What your baby or toddler eats at daycare matters — not just for immediate growth and energy, but for the development of taste preferences, food relationships, and nutritional habits that often persist throughout childhood. Whether you’re evaluating a licensed daycare in Coquitlam or looking for ideas to supplement what the centre provides, here’s a practical guide to healthy snacks for babies and toddlers in a childcare setting.
For information on BC childcare subsidies and licensed daycare regulations, visit the Government of BC Childcare Resources. Smiling Kids Childcare Centre is a licensed childcare facility meeting all BC childcare regulations.
BC Nutritional Guidelines: What Licensed Daycares Must Follow
Licensed childcare centres in BC that provide food must follow the BC Nutritional Guidelines for Childcare Settings. For snacks, the key requirements are:
- Snacks must include at least 2 of the 4 food groups from Canada’s Food Guide
- 100% fruit juice is limited (maximum 125 ml per day for children over 12 months)
- Water is available at all times
- Foods must be developmentally appropriate (texture and size appropriate for the child’s age and eating ability)
- Choking hazard foods are prohibited (whole grapes, raw carrots, nuts, popcorn)
Age-Appropriate Snack Ideas: By Developmental Stage
Infants 6–12 Months (Complementary Foods Stage)
Infants in this age range are in the early stages of introducing solid foods alongside breast milk or formula. At licensed daycares, infant feeding follows the individual plan provided by the parent and pediatrician. Typical early complementary foods:
- Iron-fortified infant cereal mixed to a smooth consistency
- Pureed or mashed single vegetables: sweet potato, carrot, squash, peas
- Pureed or mashed fruits: avocado, banana, peach, pear
- Pureed meats and legumes for iron: chicken, lentils, pureed beef
- Plain full-fat yogurt (from 6 months, introduced as complementary food)
Important: Honey is not permitted for children under 12 months (risk of infant botulism). Salt and sugar are not added to infant foods. Allergen introduction follows the pediatrician’s guidance and is coordinated with the daycare.
Toddlers 12–24 Months (Transitioning to Family Foods)
By 12–18 months, most toddlers are transitioning to soft family foods and developing self-feeding skills. Good snack options:
- Protein/fat: Soft cubed cheese, scrambled eggs, hummus, nut butters (if no allergy), tofu cubes
- Fruit: Quartered grapes (never whole), soft melon cubes, banana pieces, blueberries (halved for smaller children)
- Vegetables: Soft cooked carrots, cucumber rounds (without skin for early chewers), avocado
- Grains: Whole grain crackers, toast strips, rice cakes, oatmeal
- Dairy: Full-fat yogurt, soft cheese
Toddlers 24–36 Months (Table Foods, Expanding Textures)
By 2 years, most toddlers can handle a wider range of textures and are developing food preferences actively. Good snack principles for this age:
- Offer variety — exposure to diverse flavours builds acceptance
- Include vegetables in unexpected forms (avocado, cucumber, roasted vegetables)
- Maintain whole-food focus — minimize processed snack foods
- Keep portions small — toddler snack should tide them over 1.5–2 hours, not replace a meal
Some of our favorite snack combinations for 24–36 month olds:
- Whole grain toast with mashed avocado + mild cheese
- Plain yogurt with soft fruit pieces
- Whole grain crackers + hummus + cucumber
- Banana + almond butter (if no nut allergy)
- Soft apple slices + cheddar
Allergy Management at Licensed Daycares
Managing food allergies in a group care setting requires a documented, communicated protocol — not just “being careful.” At Smiling Kids Childcare in Coquitlam, our allergy management protocol includes:
- Documented allergy file for every child with a confirmed allergy
- Allergy information posted in kitchen and visible to all educators
- Epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) on site for children with anaphylactic allergies; all staff trained on administration
- No cross-contamination protocol in food preparation
- Communication to parents on any potential exposure incidents
What to Ask a Daycare About Their Snack Program
When evaluating licensed daycares in Coquitlam, ask:
- Can I see your current weekly snack menu?
- Are snacks prepared on-site or packaged/catered?
- How do you handle my child’s food allergy?
- What is your policy on juice and sugary snacks?
- Can I provide specific foods for my infant’s complementary feeding stage?
See all 10 questions to ask when touring a daycare in Coquitlam.
Questions about our nutrition program? Contact Smiling Kids — 604-600-4393.
Also read: What Healthy Meals Look Like at a Licensed Daycare in BC.
Smiling Kids offers licensed toddler daycare in Coquitlam BC — a play-based, language-rich programme for children 18–36 months, with ITE-certified educators, 1:4 ratios, daily outdoor time, and CCFRI subsidised fees (~$10/day). For our complete daycare guide: daycare in Coquitlam.
