Hi LEA Fam!
A new school year means new routines and often new mealtime challenges. Whether you’re advancing solids, packing lunchboxes, adjusting to busy mornings, or figuring out which meals actually get eaten, Little Eaters Academy is here to help with lots of resources and recs this month.
PROTEIN FOR LITTLE LEARNERS
As babies develop into toddlers, protein is important for growth, energy, and focus (yes, even in daycare or preschool). But here’s the thing: most of us think our kids need either way more or way less than they actually do.
Toddlers ages 1–3 need about 13 grams per day, and most will easily meet that without having to count, measure, or stress. (If your child is under 1, focus on exploration and trying new foods. They’ll meet their protein needs through breast milk and/or formula.)
Protein also helps keep little eaters full and satisfied so they’re not asking for a snack every 30 minutes.
Some easy options:
Cottage cheese (1/4 cup = 7 grams)
Hard-boiled eggs (1 egg = 6 grams)
Nut/seed butters (1 tbsp = 3 grams)
Beans (1/4 cup = 3-4 grams)
Peas or edamame (1/4 cup = 3-4 grams)
Cheese sticks (1 stick = 7 grams)
Whole wheat pasta (1/2 cup cooked = 4 grams)
Rather than obsessing over grams, think about variety and balance. Protein alongside fruits, veggies, or whole grains keeps kids fueled during busy days.
Speaking of protein and back-to-school…these easy egg muffins have been great for busy mornings or if you’re in a lunchbox rut. Customize them any way your little eater likes with different veggies or cheese.
And while on the topic of lunchboxes, we’ve been into this stainless steel one from Lalo. It keeps food cool or warm and isn’t too heavy or bulky to throw in a backpack.
PRODUCT RECS
Grow Happy Allergen Immunobutter
These nutrient-packed spreads are perfect for early allergen introduction (mix into yogurt, oatmeal, etc.) and even better for continued exposure as your little eater grows (on sandwiches, in smoothies, or as a dip).
👉 Use code LITTLEEATERS15 for 15% off at Grow Happy
Ahimsa Dishware
Pediatrician-designed, free of harmful chemicals, and durable enough to last through endless meals and dishwasher cycles. We’re big fans of their stainless steel plates, cups, and bowls, which also come in fun rainbow colors.
👉 Use code LEA15 for 15% off at Ahimsa
FOOD FOCUS
Apples are a back-to-school classic. They’re rich in fiber and vitamin C, and their natural crunch makes them fun to explore. Still, many parents shy away from serving them out of fear of choking. While raw, hard apple pieces can be a choking hazard, and safety is always the priority, there are still many safe ways to offer apples beyond applesauce.
How to Serve by Age/Stage
6–9 months: Large, fork-tender, cooked apple halves (seeds and skin removed) for baby to pick up and mash with gums. Applesauce is also a great option.
9–12 months: Continue with cooked apples or begin offering paper-thin raw slices (rounds or half-moons). Flat slices are safer than chunks.
12–18 months: Depending on chewing skills, a whole apple may be appropriate (with close supervision). Otherwise, stick to thin slices or flat pieces.
Toddlers (18+ months): Thin slices, whole apples, and possibly wedges can be offered as long as kids are seated, supervised, and confident chewers. Still be mindful of big chunks and encourage focused eating without distractions.
📸 See visuals of each stage on our Instagram.
Apple Inspo:
Serve cooked, soft apples with a dash of cinnamon for younger eaters starting solids
Add finely grated raw apple to yogurt or oatmeal
Pair raw thin slices with cheese or nut/seed butter for toddlers
Bake into our favorite cake recipe for a healthier holiday option (note: this recipe does have chopped nuts, which are a choking hazard for babies and some toddlers, so be sure to supervise and serve accordingly)
WHAT’S HAPPENING @ LEA
We’re thrilled to share the launch of our Next Steps Membership — created for families who want ongoing support, resources, and community as they navigate solids, picky eating, mealtime routines, and beyond. Think: weekly phone calls, meal and snack ideas/recipes, and unlimited texting. Sort of like a mom friend and dietitian in your back pocket. Learn more and get started today.
Join LEA founder, Jennifer, on 9/30 as she teams up with kids' vitamin and supplement company, Hiya Health, on Reddit. It’s a chance to talk all things kids’ nutrition, feeding struggles, and family health in a casual, open forum. We’d love for you to join the conversation and get your questions answered. And if you’re looking for a toddler multivitamin, use this link for 50% off your first order.
