travel food ideas for toddlers india

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34 Easy Homemade Travel Foods For Babies and Toddlers

Published: June 8, 2015 | Last Updated on: June 6, 2023 | by Dr Hemapriya

Before we dive into the world of travel foods for babies and toddlers, let’s embrace the evolving trends of parenthood. Gone are the days when parents had to wait for their children to grow up before embarking on adventures. Nowadays, little ones join in on the exploration, their curious eyes witnessing the vast wonders of the world. While modern conveniences have made life easier for parents, one concern remains: what to feed their children while traveling.

Given the concerns surrounding packaged food and unhygienic food preparation in restaurants, many parents prefer to take matters into their own hands. This requires meticulous planning, but worry not! We are here to lend a helping hand. To ensure a seamless journey, we have curated a collection of convenient and nutritious travel foods for babies and toddlers. Let’s embark on this culinary journey together, making travel an enjoyable experience for both parents and little ones.

homemade travel food ideas for babies and toddlers

If you are breastfeeding your baby, there’s no need for any additional milk supplement during your journey. However, if your little one has been weaned, you can consider using substitutes for milk such as formula or commercially available milk powder. To prepare these substitutes while traveling, simply carry hot water in a thermos flask and mix it with the powder. This ensures that your baby’s milk is ready whenever needed, making it a convenient option for travel foods for babies.

Fruits to give to babies and toddlers during travel

Fresh fruits are one of the best travel foods for babies, being convenient and and hygienic. For toddlers, you can just cut up the fruit and feed them. For babies, you can mash and puree fruits like papaya , muskmelon , banana or chikoo . When ripe enough, they can be easily mashed with just a fork.

Instant Porridge

Here is a list of 15 instant porridge powder recipes , all of which require only hot water to be added.

No time to make these powder, no worry !! Just click, order and get home delivered here . We also have Instant food ‘trial’ packs available now, because you can never tell what the baby might like!

Main Meals – Lunch

Main meals like lunch and dinner are a little more difficult to handle while travelling as it isn’t easy to prepare a filling rice meal on the go. However, you can still work your way around this problem with a few tips:

1. If you have a rice cooker then all you need to do is plug it in to make a simple khichdi with carrots or potatoes. You can carry carrots and potatoes as they last for more than 2 to 3 days without refrigeration.

2.For a convenient rice meal while traveling, dry roast rice and dal, grind them into a powder, and carry it in an airtight container. Mix the powder with hot water from your flask to cook. You can also add grated carrot for added nutrition. Discover more travel foods for babies to make your journey enjoyable and hassle-free.

If you don’t have time to dry roast rice and dal, you can easily order homemade Instant Khichdi mixes here .

3. If you want to give lunch from a restaurant, ask for steamed hot rice with dal. Mash it with sanitized fingers or spoons and feed your baby.

travel snacks recipes for babies and toddlers

When it comes to snacks, most parents reach out for packaged foods like biscuits. But you can go healthy here too, especially since toddlers snack a lot and you don’t want so much junk going into their bodies! Try these homemade snack recipes that don’t require refrigeration.

Roasted chickpeas
Energy bars – Groundnut Bars, Maple Oat Cluster Bars , Chocolate trail Mix

Tips for Feeding your Baby at a Restaurant

Sometimes, you find yourself with no option but to feed your baby from a restaurant. In such cases, there’s no need to panic; just keep these few tips in mind:

1.Ensure the safety of your baby while feeding from a restaurant during travel. Avoid giving raw foods like salads or chutneys. Opt for cooked and suitable meals. Prioritize the well-being of your little one by following travel foods for babies.

2. Along with raw foods, you should also avoid dishes with raw ingredients like mayonnaise, souffle, sushi etc.

3. Always try to go for steamed foods – steamed rice, steamed idlis and cooked vegetables.

4. Use your own cutlery.

5. Ensure a safe eating experience for your baby by eliminating choking hazards from their food. When preparing meals, cut or mash food into appropriate sizes and avoid giving small, hard, or round foods that may pose a risk. Prioritize your baby’s safety during travel by following guidelines for travel foods for babies.

6. Prioritize your baby’s safety while traveling by avoiding new foods that may cause allergies. Stick to familiar and trusted options to ensure a worry-free journey. Explore travel foods for babies that are suitable and known to your child.

