Homemade toddler food when traveling

2/10/20253 min read

Hungry kids while traveling? Not exactly a pleasant experience—especially when you have a picky eater! If your little one is particular about food, finding healthy, familiar options on the go can be challenging. That’s why I’m excited to share some of my favorite healthy travel-friendly recipes and tips that make traveling with kids easier and stress-free. Stay tuned for simple, nutritious snacks and meal ideas that your child will actually eat—no more travel tantrums!

Focus on what your child love to eat

Traveling with a choosy eater can be challenging, especially when they refuse to eat airline food! Since my little one has specific food preferences, I always pack homemade meals and snacks to keep him happy and full. While I avoid packaged foods, I do carry some of his favorite cookies and light chips for backup.

Here are some of my go-to healthy and travel-friendly homemade snacks that are easy to carry and perfect for kids:

1. Semolina Pancakes

A quick and nutritious option made with semolina, curd, water, and mild spices. These pancakes can be stored in an airtight container and taste great both hot and cold, making them ideal for travel.

2. Dry Fruit Muffins

Chocolate muffins are always a hit with kids! I prefer to make homemade dry fruit muffins with less sugar and added nuts for extra nutrition. If you're short on time, you can also grab some from your favorite bakery.

3. Besan Laddoos (Chickpea Flour Laddoos)

One of the healthiest travel snacks I pack! These homemade laddoos allow me to control the sugar content and add lots of dry fruits for extra energy.

4. Potato Rolls

A simple and filling option made with wheat flour (or all-purpose flour), mashed potatoes, salt, and mild spices. I prepare a soft dough, roll out rotis, and cook them on a tava. These rolls are easy to eat and stay fresh for hours.

Along with these homemade snacks, I also pack "Food Should Taste Good" brand chips—they are lightly salted and a healthier alternative to regular chips.

Having these homemade meals on hand makes traveling with my kid much easier, ensuring he eats well and stays happy throughout the trip! 😊

Let me know if you’d like me to share detailed recipes!

How to Store Toddler Food for Travel

When traveling with a toddler, keeping their food fresh, safe, and easily accessible is essential. Since I prefer homemade meals over packaged foods, proper storage is key to ensuring they stay fresh throughout the journey.

Here are some of my go-to storage methods:

  • Airtight Containers – Perfect for dry snacks like biscuits, laddoos, and muffins to keep them fresh and crisp.

  • Hot Cases/Thermal Food Jars – Ideal for keeping warm meals like semolina pancakes or potato rolls at the right temperature for hours.

  • Insulated Lunch Bags – Helps maintain the temperature of homemade meals, whether hot or cold.

By storing food the right way, you can ensure your little one has healthy, homemade meals on the go, making travel stress-free and enjoyable!

Conclusion

Traveling with kids, especially toddlers, can be challenging, and their food choices play a big role in how smooth the journey goes. A hungry child can quickly turn an exciting trip into a stressful one! Making sure kids are well-fed and well-rested is key to ensuring an enjoyable travel experience for the whole family. We deserve to enjoy the trip, and our kids deserve to as well! Traveling with children shouldn’t feel like a struggle—it should be fun, memorable, and full of happy moments. With a little planning and the right food, every trip can be a great adventure!