Planning and preparing delicious and healthy travel snacks for babies to enjoy while en route or at your destination is the answer to eating healthy while traveling with kids! Healthy eating while traveling can be a challenge, especially when a baby or toddler is along for the adventure, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little planning beforehand you can be well-prepared while on the road, airplane, and doing all the things!
Here is a list of 14 travel snacks for babies to have on hand while on-the-go that you can share with your little one (or not!) that are nutritionist approved. Whole foods are always a great choice—especially for the kiddos. They will help little bellies stay full longer, provide energy, and give little bodies the nutrients they need to thrive! With that said, there are some prepared foods on this list that are super convenient but also healthy!
1. String Cheese
String cheese is always a good travel snack for babies, unless you cannot tolerate dairy. If that is the case, move to the third option. One serving provides 10-20% of the daily recommended calcium for children. Want a pig-in-the-blanket snack? Wrap a turkey or ham slice around a stick of string cheese. For a good clean brand, click here.
Pro tip: always aim for organic cheese and nitrate-free deli meat. Keep in mind that nitrates can also be labeled as celery extract, celery powder, or cultured celery powder on the ingredients label.
2. Yogurt
Container yogurts are a bit messy for travel, but when packaged in baby pouches, this probiotic rich food is great for when you are on-the-go! Babies and toddlers can easily manage this delicious travel snack on their own which gives parents a few peaceful moments. Yogurt can supply a mix of healthy fat, fiber, and protein which will help little ones get full and stay full longer! Just pay attention to the label as yogurt can be high in sugar. Stonyfield is a reputable brand to look for and is available in most grocery stores.
3. Apples
Full of fiber, antioxidants, nutrients, and water, apples are a great travel snack for babies to enjoy alone or pair with any of the above snacks. Apples also contain prebiotics which provide healthy gut bacteria and decrease the population of harmful bacteria. This is why keeping it real and full of whole foods is so important.
If your child prefers apple slices over the whole fruit, cut it into desired slice size and coat with a bit of lemon juice to keep them from oxidizing and turning brown.
4. Other Fruits
Knowing that kiddos should eat as many fruits and vegetables in a day as possible, this one shouldn’t surprise you! Besides apples listed above, grapes, bananas, oranges, pre-cut watermelon, mango, etc. are all great options. The list is endless, so don’t forget to grab your favorite fruits and pack them in your bag for a quick and easy travel snack. There are also many 100% fruit squeeze pouches for easy packing. Full of fiber, nutrients, water, and prebiotics, you can’t go wrong!
5. Nutrition Bars
If you are low on time and need to grab an easy travel snack for babies, for the road, bars are a perfect option. Not only are there a plethora of options, these bars are yummy, full of fiber, protein, and easy to find with whole, clean and organic ingredients! The fiber and protein they typically contain help little ones stay full longer, and the healthy fat typically comes from nuts!
You can find bars in most local grocery stores, on Amazon, or at most gas stations and airports when you’re on the go. Steer clear of the ones loaded with added sugars!
6. Nuts
Since nuts have a high fat content, they are a good source of energy. This tasty snack can be easily packed in a baggie and carried in your bag for easy access. Nuts are a great substitute for any processed, bread, dessert or sugary snack. Pair this with a piece of fruit, and you have a travel snack full of fiber, healthy fat, protein, prebiotics and nutrients. For traveling, walnuts, pistachios, almonds and cashews are great options.
7. Peanut Butter Sandwich
Did you know that combining peanut butter and bread makes a complete protein? Yep, you get all 9 essential amino acids and the healthy fat in the peanut butter slows down digestion! It’s a win win! Sandwiches are also easy travel snacks to prepare ahead of time and simple enough to eat on-the-go.
Pair peanut butter with berries, all fruit jam or sliced bananas in the middle for some sweetness as well. Try Dave’s Killer Bread! There are many varieties and if you haven’t tried it yet, we can officially say you are missing out!
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8. Raisins
Consumption of raisins for babies can prove to be very good for baby’s health. The health benefits of these tiny delights, often referred to as “nature’s candy” are numerous.
This high fiber travel snack for babies is one of the easiest to pack when on the go. Raisins can help relieve constipation as they swell up once ingested and also help clear the digestive tract. They are high in calories, glucose and fructose, which help little ones gain weight. This may or may not be a good thing depending on your child.
Keep in mind that since raisins are small in size, there’s a risk of baby choking on them. Incorporating raisins into the baby’s diet in other forms can work well. With a little bit of precaution, giving this food item to babies is not only safe but beneficial for their growth.