7. Stick to boiled/bottled water and don’t give baby juices or milkshakes.

8. Stay away from anything with artificial coloring or flavoring.

Don’t let the stress of feeding your baby or toddler during travel weigh you down. With some thoughtful planning and preparation, you can ensure a worry-free journey filled with delightful moments. Bid farewell to food-related concerns and embrace the convenience of travel-friendly and nutritious options for your little one. Let us be your guide in making your travel experience smoother and more enjoyable with our helpful tips and suggestions on travel foods for babies. Bon voyage and happy travels!

If your baby has recently started on solids, you might also want to check out our detailed post – High Chair Vs Booster Seat: Your Ultimate Guide to Buying a Feeding Chair. Some of the feeding chairs recommended in this article are travel friendly too!

We have compiled a comprehensive Travel Food packing List for Babies and Toddlers

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15 Indian Dinner Ideas for Toddlers & kids (1-year-old plus)

Published: Aug 6, 2023 * Modified: Aug 06, 2023 by Kalyani * Leave a Comment

Raising children is a joyful yet challenging adventure; feeding them can be the most perplexing task! Every parent understands the importance of nutritious and balanced meals for their little ones. Whether you have a baby just starting on solids, a picky toddler, or a growing kid, I've compiled a list of the Best 15 Dinner Recipes that will satisfy even the fussiest eaters.

1. Sweet Wheat Dosa

Sweet Wheat Dosa recipe for babies, toddlers, and kids

Sweet Wheat Dosa is a healthy dinner for toddlers and kids made with whole wheat flour, rice flour, and Jaggery as main ingredients. I have already shared wheat banana pancakes and savoury wheat dosa for babies and kids. You can serve this sweet wheat dosa Plain or with ghee, butter, Jaggery, palm jaggery syrup , dates syrup , or maple syrup

2. Ragi Rava Idli

Ragi Rava Idli Recipe for Babies, Toddlers

Ragi Rava Idli - a quick, no grind, no fermentation idlis made with ragi aka finger millet and sooji/rava (cream of wheat).

3. Bread Uttappam / Suji/Rava Pancake

Bread Uttapam - Thick pancake like dosa made with whole wheat bread, suji/rava , grated veggies and cashews

4. Quinoa Upma

Quinoa Upma Recipe for Toddlers and Kids

Quinoa Upma- easy and healthy breakfast recipe made with quinoa & vegetables. It is a nice variation to the usual upma varieties and tastes so great.

5. Instant Tomato Dosa

Easy and quick instant tomato dosa recipe with dosa batter, tasty breakfast/dinner for babies & kids.

6. Suji Upma/ Rava upma

Suji Upma/ Rava upma is tasty, wholesome and comforting food for babies. It's a quick-fix meal that can be served for dinner.

7. Wheat pancakes

Recipe Collection for toddlers and kids - Banana Wheat Pancakes

Indian-style wheat pancakes with jaggery are a yummy breakfast/Dinner or snack option for kids. I have made it baby friendly without baking powder & rice flour but with 100% whole wheat flour, jaggery & banana. The result was healthy, delicious, fluffy pancakes but with more nutrients.

8. Dalia Khichdi /Broken wheat Khichdi recipe

Dalia Khichdi /Broken Wheat Khichdi recipe - is a healthy, wholesome, and comforting food for babies. I already posted sweet daliya porridge and this broken wheat khichdi is another delicious recipe that can be made with daliya or cracked wheat. It's a quick-fix meal that can be served for dinner.

9. Instant Sooji Uttapam/Sooji Cheela/Rava Cheela

Instant Sooji Uttappam Recipe for Babies

Instant Sooji Uttapam/Sooji Cheela/Rava Cheela - Thick pancake-like dosa made with sooji/rava , curd/yoghurt, grated veggies and cashews. Dealing with fussy eaters as a parent is not easy, you might be trying more ways to include veggies in their diet for their nutrition. This sooji cheela is one such delicious recipe, there are only least chances for kids to say no to it ? This sooji cheela is very quick to make and tastes so delicious, it can be given to babies as finger food from 8 months and given as a quick evening snack for toddlers and kids. You can serve this sooji uttapam plain or with curd or any chutney or even sambar.

10. Broccoli Pasta

Broccoli Pasta Recipe for Babies, Toddlers and Kids

Broccoli pasta - easy healthy breakfast or quick snack recipe made with pasta, cheese & broccoli.

