your toddler game plan for the 4th
to hopefully help feeding your toddler a little easier this holiday
Hey heyyy,
Can you believe it’s July?! This Friday is the 4th where we get all the fireworks, fun, family time and probably a little chaos too. 🙃
Holidays with toddlers bring big energy. The nap schedule gets tossed, the sugar is flowing, and suddenly you’re wondering if crackers + watermelon count as dinner (lol, they do).
But with a little prep, a few no-fail snacks, and some grace—you can head into the 4th feeling calm(ish), confident, and ready for whatever this holiday throws at you! Here are some reminders and tips I thought you might enjoy (and hopefully help)!
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feeding reminders
✨ stick (with flexibility) to routine
keep your usual meals + nap rhythm where you can! toddlers thrive on predictability—even if the day isn’t “normal”
✨ serve familiar + fun foods
holidays are hit or miss with trying new foods, be sure to include safe foods your toddler loves with one new thing with zero pressure
✨ avoid labeling foods as “good” or “bad”
let your toddler enjoy their cookie without hearing “only one” or “that’s too much sugar,” all foods can fit and truly it’s just one day
✨ focus on connection > perfection
if your kiddo eats mostly fruit and crackers, that’s okay!
✨ hydration matters
pack water bottles, smoothie pouches, or watermelon slices to keep everyone refreshed (especially in that summer heat)
if you’re traveling… here’s what to pack
Whether you're headed to grandma’s house or a park picnic, keep things simple and portable:
travel-friendly toddler essentials:
insulated lunch bag or cooler
reusable snack cups or bento box
wet wipes + hand sanitizer
collapsible cup or water bottle
bib with a pocket
favorite spoon or fork
favorite on-the-go products:
Stainless Steel Lunchables or Bentgo for toddler lunch packing
Hydroflask straw cup or Elk & Friends stainless steel cups with lids
GoBe Snack Spinner (toddlers LOVE it)
Tiny Sprouts Brain Boosters to sprinkle into yogurt or snacks
Serenity Kids, Cerebelly, Brainiac pouches (find other snacks HERE)
festive snacks they’ll actually eat
🍓 fruit sparklers
smoothie straw + banana slices + blueberries + watermelon star on top
🧁 mini fruit pizza cookies
try these homemade cookies or use graham crackers or mini pancakes → Greek yogurt → sliced berries
tiff tip: add chia seeds or hemp hearts for a nutrition boost!
🍿 firework snack mix
low-sugar cereal + freeze-dried berries + pretzels
🧊 frozen yogurt bites
greek yogurt + chopped berries spooned into mini muffin liners → frozen
🧀 bento-style “flag plate”
strawberries + white cheddar cubes + whole grain crackers or pita stars, add a dip like hummus or yogurt ranch for fun!
🥒 veggie “firecracker” cups
bell pepper strips + cucumbers + cherry tomatoes in a cup with a ranch or hummus dip
*remember to pair a preferred food with a new/non-preferred food
some festive recipes
frozen yogurt berry ice cream sandwiches

strawberry oatmeal muffins

easy egg crepe

mini fruit cookie pizzas
chia jam oatmeal cookies
Check out more recipes HERE!
& finally…
If your toddler eats a little less, skips a meal, or gets distracted—don’t panic.
One day of unpredictable eating doesn’t undo the work you’re doing. You’re modeling trust, flexibility, and a healthy relationship with food—and that’s what matters most.
So pack your snack bag, take a deep breath, and try to actually enjoy a bite of something delicious this weekend (even if it’s over a toddler meltdown at 8pm lol).
ps — tired of fighting the same food battles or stuck cooking 3 different meals a day?
The next round of Nourished Littles starts soon—and this is your sign to APPLY!
We’ll cover picky eating, veggie refusal, texture challenges, balanced meals, and real-life mealtime strategies that work without pressure or power struggles!
keep your notifications on Friday!
Your weekly meal plan drops—with summer prep ideas, toddler breakfast swaps, and the easiest no-cook lunch ideas!
xo,
tiff
your toddler dietitian bestie
find me here:
instagram: @toddlerdietitiantiff
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website + all recipes: toddlerdietitiantiff.com