Picnics are an awesome summer activity.
Parents and little ones get to spend quality time together.
If you have a toddler or small child, the great outdoors can be an adventure.
Small children are not hard to please.
When choosing which food items to pack in the picnic basket, keeping it uncomplicated is the the name of the game.
The children will be more interested in playing so bring food items that will keep throughout the day.
Pack your food with safety in mind.
Keep all of the food you bring on ice to avoid spoilage.
Chill ice packs in the freezer overnight and use rather than ice in your cooler.
There will be less mess when it melts.
The key to feeding toddlers and small children at a picnic is to make the food bite sized.
Food pieces that are too large can pose a choking hazard.
Finger foods will satisfy small tummies without filling them up.
If the picnic is during lunch time, take along some sandwiches.
Try peanut butter and jelly.
To make the sandwiches more enjoyable, slice them into different shapes using cookie cutters.
When it is time to eat, place the tiny sandwiches on a plate and serve with a sippy cup full of milk or juice.
If your child can't sit still to eat, try vegetables.
If the child is running around, they won't want to stop to sit down.
Slice a few carrots or celery.
For simpler handling, they can be purchased from the supermarket already pre-cut.
The children can walk and nosh at the same time.
If raw veggies are too hard for toddlers to chew, offer them crackers or a cheese stick.
Running and playing during a picnic can leave toddlers thirsty.
Stay away from carbonated drinks and sodas.
They increase thirst rather than quenching it.
Keep bottled water and juice on hand.
Add water to the juice to lower the amount of sugar your child consumes.
If small children are part of a family picnic, finger foods are still a good rule of thumb.
Hot dogs and hamburgers are still manageable for toddlers when cut into kid friendly pieces.
Be forewarned though--little ones are known to stuff their mouths when parents aren't watching.
Fruit is also a good idea for toddlers.
Because it is naturally sweet, you don't need to pack sugary treats.
Cut fruit the night before and freeze.
During the picnic, the pieces will slowly thaw and provide a cool snack.
Having toddlers or small children at a cookout won't cramp your style.
Actually, they are often easier to please than older children and adults.
Where they are concerned, keep the menu uncomplicated.