9. Hummus
Did you know that eating hummus can improve immune function? Hummus comes (and can be made) in many different flavors and makes for a yummy travel snack for babies and toddlers. Hummus is traditionally made with olive oil, chickpeas and sesame paste called tahini. This dip or table spread is abundant in essential minerals like phosphorus, potassium, zinc, iron calcium and magnesium. It’s also rich in Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6 and folate. Being rich in protein and high in fiber makes it helps kids feel satiated for longer. Additionally, its essential fatty acids work to reduce cholesterol levels.
Pair hummus with pita or fresh vegetables for a tasty and healthy travel snack for babies.
10. Carrots
It doesn’t get much easier than carrot sticks for travel snacks. They have high nutritional value and many health benefits, making it an integral part of any baby’s diet. Carrots contain beta-carotene, a type of vitamin A which is beneficial to vision and maintaining eye health. Carrots are low in calories and high in fiber and travel well. Foods rich in fiber tend to loosen up the stool, promote bowel movement and prevent constipation in babies.
11. Avocados
Avocados can simply be cut in half, sprinkled with a little salt, and eaten with a spoon making them a great travel snack for babies. Avocados are considered to be high-fat plant food. This is because avocados have a healthy fatty acid that is considered to be good for the mental and physical growth of a child. Avocado is also good for the stomach and aids in digestion.
Avocados contain beta-carotene, which helps produce vitamin A in the body which boosts skin and hair health.They are not only rich in antioxidants but also help with the absorption of antioxidants from other vegetables and fruits. Antioxidants boost immunity and help prevent diseases. Since avocados have high antioxidant content, they can help improve eye health and lower the risk of eye diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration later in life.
12. Hard Boiled Eggs
Eggs support eye health and proper brain development, and they’re rich in protein, healthy fats, and a host of other nutrients. Hard-boiled eggs, peeled and packed in a lunch box to go are great travel snacks.
They contain so many important vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, that they are considered a superfood. The yolk contains 90% of the nutrients found in eggs so don’t just eat the whites! Note that eggs are among the eight most common allergy-causing foods for children. Most children outgrow the allergy, but it’s important to watch for symptoms, which can include hives, nasal congestion, digestive issues, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
If you haven’t given your child eggs before traveling, it might not be a good time to introduce a new food.
13. Broccoli
Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse full of vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. Plus, they look like cute little trees and make great snacks for babies! Broccoli can be eaten cooked or raw. Different cooking methods may affect the vegetable’s nutrient composition, but broccoli is a healthy addition to your diet either way.
These little trees are fun and simple snacks for babies to hold and eat by themselves. Broccoli is easy to pack in a lunch box or diaper bag while on the go, and you can rest assured that your child will be eating a healthy, yummy travel snack.
14. Water
While not exactly considered a snack, another item that is a MUST while traveling is water…for you and your kiddos! Having a hydroflask or reusable water bottle handy is essential to stay hydrated which will help eliminate toxins you may pick up while traveling. Hydrating also keeps your cravings at bay and will give you the energy you need to stay on top of your little ones and be able to enjoy your time as well
With a little planning and preparing you are able to include travel snacks for babies that will give them energy and help them feel satisfied while on-the-go.
In the midst of motherhood, Alexxis found passion in the nutrition aspect of pregnancy, breastfeeding, and postpartum health. She set out a goal to help new mothers take care of themselves during pregnancy and postpartum.
Alexxis has been in the health and wellness industry for over 10 years with previous experience in nutrition counseling for weight management, eating disorders, diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune diseases and more.
Alexxis’ career direction was influenced by her past struggles with food, weight and body image. She understands the pain of having a poor relationship with food. Having overcome her health struggles, Alexxis is passionate about helping others do the same.
Alexxis is passionate about helping families thrive by eating whole foods and balancing their busy schedules. Interested in learning more about her services? Check out her website!
I truly appreciate this blog article.Much thanks again. Really Cool.
I make little cheese and grape skewers on toothpicks and my kids think they are the best thing ever!!
Snacks are the hardest when you’re on your way home from vacation. I always go to starbucks in the airport and get some organic snacks, chips and guac for the ride home.
Nice article, I have experienced nearly the same things!
Such useful Post!
Awesome post, thanks for the useful snack information.
I really appreciate this post. I have been looking all over for this! You’ve made my day! Thanks again.
We like to visit Walmart instead of the drive thru when traveling. Not only do we get healthier options, but we also kill 2 birds with one stone by giving my son a chance to take a break from the car and stretch his legs. I’ll definitely keep these options in mind next time we hit the road!
I’m a traveler. I like travelling with my family and this blog helped me a lot with what necessary foods i’l bring in the plane and upon traveling. Next month we will travel again. My friends recommend to bring with me bentilia because it’s easy to cook and it has a variety of pasta, nutritious for the children and of course suist to children’s taste buds.
My child loves eating apples or sliced sweet peppers on the go.
Well We have no plans to travel anywhere this summer..Not yet anyway! But we will consider these snacks for kids. My son will love it.