Ten Toddler Breakfast Ideas to inspire your busy mornings! Mix and match these kid favorites below with milk for a great start to the day.

As the mother of a toddler and, most recently, a 3-week-old infant, breakfast is without question The Most Important Meal of the Day.

For all of us.

Breakfast time is the only time that is certain: I know where we will be and when, and now I know what we will eat. If lunch is sometimes a question mark, if dinner is an unknown, breakfast is my rock.

I cannot predict what my toddler will eat (or not eat) the rest of the day, but I know I can get him to eat a solid breakfast. Mix and match these 10 Toddler Breakfast Ideas to guarantee a nourishing start to your child’s day. And a bit of sanity to yours.

TODDLER MEAL IDEAS

Some foods shown below have to be prepared separately, while others are as simple as peeling and banana and slicing it up. Whenever possible, I have provided links to recipes when items could be homemade (or you may substitute a store-bought version).

While you may not have all of these components on hand at all times, I hope you are able to find some inspiration here to help answer that eternal question: What the heck am I going to feed my toddler today???

TODDLER BREAKFAST IDEA #1: TURKEY SAUSAGE, CLEMENTINE SLICES, TOASTED OAT CEREAL, AND MILK

Turkey sausage is one of the rare poultry options that I like as much as the full-fat version (turkey pepperoni is another favorite). I added clementine slices (or substitute mandarin oranges) for sweetness and some toasted oat cereal. If your child is coordinated enough, pour the milk into the bowl to enjoy the cereal the traditional way! Running behind? Toss the cereal into a bag and take it on the road for a quick snack.

TODDLER BREAKFAST IDEA #2: PANCAKES WITH MAPLE SYRUP, CHOPPED STRAWBERRIES, AND MILK

If you cannot find the energy to mix up a batch of pancakes from scratch in the morning (and if you’re reading this post, you probably have a toddler, and therefore you definitely DON’T have the energy), give yourself a head start with a Healthy Homemade Pancake Mix. Top with butter and pure maple syrup and serve with a side of fresh strawberries and a glass of milk for an easy, toddler-pleasing morning.

In my house, pancakes = fewer tantrums.

TODDLER BREAKFAST IDEA #3: SCRAMBLED EGG WITH CHEESE, GRAPE TOMATO HALVES, ENGLISH MUFFIN WITH JAM, AND MILK

Everything is better with cheese (says the girl from America’s Dairyland) and your toddler thinks so, too. Even a tiny sprinkle of shredded cheese might be all it takes to convince your toddler that eggs are a good idea in the morning (my recipe for Simple Scrambled Eggs is below). As for the grape tomato halves… my toddler loves these. Yours might not. That’s okay. Serve with a small piece of toasted English muffin and strawberry jam and – you guessed it – a glass of milk.

TODDLER BREAKFAST IDEA #4: CRACKERS WITH COTTAGE CHEESE AND A MILK & BERRY SMOOTHIE

This is a favorite snack in my house but it doubles as a quick breakfast idea, too. Blend some 1/2 banana and 4 fresh or frozen strawberries into 6 ounces of milk for a sweet and satisfying toddler-sized smoothie. Then call it dessert!

TODDLER BREAKFAST IDEA #5: WHOLE WHEAT TOAST WITH PEANUT BUTTER, BANANA SLICES, AND MILK

Peanut butter toast with bananas on top is an obvious breakfast idea for anyone – except a toddler. The banana slices must be on the side – always on the side! No questions asked! If you start your child off eating wheat toast from the beginning, they won’t even want squishy white bread as they grow up. Hey, it worked for me when my mom did it! Don’t forget the milk to wash down all that peanut butter.

TODDLER BREAKFAST IDEA #6: TURKEY BACON, A MINI PUMPKIN MUFFIN (WITH ADDED CHIA SEEDS), APPLESAUCE, AND MILK

I find that turkey bacon often tastes a look like a ham slice. Which is definitely a good thing! The pumpkin muffins can be made on a weekend for an easy breakfast or snacking idea all week long. I added 1 Tablespoon of chia seeds to my recipe. It doesn’t sound like much, but with chia seeds, a little goes a long way! Applesauce and milk on the side complete this breakfast of champions.

TODDLER BREAKFAST IDEA #7: YOGURT WITH GRANOLA, BLUEBERRIES, AND MILK

This is another “assembly” breakfast idea that requires no actual cooking. Keep the components separate at first in case your toddler doesn’t like everything mixed together (mine doesn’t). Either homemade or store-bought granola works here (although you’ll want to make the granola in advance, not in the morning while you are trying to get out the door to preschool). Substitute your child’s favorite berry of choice if blueberries aren’t preferred, and don’t forget the milk!

TODDLER BREAKFAST IDEA #8: APPLE SLICES WITH ALMOND BUTTER, STRING CHEESE, AND MILK

Possibly the easiest breakfast idea yet, and that’s saying something! (None of these are rocket science). I tend to keep almond butter on hand for those fleeting moments when my husband suddenly goes Paleo.  It’s also the easiest thing ever to make at home if you have a food processor or a good blender. Almond butter is surprisingly delicious when you spread it on apple slices (my toddler prefers a cup for dipping). Wash it down with a glass of milk and add a piece of string cheese on the side. Super simple, and it also makes a great snack idea!

TODDLER BREAKFAST IDEA #9: MINI BAGEL WITH CREAM CHEESE, GRAPES, AND MILK

Obviously regular bagels work just as well here, you may just end up using half a bagel instead of the whole thing. Depending on the size of your toddler’s tummy. Spread the bagel with thick petals of cream cheese and serve with grapes (halved lengthwise if necessary) and a glass of milk on the side.

TODDLER BREAKFAST IDEA #10: BREAKFAST SANDWICH (CANADIAN BACK AND CHEESE), CANTALOUPE, AND MILK

The breakfast sandwiches can be customized based on what you like (click here for a make-ahead freezer option using deli ham, cheddar cheese, and eggs). My son is a melon fanatic, so cantaloupe (or honey dew, or watermelon) was an obvious pairing for me. A foamy glass of milk on the side completes this fun and nutritious breakfast idea!

As you choose foods for your toddler, for breakfast and the rest of the day, consider involving them in the process so they start to understand how to compose a plate at mealtime.