In our opinion, meal planning is always a good idea, no matter what your age. Becoming organised in this way means that you can establish a pattern of eating nutritionally balanced meals and snacks, while saving money and reducing food preparation time. However, we know that preschool kids can be particularly fussy when it comes to their food, which is why it is important to ensure that the choices on the menu are both delicious and nutritious throughout every season.

We’ve put together a few ideas for spring, summer, autumn and winter meal plans, to take the stress out of worrying about what to serve your 3-5-year-old for breakfast, lunch and dinner. After all, mealtimes should be enjoyable parts of the day, not occasions to worry about!

So, here are some tasty meal plan suggestions that your little one can enjoy throughout the whole year:

Meal Plan for Spring:

Day:

Breakfast

Midday meal

Evening meal

Porridge with dried fruit and milk

Drink: water

1st course: Chicken nuggets with new potatoes and purple sprouting broccoli

2nd course: Mini muffin with orange segments

Drink: Milk

1st course: Hummus and baby spinach sandwich

2nd course: Banana and yoghurt

Drink: Water

Poached egg with toast fingers

Kiwi fruit slices

Drink: water

1st course: Salmon fish fingers with pasta pieces. Spinach and radish salad

2nd course: Rhubarb crumble with custard

Drink: Water

1st course: Baked beans on toast with carrot sticks

2nd course: Apple slices and yoghurt

Drink: Water

Toasted Hot cross bun with butter

Slices of pear

Drink: Hot chocolate

1st course: Roast lamb, potato wedges, broccoli florets

2nd course: Yoghurt and stoned cherries

Drink: Water

1st course: Cheese omelette with asparagus spears

2nd course: Kiwi fruit with a biscuit

Drink: Water

Meal Plan for Summer:

Day:

Breakfast

Midday meal

Evening meal

Muesli with milk and blueberries

Drink: Water

1st course: Tuna pasta, green beans, carrot sticks

2nd course: Gooseberry fool

Drink: Water

1st course: Herb omelette with toast fingers and cherry tomatoes

2nd course: Melon pieces and yogurt

Drink: Water

Pancake with strawberries

Drink: Milk

1st course: Mini lamb burger, new potato coleslaw

2nd course: Biscuit with fresh berries

Drink: Water

1st course: Hummus dip with breadsticks and red pepper slices

2nd course: Nectarine slices

Drink: Milk

Breakfast wheat biscuit with milk and peach slices

Drink: Water:

1st course: Cold chicken pieces, rice salad, fresh peas

2nd course: Strawberries and yoghurt

Drink: Water

1st course: Ham sandwich with cucumber and carrot sticks

2nd course: Drop scones with raspberries

Drink: Milk

Meal Plan for Autumn:

Day:

Breakfast

Midday meal

Evening meal

Muesli with milk and blackberries

Drink: Water

1st course: Chicken nuggets, potato wedges, stir-fried vegetables

2nd course: Fromage frais and pear slices

Drink: Water

1st course: Pasta and red pepper sauce with grated cheese

2nd course: Chocolate cake and grapes

Drink: Water

Boiled egg with toast fingers, grapes

Drink: Water

1st course: Fish and potato cakes, roast butternut squash and parsnips

2nd course: Cooked plums and yoghurt

Drink: Water

1st course: Mini pizza topped with ham, tomato diced peppers and cheese

2nd course: carrot sticks

Drink: Water

Porridge with milk, sliced pears

Drink: Water

1st course: Mini meatballs, pasta, cauliflower florets

2nd course: Apple and blackberry crumble with custard

Drink: Water

1st course: Mushroom omelette, toast fingers, cherry tomatoes

2nd course: Fruit salad

Drink: Water

Meal Plan for Winter:

Day:

Breakfast

Midday meal

Evening meal

Boiled egg with toast fingers, tangerine segments

Drink: Water

1st course: Chicken and vegetable curry, rice

2nd course: Fromage frais and pear slices

Drink: Water

1st course: Pesto pasta with grated cheese, cauliflower florets

2nd course: Apple slices

Drink: Water

Porridge with dried apricots and yoghurt

Drink: Water

1st course: Fish and potato pie, stir-fried leeks

2nd course: Apple crumble and custard

Drink: Water

1st course: Butternut squash and lentil soup with a bread roll

2nd course: Drop scones, orange segments

Drink: Water

Breakfast wheat biscuit with milk, ripe pear slices

Drink: Water

1st course: Slow cooked beef stew, potato and swede mash, stir fried sliced brussels sprouts

2nd course: Warm fruit salad with yoghurt

Drink: Water

1st course: Butternut squash and lentil soup with a bread roll

2nd course: Drop scones, orange segments

Drink: Water

How do I plan meals for my child throughout the seasons?

Change the menu to help them explore new, fresh foods.