Parents of preschool children often wonder if their kids are getting enough to eat. Some children seem too busy to slow down and eat. Others may be picky eaters. Some children don't eat a lot at one sitting, but they still need to eat a variety of healthy foods. That's where snacks come in.

Healthy snacks help manage children' hunger and boost nutrition. Snacks can keep them from getting so hungry that they get cranky. Snacks may help prevent overeating at meals. And for picky eaters of all ages, snacks are a chance to add more nutrients to their diets.

The best snacks are low in sugar, fat, and salt. Fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and protein foods are good choices. An occasional treat is fine, but serve healthy snacks most of the time. Healthy snacks can help balance out an uneven diet. 

It's not just about what you offer as a snack — it's how much you serve and when. Keep portions snack-sized and schedule regular snack times. Children who graze all day long often eat too many calories and have a hard time figuring out when they're hungry or full.

What Snacks Are Good for Preschool Children?

Preschool children love to feel in control, so offer two or three healthy options and let the children choose. You can offer smaller portions of the foods you serve at meals, or try:

• Thin slices or small pieces of fruit

• Applesauce

• Cooked veggies

• Graham crackers

• Cheese slices

• Yoghourt

• Low-sugar, whole-grain breakfast cereals

Make Healthy Snacking a Habit

Preschool children will eat what's served to them and ask for what they know is in the cabinet. So stock up on healthy snacks and avoid snacks that are high in sugar, salt, and fat.

To help your preschool children eat healthy:

• Keep healthy snacks in your refrigerator or pantry. Let children choose their own snacks from a couple of healthy options.

• Make sweets, chips, and other treats the exception rather than the rule. An occasional treat is fine, but serve healthy snacks most of the time.

• Have a schedule for meals and snacks. Children who graze throughout the day may not notice when they are hungry or full and are more likely to overeat. And if they choose not to eat, they will know they have another chance at the next scheduled time.

• Serve snacks and meals at the table. Don't let children eat in front of the TV or other screens.

• Encourage your child to try new foods, but don’t force it. It can take several tries before a child will accept a new food, so don’t give up.

• Pay attention to portion sizes. 

• Don’t use food as a reward or to bribe your child.

• Let your preschool children help prepare healthy snacks with you. They may be more willing to try something new if they helped make it.

• Be a role model and share a healthy snack with your child.