25Oct
Baby and Toddler-Friendly Summer Treats: Easy Recipes for Hot Days
Summer is around the corner, and with it finally comes sunny days, outdoor fun, and the perfect excuse to whip up some refreshing snacks for your little ones. When the temperature rises, babies and toddlers can be extra sensitive to the heat, so keeping them cool and hydrated is key. Luckily, iced treats are always a hit and an easy way to keep them cool this season. Delicious, nutritious, and guaranteed to beat the heat!
1. Frozen Yogurt Bites
These tiny, delicious treats are not only refreshing but super easy to make. They’re also a great way to get some extra calcium and probiotics into your little one’s diet.
Ingredients:
Plain or lightly flavoured yoghurt (full cream or Greek yoghurt is ideal)
Fresh fruit puree (whatever your little one’s favourite is, mine being banana, strawberry, or blueberry)
How to Make:
Mix the yoghurt with the fruit puree in a bowl.
Spoon the mixture into a silicone ice cube tray or mini cupcake tin.
Freeze for a few hours until solid.
Pop them out and serve!
These frozen bites melt quickly in your baby’s mouth and are the perfect size for little fingers. Plus, they’re great for babies who are teething, offering a soothing cold snack.
2. Watermelon and Mint Ice Lollies
Watermelon is a summer staple, and these simple ice lollies are a great way to keep your little one hydrated while sneaking in a bit of flavour. The hint of mint adds a cool twist without being overpowering for tiny tastebuds.
Ingredients:
2 cups of watermelon, chopped and seedless
A few fresh mint leaves (optional)
How to Make:
Blend the watermelon until smooth, and if you’re using mint, blend it in with the watermelon.
Pour the mixture into ice lolly moulds.
Freeze for 4-6 hours or until solid.
Watermelon ice lollies are naturally sweet, hydrating, and full of vitamin C—perfect for a hot day!
3. Coconut and Mango Smoothie
For a tropical twist, this coconut and mango smoothie is both creamy and refreshing, with a nice burst of natural sweetness. It’s packed with vitamins and is a fun alternative to ice cream.
Ingredients:
1 ripe mango, chopped
½ cup coconut milk (you can also use plain milk or almond milk)
¼ cup plain yoghurt
Ice cubes (optional)
How to Make:
Blend the mango, coconut milk, and yoghurt until smooth.
Add ice cubes if you want a chilled, slushy texture.
Pour into a sippy cup or small glass for your toddler or serve it in a bowl with a spoon for younger babies.
This smoothie can be enjoyed as a snack or even a breakfast treat on hot mornings!
4. DIY Fruit Popsicles
Making your own fruit popsicles is easy and fun, plus you get to control exactly what goes into them. You can mix and match your baby’s favourite fruits to make these colourful snacks.
Ingredients:
Any fruit your baby loves (try strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, or banana)
Coconut water or natural fruit juice (like apple or pear)
How to Make:
Puree or chop the fruits into small pieces.
Add the fruit to your ice lolly moulds, layering or mixing as you like.
Pour in coconut water or fruit juice to fill the moulds.
Freeze for several hours until set.
A quick and fantastic way to help your little one cool down while sneaking in extra vitamins and hydration.
5. Cucumber and Avocado Mash
For something a bit more savoury, this cucumber and avocado mash is a cooling snack that’s perfect for babies who are starting solids. It’s light, refreshing, and packed with healthy fats and hydration.
Ingredients:
½ cucumber, peeled and chopped
1 ripe avocado
How to Make:
Mash the avocado in a bowl until smooth.
Grate or finely chop the cucumber and mix it with the avocado.
Serve it as a dip with baby crackers or spread on toast for toddlers. Little babies can have it in a bowl with a spoon.
This mash is a creamy, refreshing dip that’s easy to digest and perfect for hot afternoons. Add a block of Kiri cheese for extra protein and you’ve got yourself a complete lunch!
6. Frozen Banana and Peanut Butter Bites
If your little one is old enough to enjoy peanut butter, these frozen banana bites are a fun, simple snack to keep in the freezer for hot days.
Ingredients:
2 ripe bananas
Smooth peanut butter (or any nut butter you prefer)
A handful of oats or crushed cereal (optional for extra crunch)
How to Make:
Slice the bananas into rounds.
Spread a little peanut butter on each slice, and sandwich two slices together.
Roll the banana sandwiches in oats or cereal for added texture.
Freeze on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours, then store in a container in the freezer.
These bite-sized snacks are full of protein and energy, perfect for toddlers on the go.
When the sun’s blazing, these baby-friendly summer treats will keep your little ones cool, hydrated, and happy. From frozen bites to refreshing smoothies, there’s something here for every little eater. And the best part? These recipes are not only nutritious but also super simple to whip up, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the summer with your family!
What is your go-to Summer recipe? Share with us in the comments below.