Description
A wholesome and baby-friendly trail mix featuring a delightful blend of dried fruits, mini whole-grain cereal, puffed grains, and crunchy mini pretzels. This no-cook, easy-to-prepare snack is perfect for toddlers and young children, offering a variety of textures and natural sweetness without added sugars or salt.
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)
Cereal 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
Other
- 1/4 cup mini pretzels (unsalted)
- 1/4 cup small, unsalted nuts (optional, finely chopped if used for babies under 4 years old)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the dried fruit (apples and apricots) into small, bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are soft and easy for little ones to chew.
- Chop Nuts (if using): Finely chop the nuts into small pieces to avoid any choking hazard, especially important for babies under 4 years old.
- Check Safety: Ensure all ingredients are small, soft, and safe for babies or toddlers, eliminating any large pieces that could be a choking hazard.
- Mix the Trail Mix: In a large bowl, combine the dried fruits, mini whole-grain cereal, puffed rice or quinoa, raisins or dried cranberries, mini pretzels, and freeze-dried fruit.
- Combine Gently: Gently stir all ingredients together to evenly distribute flavors and textures without crushing delicate components.
- Serve or Store: Serve immediately as a nutritious snack or store in an airtight container for up to one week, making it convenient for on-the-go munching or packed meals.
Notes
- Always ensure that dried fruits and nuts are cut into appropriately small sizes to prevent choking hazards in young children.
- Omit nuts entirely for babies under one year to avoid allergy risks and choking concerns.
- Store the trail mix in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption.
- Freeze-dried fruits add a pleasant crunch without added sugars, making the mix more appealing to little ones.
- Mini pretzels should be unsalted to keep sodium levels baby-appropriate.
