Mealtime Tips with Multiples

Ideas to Keep Kids Busy and Expand Their Palate

Stuck in a finger food rut? Need five minutes to finish cooking without toddlers clinging to your legs? Here are some fun and practical ideas shared by other families of multiples to help make mealtime smoother and more engaging.

Keeping Little Hands Busy While You Cook

• Secret Drawings: Tape paper under the table or on the floor to create a “secret” drawing zone. Kids can lie down or crouch to draw—great for engagement and novelty.

• Egg Carton Activity: Poke holes in an egg carton and let toddlers insert random kitchen items (straws, forks, spoons). This encourages pincer grip and pattern-making.

• Golf Tee Box: Use a nappy box and poke holes to hammer in golf tees (or press them in with fingers). Colour coding and pattern play can extend the fun for older children.

• Threading Game: Stick a straw or skewer into playdough or a cardboard box. Provide rigatoni, penne, or Cheerios for threading. Older kids can colour pasta for added creativity.

Try These Kid-Friendly Foods

• Homemade Labne: Strain plain yoghurt in a cloth for 24 hours. The result is a thick spread that clings well to spoons—perfect for toddlers.

• Frozen Dumplings: Quick to steam and fun to watch cook. Pair with veggies for a complete meal. Older kids can help prepare the steamer.

• Tinned Snacks: Introduce variety with sardines, baby corn spears, devilled eggs, or peaches dipped in coconut for extra grip.

• Quick Plates: Cheese, baked beans, and sardines in olive oil make a surprisingly popular, protein-packed combo.

Change the Experience, Not the Food

• Switch the Setting: If the dinner table’s not working, try a picnic rug on the floor, eat outside, or allow a standing meal.

• Batter Up: Keep a weekly batter on hand for quick cooking. Options include veggie fritters, fluffy yoghurt pancakes, or chickpea patties.

• Food on a Stick: Deconstruct meals onto skewers for a fun and hands-on approach to eating.

• Muffin Tin Meals: Serve meals in a muffin tray—filling each compartment with a mix of familiar and new foods. It’s a fun, interactive way to eat and encourages variety.

This article was first published in NIMBA member newsletter Noah’s Ark, Issue 307 | October 2023
 

Toddler Pancake Hack

Easy Banana Pancakes – Made on a Sandwich Press

Looking for a quick, nutrient-rich snack or meal that’s easy to prep and toddler-friendly? These banana pancakes are a staple for many families—especially helpful if your little one prefers handheld food or has dietary restrictions, such as a cows’ milk protein allergy.

Why the sandwich press?
It provides a large, evenly heated surface—no hot spots, no burning, and minimal mess. It’s a great solution when multitasking with multiples!

Ingredients

• 1 ripe banana
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp self-raising flour
• A sprinkle of cinnamon
• Coconut or natural oil for greasing

Double or triple the batch to freeze extras.

Method

• Mash banana with a fork.
• Add eggs and whisk to combine.
• Fold in flour and cinnamon.
• Grease sandwich press (or pan) lightly with oil.
• Spoon small portions of batter onto surface.
• Close sandwich press (or flip if using a pan) and cook until golden and set.
• Cool before serving. Cut into strips for baby-led weaning.

Tip: These freeze well and are perfect for breakfast or on-the-go snacks.

Shared by a NIMBA parent | Noah’s Ark Newsletter