After noticing how mom and registered dietitian nutritionist Jennifer Anderson from the Instagram account kids.eat.in.colour [1] playfully presented healthy foods for kids, I was eager to experiment with my 3-year-old. One night, instead of serving his food on a plate, I pulled out a muffin tin from the cabinet and began filling it with a mix of veggies, fruits, protein and carbs I had on hand and presented this toddler charcuterie of sorts to my son. He was into it. Really into it. In fact, he wiped out the entire muffin tin.
The concept of enticing kids to eat more adventurously and nutritiously by way of muffin tins is one that mom and pediatric dietitian, Ashley, from the Instagram account veggiesandvirtue [2], created an entire series around with her Muffin Tin Monday [3] posts.
But it doesn't stop with muffin tins. Mom and registered dietitian Kacie Barnes from the Instagram account mamaknows_nutrition [5] gets kids to try healthy foods using playful utensils like forks that look like construction trucks and picks shaped like cartoon veggie characters [6]. Following these accounts opened my eyes to a treasure trove of mealtime accessories that can turn eating into an adventure. If you're looking for a way to introduce an element of fun to your little one's meals and snacks, read on for plenty of ideas!
Wilton Recipe Right Non-Stick 6-Cup Standard Muffin Pan
Wilton Recipe Right Non-Stick 6-Cup Standard Muffin Pan, Set of 2, Silver [10] ($11)
AmazonBasics Reusable Silicone Baking Cups, Pack of 12
AmazonBasics Reusable Silicone Baking Cups, Pack of 12 [12] ($8)
Personalized Drivers Plate
Personalized Drivers Plate, Placemat [13] ($28)
Lion Dress Up Plate
Lion Dress Up Plate [14] ($18)
Constructive Eating Construction Combo with Utensil Set and Plate
Constructive Eating Construction Combo with Utensil Set and Plate [15] ($37)
LunchBots Small Protein Packer Toddler Bento Box
LunchBots Small Protein Packer Toddler Bento Box [16] ($20)
Torune Food Picks
Torune Food Picks [17] ($4)
BENBO Vegetables Fruit Cutter Shape Set
BENBO Vegetables Fruit Cutter Shape Set [18] ($14)
CuteZCute Panda Rice Mold Kit
CuteZCute Panda Rice Mold Kit [19] ($9)
Craft Mates Lockables Double Extra Large (2 XL) Organiser
Craft Mates Lockables Double Extra Large (2 XL) Organiser [20] ($9)
Fiesta UARTER Egg Press Mold
Fiesta UARTER 6pcs Baby Sandwich Cutter Rice Ball Tool Rice Press Mold Plastic Rabbit Bear Fish Heart Star Car Egg Press Mold [21] ($31)
LENK Vegetable Cutter Shapes Set
LENK Vegetable Cutter Shapes Set [22] ($9)
Innobaby Din Din Smart Stainless Divided Platter
Innobaby Din Din Smart Stainless Divided Platter [23] ($18)
SENSORY4U Water Beads with Fine Motor Sensory Toys Set
SENSORY4U Water Beads with Fine Motor Sensory Toys Set, Water Bead Sensory Bin Kit, Kids Learning Educational Toys [24] ($18)
Plum Garden Learning Chopsticks
Plum Garden Learning Chopsticks [25] ($10)
Bamboo Cocktail Skewers
Bamboo Cocktail Skewers [26] ($8)
Fork Picks for Kids
Fork Picks for Kids [27] ($8)
EZPZ Mini Mat
EZPZ Mini Mat [28] ($20)