11. Easy Porridge Recipes

23 Easy Porridge Recipes - Porridge is an easily digestible nutritional food for people of all ages, and surely it makes deliciously healthy food for babies as it has a smooth structure and comforting to the taste buds of the little ones.

12. Idli dosa

The time required to grind in mixie is very less and the cleaning job can be done in a jiffy. But we can grind only small quantities using mixie and the motor heats fast while grinding. Both grinder and mixie never disappoint me and always give soft Idlis & crispy dosas

13. Pizza Style Omelette

EGG Recipes Collection - Pizza Style Egg Omelette

Pizza Style Omelette - Easy and yummy pizza-style omelette with eggs.Tasty dinner for toddlers & kids.

14. Paneer Stir Fry with vegetables

Paneer Stir Fry (with vegetables) Recipe Toddlers Kids

Paneer Stir Fry with vegetables- easy, tasty and healthy dish for toddlers & kids made with cottage cheese aka paneer and mixed vegetables. This paneer stir fry can be perfect as a side dish with roti/chapati, jeera rice or even plain rice, also best as a finger food for babies. If you got a picky eater at home, feeding time must be challenging and you must be trying many ways to include vegetables, this paneer stir fry is appealing for the eyes and tempting enough to make the kids eat:) Do give this a try, hope your kids like it! You can add any available seasonal vegetables of your choice along with paneer to make this stir fry.

15. Masala Rice

Masala Rice Recipe for Toddlers and Kids

Masala Rice: Its a type of cooked rice tossed with assorted vegetables, spice powder and tempering. Masala rice is a nutritious rice variety that can be done very quickly for dinner. This rice can be spiced with sambar powder or even pav bhaji masala as per your preference and availability. You can simply serve this masala rice with curd or any raita.

15 Good Dinner Ideas for Toddlers and Kids

More baby food recipes.

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A Parent’s Guide to Traveling to India with Kids

By: Author Emily

Posted on Last updated: November 27, 2023

We brought our child to India for two weeks when they were 2.5 years old. Over 14 days, we traveled to the Golden Triangle cities of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, plus we spent a few days in Udaipur. If you’ve ever thought about going to India with kids, this post is for you. It combines everything we learned from that experience, from dreaming and planning to actually going and then reflecting back on it. Follow along as we share our personal experience but also pack in every single tip, note and lesson learned.

In This Post

We cover a lot in this post, so we broke it up into three main parts. Here’s what you can expect to find.

Part 1: Why India This section explores why you might choose to go to India, including what it’s like being there with kids .
Part 2: Plan Your Trip Next, we dive into the nitty gritty details like what vaccines your kids need and how to get around with them safely.
Part 3: Review & Reflection Finally, we look back on this trip and discuss what we thought, what our kid thought and whether we’re glad we did it.

We have traveled a lot (almost 50 countries), we have lived in major cities most of our life, and our toddler has traveled internationally before. These life experiences are absolutely not required to go to India with kids, but it certainly influenced our experience. This is just something to keep in mind when you consider our reviews, recommendations and feedback.

Part 1: Why India?

If you’re in the dreaming and pre-planning phase, this section is for you. We’ll cover why you might want to bring a kid to India, but also what it’s like to be there.

Why We Chose to Go to India With a 2-Year-Old

My husband rightly just corrected this header, because the decision to go to India was almost entirely his.

I was personally never excited about the idea of India. Maybe it was the viral images of the overcrowded trains or my one friend who didn’t love her experience, but India was never high on my list. I think my hesitancy about India was partly why I needed to go. At the heart of it, I think India seemed difficult and I was masking that by convincing myself that I didn’t want or need to go.

Then there’s my husband, who actually convinced us all to book this trip. He is the type of travel planner who needs to be hit with a spark of inspiration. Heck, it only took each of our bosses quitting and a couple beers one night to suggest we take a year off to travel the world, and we all know how that turned out. (Spoiler alert: We did it .)

There were a few sparks that got us to India. One was Holi. This colorful spring festival celebrated around India had found its way onto a forgotten “Bucket List” note on Kenny’s phone. It turned out that Holi actually fell right in the middle of the dates we were looking at for a potential trip.

