Lunch Ideas for 18 Month Olds - Toddler Meal Ideas

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Quick and easy lunch ideas for 18 month old toddlers. A real mom’s lunch ideas based on what my kids have been eating.

The lunch time hustle. It happens everyday and no matter how much I plan and prepare it almost always ends in a hangry kid having a meltdown. Although meltdowns are inevitable sometimes, having inspiration and a plan is key to getting lunch on the table quickly!

Here are some lunch ideas for 18 month old toddlers (really 1-2 year olds) based on what my kids have eaten around this age. I am a mom of two toddlers with one more on the way so I totally get how crazy lunch time can be, but hopefully these meal ideas can help just a little!

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Toddler Feeding Supplies

Having the right tools can make feeding your toddler just a little bit easier! These are in no way necessary, but here are some of my favorites:

EZPZ Mini Play Mat – a fun suction divided plate that is shaped like a flower! This is a great option for snack or snack style lunches. My kids always eat so much better when I serve food on this fun plate. Plus, EZPZ uses 100% silicone which is non-toxic and dishwasher safe!

Take 25% Off Orders $75+ at EZPZ with Code EZPZ25LOVE

Elk & Friends Glass Toddler Cups – these are our new favorite straw cups and I love that they don’t include any plastic. They are made of glass (they are thick and we haven’t had one break yet!) and include a silicone straw and glass sleeve.

Pillowfort Kids Plates – these are our go-to plates that we use at almost every meal! They have held up through multiple years and kids and can go in the dishwasher. Plus they are super affordable!

18 Month Toddler Lunch Ideas

Toddler Lunch #1: Lunch Meat Snack Plate

A snack plate with the main course as diced up turkey. Sides of banana, mixed peas and carrots, grapes (halve or quarter under 4 years old or so), whole milk string cheese (half again for babies and young toddlers), and cereal.

Divided plate used: EZPZ Mini Play Mat

Lunch Ideas for 18 Month #2: Veggie Egg Muffin

We love Veggies Made Great for a quick and easy meal idea (they come in the freezer section). Here we had a spinach & egg frittata snack plate with whole milk string cheese, cheese itz, peas, raisins, and strawberries.

Divided plate used: EZPZ Mini Play Mat

Toddler Lunch #3: Quesadilla strips

If a quesadilla is too much for your toddler, try cutting it into strips so its easier to eat (this is also great for babies and baby-led weaning). Side of sour cream or plain greek yogurt for dipping, mandarin orange, and avocado for healthy fat.

18 Month Old Meal Idea #4: Mac & Peas

An easy way to add some nutrients to a toddler favorite – mac & cheese – is to add in some frozen veggies. Peas, carrots, broccoli, spinach, or riced cauliflower are great ideas! Side of sliced olives and diced strawberries.

Easy Toddler Meal #5: Baked Beans Snack Plate

Baked beans are one of my kids’ favorites and are so quick, easy, and nutritious (a good serving of protein and fiber). Sides of cucumbers with cream cheese and EBB seasoning, cooked carrots, pretzel crisps, and raspberries.

Divided plate used: EZPZ Mini Play Mat

Lunch Ideas for 18 Month Old #6: Broccoli Littles

Another great easy freezer food lunch idea for babies and toddlers is Dr Praeger’s Broccoli Littles. Sides of cooked carrots and mini cucumber with hummus for dipping and diced strawberries.

Easy Toddler Lunch Idea #7: Cheese & Crackers

Cheese and crackers or add lunch meat to make a homemade “lunchable”. Sides of sliced bell pepper with cream cheese and EBB seasoning for dipping, plums, and blueberries (squish or halve if blueberries are firm for babies and young toddlers).

Toddler Lunch Idea #8: Avocado Toast

Whole wheat toast with smushed avocado spread on top and then cut into strips for easy biting and chewing. Side of banana slices (try mixing it up and cutting bananas in different ways to make them a little more interesting).

Toddler meal idea showing avocado toast.

Easy 18 Month Lunch Idea #9: Black Beans & Corn

Black beans and corn as the main course served with sides of sliced banana and turkey lunch meat roll ups.

Toddler lunch idea black beans and corn.

Lunch Ideas for 18 Month Olds #10: Ranch Pasta Salad

Cook pasta and then stir in ranch, diced chicken, cheese and olives (but really anything goes!). Sides of thinly sliced baby carrots with hummus for dipping and diced strawberries.

Toddler Lunch Idea #11: Cauliflower Tots

Cauliflower tots served in a snack plate with ketchup for dipping, diced turkey lunch meat, cooked baby carrots, grapes (halve or quarter for toddlers under 4 or so), and banana chips.

Divided plate used: EZPZ Mini Play Mat

Toddler Lunch #12: Breakfast Quesadilla

Make an egg and veggie scramble with your toddler’s favorites (we normally do bell pepper and spinach), and then place some inside of a small tortilla and make into a quesadilla or small taco. Side of diced cooked sweet potato and avocado.

Toddler Lunch Idea #13: Sweet Potato Mac & Cheese

Instead of using normal noodles, try serving mac & cheese with sweet potato rotini instead! I like to melt a little cream cheese as the sauce. Sides of peas and watermelon.

18 Month Old Meal Idea #14: Pinto Beans with Cheese

Heat up pinto beans and stir in a little cheese for a quick and easy lunch with protein and fiber. Side of sliced cucumber, avocado, and thawed frozen wild blueberries.

Toddler lunch idea with pinto beans and cheese

Lunch Ideas for 18 Month Olds Summary

Here is a quick breakdown of 14 quick and easy toddler meal ideas perfect for 18 month olds (1-2 year old toddlers):

Lunch Meat Snack Plate
Veggie Egg Muffin
Quesadilla Strips
Mac & Peas
Baked Beans Snack Plate
Broccoli Littles
Cheese & Crackers
Avocado Toast
Black Beans & Corn
Ranch Pasta Salad
Cauliflower Tots
Breakfast Quesadilla
Sweet Potato Mac
Pinto Beans and Cheese

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