10 Best Bedtime Snacks for Kids

It’s evening time and your child is still hungry- even after eating their dinner. You don’t know if you should just send them to bed or find something to quell their appetite. Sound familiar? To help, I’m sharing 10 of the best bedtime snacks for kids and toddlers.

It’s not uncommon for children to feel hungry before bedtime. If you’re wondering whether or not to give your child a bedtime snack, it may be helpful to consider the reasons why they are feeling hungry.

There could be several reasons why your child may feel hungry before bedtime. It could be due to growth spurts, insufficient calorie intake during the day, or simply a lack of routine in their mealtimes. To help avoid hunger pangs before bed, you can consider providing a healthy and balanced bedtime snack as part of their nightly routine. This can also aid in promoting better sleep habits for your child.

Going to bed hungry may disrupt your child’s sleep and make them feel uncomfortable. However, it most likely won’t cause any harm if it happens on an occasional basis. On the other hand, providing a healthy bedtime snack can help them feel satisfied and promote better sleep.

Serve the snack at the table. Eating at a table is not only good for mindful eating, but will reinforce that the bedtime snack is simply to help fill their tummy – not for extra playtime before bed.

Establishing a bedtime routine can be beneficial for kids, as it helps them wind down and prepare for sleep. Some good steps to include in a bedtime routine might be:

• Have a healthy bedtime snack
• Take a warm bath or shower
• Brush teeth
• Read a story

By consistently following a bedtime routine, kids can develop better sleep habits and feel more rested in the morning.

Limit options – refer back to the division of responsibility. Basically, choose from these limited options or go to bed hungry and wait until breakfast.

When choosing a bedtime snack, it’s important to consider the nutritional value of the snack. Opt for healthy options that will promote better sleep habits, such as a banana, a small bowl of whole-grain cereal with milk, or a slice of whole-grain toast with peanut butter. Avoid foods that are high in saturated fat, sodium, or added sugars, as they can disrupt sleep and lead to energy crashes the next day.

Additionally, try to choose snacks that are easy to digest to prevent any discomfort or indigestion during the night. By choosing the right bedtime snack, you can help your child sleep soundly and wake up feeling refreshed.

As a parent, you want to make sure your kids are getting the best nutrition possible – including when it comes time for a bedtime snack. Here are 10 of the best bedtime snacks for kids:

1. Apple slices with peanut butter

2. Greek yogurt with berries

3. Hummus and chopped veggies (carrots, broccoli, celery, cauliflower, etc.)

4. Cheese and whole grain crackers

5. Banana and nut butter wrap

6. Homemade trail mix with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit

7. Cottage cheese with sliced peaches and ground cinnamon

8. Popcorn (plain or lightly salted)

9. Hard-boiled egg

10. Whole grain muffin

These snacks are not only delicious but also provide nutrients to help kids sleep soundly through the night. What other healthy bedtime snacks for kids would you add to the list? Let me know in the comments below!