The second thing was Qatar Qsuites , a product we’d dreamed of flying for years. How is that related at all to India? Well, we were never going to spend more than a few days in Doha, so we needed to pair that with a bigger trip in the region. India fit the bill perfectly.

Then there was the obvious appeal to India: the history, the architecture, the culture, the food. India is the second largest country by population and has one of the richest global histories in the world. The Taj Mahal alone is reason enough to go to India.

The last thing was less of a spark and more of our family travel strategy. I know some families feel strongly about saving travel and destinations for when kids are old enough to remember. We believe that there are so many more important reasons to travel than just simply to remember it. Personally, the only destinations we delay or “save” are places that we want to do a specific way at a certain age. (For example, we’re saving Thailand and so we can backpack it together as a family.) India was basically going to be the same trip whether we did it now or in 5 years.

We had a holiday, a fun flight, plenty of things to do, and no real reason to delay India. We had three weeks available to travel and it wasn’t during monsoon season. If not now, when? We booked the flight.

Is India Safe for Kids?

This is my least favorite topic to write about, so I want to get it out of the way right off the bat.

It’s not that safety isn’t important, but it’s highly personal and somewhat subjective. There is perceived safety versus statistical safety, and personal anecdotes only muddy that water. We all have different levels of situational awareness and intuitive safety habits that prepare us better or worse for certain scenarios. Plus, all parents have different thoughts on what is and is not safe for their kid(s).

Let’s get a few things out of the way first. Statistically, India does not fall very high on the safest countries in the world lists . (It’s worth noting that I’m writing from the US which also isn’t showing up on those lists.) The US State Department lists most of India as Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. A lot of that has to do with civil unrest in specific disputed regions, but also because of violence against women and LGBTQ+ individuals.

That said, when traveling with kids, my best advice is to be prepared for the most common risks. In India, the most immediate and prevalent safety threat is actually traveler’s diarrhea. (The CDC predicts tourists have a +60% chance of getting traveler’s diarrhea compared to the <0.1% of reported crimes against foreigners.) Traveler’s diarrhea is caused by unsafe tap water and is particularly dangerous in kids who can quickly get dehydrated.

Should you or your children get sick, India does have (some) very good hospitals (accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers). Just be sure to seek out a private hospital for the best care.

The next most common threat that tourists face in India is non-violent crimes like pickpocketing, petty theft, and scams. According to a report on crime in India , there were only 124 reported cases of crime against tourists in 2021 out of 7 million total visitors. (This is the math that drove the above <0.01% stat.)

Now, those numbers are certainly higher as most petty theft goes unreported, but these crimes are generally easy to protect yourself from. Don’t keep your phone in your back pocket. Keep your valuables secured in zipped, cross-body bags. Don’t carry all your cash and cards on you. Etc.

If you’re concerned about safety, I’d highly recommend doing some further reading from respectable sites that breakdown the specific risks for foreign traveler’s specifically. (I really like this article .) I would avoid fear mongering sites that focus on specific, personal stories. This is more likely to scare you than to actually empower you to visit India safely.

As a parent, I am painfully aware that the world is a scary place. There’s a part of me that wants to wrap my baby in bubble wrap so they’ll never even feel the pain of a skinned knee. But a bigger part of wants to show them that most of the world is actually good. I want to teach them how to be responsible and careful, but not to leave in fear.

Is India good for kids?

Yes! Now let’s get on to the fun part!

As a general rule, my definition of a destination being “good for kids” is that kids can (and will want to) do all of best things that a place has to offer. Usually that means your itinerary will look roughly the same whether you’re going with kids or without kids.

India absolutely met that standard. We didn’t have to miss out on any experiences just because we were traveling with a kid, and we didn’t have to add “kid friendly attractions” just to ensure our kid had a fun time.

Our toddler loved everything India had to offer. They were thrilled riding in a rickshaw through Chandni Chowk in Delhi and they danced their way through the gardens at the Taj Mahal in Agra. They were thrilled to discover India has lollipops when they earned one at the Amer Fort in Jaipur, and they are still talking about how much fun they had at Holi in Udaipur . And don’t get me started on the hotel pools, which I do know are everywhere but hit different in India.

Then there’s the fact that they love kids in India – like a lot. It is one of the most kid-friendly countries we’ve ever been to, beating out countries in the Middle East that also really love kids (like UAE and Qatar). And kids weren’t just tolerated, they were fully welcomed everywhere we went.

