Articles and Advice
Bedtime Snacks – A Healthy Routine
Young children need to be fed often to meet their unique energy and nutrient requirements for growth and development. Nutritious snacks should be scheduled throughout the day including at bedtime for some children.
Children who go to bed hungry do not sleep well. Providing children with a nutritious small snack at bedtime can be an important part of their bed time routine supporting quality rest. Here are some quick, convenient & nutritious snacks that can be incorporated into your young child's bedtime routine:
Quick & Easy Bedtime Snacks:
Plan to sit down with your child and have a snack 45 minutes to 1 hour before bedtime. This is a great way to kick-off your nightly bedtime routine.
- Whole Grain Bread with Nut Butter & Low Fat Milk
- Fruit Smoothie (favorite yogurt -flavored or plain, fresh/frozen fruit & milk)
- Yogurt with Fruit (fresh, frozen or canned)
- Fruit (fresh, frozen or canned) & String Cheese
- Whole Grain Crackers & Cheese
- Graham Crackers & Applesauce
- Whole Grain Cereal & Low Fat Milk
- Oatmeal made with milk -heat up your child's favorite flavored oatmeal (apple cinnamon, cinnamon sugar -blend with low fat milk and serve -makes for a nice winter time snack)
- Bedtime Bars (see recipe) & Low Fat Milk
Bedtime Bars
- ¾ cup Baking Mix
- 2 cups Oats, Instant
- ½ cup Nut Butter (Peanut or Soy)
- ¾ cup Cinnamon Applesauce (unsweetened)
- ¼ cup Honey
- ½ cup Raisins
- ½ cup Chocolate Chips (optional)
Preheat oven to 350° F. Line or lightly grease 9x9 inch baking pan; set aside.
In a medium mixing bowl stir together baking mix and oatmeal until well blended; In small bowl stir together nut butter, applesauce and honey until well blended; Add to baking and oatmeal mix. Stir until well combined. Add raisins and chocolate chips. Mix until well blended.
Press dough into prepared baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
Cool about 20 minutes. Cut into bars. Yield: 10 bars
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