (melted) water bottle everyday and I just refreeze it for the next day. Easy, low tech and keeps those spoilable foods safe!
Best wishes,
G.
Does he like hummus? Also, try pimiento cheese (probably the not-quite-so-spicy kind) on a sandwich or maybe a bean and cheese burrito. I don't think kids care too much if their food is hot or cold. If no peanuts are allowed, try one of the other nut or seed butters like almond or sunflower. My kids love almond butter and honey sandwiches (so do I). Cream cheese stays good for a long time, and you can mix in almost anything with it, like chives or chopped cucumbers or shredded carrots. Whole Foods has a lot of great spreads; I've gotten a lot of ideas from them to make at home.
I have a home daycare, so I'm used to kids eating finger foods. The kids love french fries and dinosaur shaped chicken nuggets. Also I'm not sure how many teeth your son has but corndogs and hotdogs are also good. One of the kids favorite is ViennaSausages, they're kinda like little soft hotdogs that came in a can. Pizza roll or bagels, fish sticks. Any kind of fruit sliced or in pieces; bananas, apples, watermelon, strawberries, oranges, grapes, etc. Cooked or raw vegetables; carrots, celery, broccoli, etc. And for snacks box of raisins, cheese stick or cubes. Crackers: animal, ritz, chez nibs. Fruit snacks, cookies, cereal and fruit bars. Any kind of chips, dried cereal, pop corn. If they will feed him then pudding, apple sauce, jello, fruit cups, yogurt. And if he really loves something that needs to be refrigerated then you should just put a little ice pack that comes in different shapes like a football, baseball, smiley face or character like Spongebob. I think I've said enough, but I hope this helps.
What about egg salad sandwiches? Or something that my son loves is to chop up black olives and mix them with cream cheese, then make mini triangle sandwiches. As long as they aren't sitting out for more than 4 or 5 hours, they won't need to be refrigerated.
Some pudding snacks do not need refrigeration like Hunt's. Also, have you thought of a jam spread for sandwiches? Or he may like hummus, I thought it would be gross, but it's actually really good. Also melted cheese (like grilled cheese). Does he like bananas or other fruits that will keep while he is there? Animal crackers, fig newtons, chewy granola bars, dried apples, apricots, goldfish, cheetos puffs, etc. I could go on and on, but I think you get it. I hope this helps.
I have a kindergartener so this has been a constant search for foods. Here are some that work for us:
-jelly on mini bagel
-bologne and cheese sandwiches (I use cookie cutters to make them more fun to eat)
-crackers, cheese, apple slices
-mac n cheese or spagettios kept warm by a thermos (Target has a great one that comes with a spoon and is bowl shaped)
-dinner rolls with applebutter
-tortilla with cheese slices, ham slices
-hot dog cooked and wrapped in aluminium foil until time to eat (bun separate if at all)
-leftover chicken cut up
That is all my tiny brain can remember now. If you get any other good ones, let me know.
any quick sandwich that doesn't have to be cooked should be fine...or a lunchable (made by oscar mayer I think). It really isn't that ridiculous of a request by the program. There are many children who pack lunches from home who are in school because they can't afford, or don't like, the lunches the schools provide. Packing a little lunch twice a week doesn't sound like such a hard thing to do to me.
My suggestion is go to another morning out program. It trully is a ridicoulous request.
Most importantly, it is not in best intrest of your child's nutritional needs. Due to his allergies you should be given premission to bring special foods!
Best of Luck,
D. L., R.N.