Our child was treated like royalty at every hotel we stayed at, earning toys and desserts at every interaction. The hotels also had kid’s areas, kid’s pools (with floaties!), kid’s menus, cribs and high chairs, which made staying there with a child seamless and easy.

Our toddler also happens to be white and blonde, which drew a lot of attention. We were frequently stopped by strangers who wanted to take photos with us. This is common in India around Asia. For the most part, people were extremely respectful, and always asked for permission first.

However, they did often assume that a “yes” meant they could physically hold our child. Our toddler is pretty nervous around strangers and rarely was up for this. (Except during Holi when they let strangers pass them around for a good 10 minutes and it actually totally saved the day.) They would happily take pictures if I held them and also did pretty well posing and playing with other kids.

Which cities in India are best for traveling with kids?

India is a huge country and we’ve barely scratched the surface. But if you’re traveling to India with kids and it’s your first time to India, I can 100% say that the Golden Triangle is the way to go.

The Golden Triangle is the most popular tourist route in India and for good reason. It comprises Delhi, Jaipur and Agra. All three of these cities are a little bit different and a whole lot interesting. Delhi is the largest city of the three and has the most to see and do. It will also likely hit you with the most culture shock. Jaipur is quintessential Rajasthani, which is what I always picture when I think of India with the bright colors and tuk tuk traffic. And then there’s Agra, famously home to the Taj Mahal.

This route is really well traveled, which makes it great for families. It’s easy to travel between each city, there’s a good selection of hotels to choose from, and the cities are jam-packed with beautiful and interesting things to do. We personally spent three days in Delhi , two days in Jaipur , three days in Udaipur , and 2 days in Agra.

If you have extra time, you might want to tack on an extra city or two. We personally added Udaipur, which is the sweetheart of Indian cities. (I swear, there is not a bad thing written about Udaipur anywhere on the internet.) Udaipur is good for kids because it’s more relaxed and has a lot more nature and outdoor activities.

Another tempting option is Ranthambore National Park. It’s straight south of the Golden Triangle, and you can take a safari adventure for anywhere from 3 hours to two weeks. They technically don’t have age restrictions, so young children are welcome.

Getting Around India with Kids

Getting around India with kids can be tricky, but it is doable with the right planning.

The first thing to consider is getting around within a city. How will you get to your hotel from the train station or airport? How will you get to the different attractions and restaurants from your hotel each day? If you’re traveling with kids, you have two main options: cars and tuk tuks.

Then there’s the challenge of getting from one city to another. You can hire a driver, but India also has a very thorough rail network. Taking the train between cities is a cheap and convenient option, and can add to your adventure. Flying is another option, but don’t let the short flight times fool you.

Let’s look at all of these modes of transportation.

Kids and Car Seats in India

Usually we recommend using public transportation to get around cities with kids. However, that wasn’t ideal in India. Some cities did have Metros, but they were not very thorough. And with the exception of Udaipur, a lot of India wasn’t very pedestrian friendly. That meant that getting around required wheels. And when it comes to kids, wheels usually means a car seat.

Car seats are not legally required in India. Technically, you could just skip the car seat and ride in any taxi or Uber with your child. If you’re like us though, one look at Delhi’s chaotic traffic scene and you might immediately rule out that option.

Our next idea was to reserve a car service that had a car seat provided. (This was our approach for two days in Santo Domingo .) Unfortunately, every car service we reached out to in India didn’t have car seats.

So instead, we brought our own. We invested a hefty amount into a Pico portable car seat , which we thought might save us some money in the long run. The car seat itself was great. We could easily install it into any car whenever we needed to, which meant we could safely get from one place to the next.

Unfortunately, that still meant that we couldn’t easily rely taxis or Ubers for sightseeing unless we wanted to carry around the car seat all day. At only 8 pounds and foldable into a nice backpack, that actually wasn’t the worst thing. However, many popular attractions in India don’t allow large backpacks, so we couldn’t always bring it anyway.

So what’s the answer to getting around with kids in India? Unfortunately, if you want to use a car seat, the best option is to bring a car seat and use a car service. That way, you can leave your car seat in the same car as you visit different attractions. (So no, the expensive car seat didn’t save us any money this time.)

Many high-end hotels in India can arrange a car service for you. We personally booked cars through The Oberoi (in Delhi , Udaipur and Agra ) and Jai Mahal Palace in Jaipur to take us around to different destinations and pick us up from the rail stations. Alternatively, you can hire a private driver through a third party, which can be cheaper but more complicated.

Tuk Tuks in India

Another unique way to get around India is by tuk tuk. These little auto rickshaws are one of the most popular modes of transportation in India. The prominent style and color varies by region, so you’ll find yellow and green ones all over Delhi and brightly decorated ones in Rajasthan.

Tuk tuks usually hold 2-4 people, depending on the style, and max out at speeds of about 25 miles per hour. Tuk Tuks are a good, cheap option for covering short distances around a city.

The lack of car seats, seatbelts and doors is enough for some parents to rule out tuk tuks all together. We personally were comfortable riding in tuk tuks with our 2-year-old. It was our main mode of transportation in Udaipur specifically, which usually was less than 0.5 mile at low speeds with little traffic. We probably wouldn’t take a tuk tuk on the highway, but we were okay with it for short trips.

To hail a tuk tuk, flag down a driver and tell them where you want to go. Before you get in, ask how much it will cost and be prepared to pay in cash. Tips are appreciated, but are not required if you agree on a set price for a short trip.

Riding the Train in India with Kids

Indian Railways is an efficient way to get around India, and it can be a good option in your traveling with kids. Here’s a list of the train rides we personally took with our 2-year-old.

Morning train from Jaipur to Udaipur
Overnight train from Udaipur to Agra
Day train from Agra to Delhi

If you’ve seen the viral images of packed Indian trains, don’t panic. This is partly accurate, but it is entirely dependent on your travel class. To avoid any travel chaos, book the highest class available, which is usually still pretty cheap by Western standards. Be sure to book an AC car (regardless of your travel season) with assigned seats. To buy tickets, head to 12GoAsia for the most streamlined experience and great customer service. ( Not sponsored, we’re just big fans. )

In our experience, the trains in India were always on time and very clean. The stations themselves were at times overwhelming (crowds, intense poverty, dirty), but they were easy to navigate and all signs were in both Hindi and English.

India is a big country, so the journeys can be long, even by train. Personally, we prefer longer trips with a toddler on a train compared to a car. We don’t have a car, and our little one isn’t used to being strapped in a car seat for long periods of time. On the train, they can get up and move around as needed, which is better for all of us.

Another downside to the trains in India is that the times are not always ideal for travel with a toddler. That’s why we ended up on a really early train and an overnight train.

Am I glad we took the overnight train? Yes. Would I recommend it? Maybe not. Our review linked above discusses some of the chaos we encountered on that train. I’ll admit that I don’t think the overnight train is the best option for all families, especially if you have a light sleeper. If you’ve never taken an overnight train before, I wouldn’t start with one in India with a kid.

Daytime trains though, I would absolutely recommend for intercity travel in India with kids.

Plane Travel in India

Flying between cities in India is also an option. Domestic flights in India can be really cheap on carriers like IndiGo or SpiceJet. The flight times compared to train times might sound really tempting, too. The flight from Jaipur to Udaipur is only an hour, versus 7 hours by train.

I would still advise you to avoid or limit air travel in India. First, the airports are usually further away and harder to get to than the rail stations. Second, Indian airports are kind of a nightmare in terms of security and lines. When you factor in travel time to and from the airports and the hours early you have to arrive for security, you’ll likely find that it takes just as long and has even more steps than the train.

We had originally planned to fly from Jaipur to Udaipur, but once we did this math, we settled on the 7 hour train instead. When we flew out of Delhi to Doha at the end of our trip, we were immediately grateful that we didn’t have any other India airport experiences.

Eating in India With Kids

When it comes to kids, there are two main concerns for food in India: food safety and cuisine.

Food safety is the most important thing. Tap water in India is not safe to drink and can often cause traveler’s diarrhea. This is inconvenient and uncomfortable at best, and dangerous and trip-ending at worst.

Fortunately, there are ways to protect yourself that include more than just not drinking the tap water.

Only eat fruits and vegetables that have a thick peel that you peel yourself, like bananas or oranges. (Produce might have been washed in contaminated water.)
Stick to cooked, hot food.
Use bottled water to brush your teeth, even though you’re not swallowing the water.
Avoid street food. (I know it’s hard! You might be okay, but you might not be.)
Stick to restaurants that have a lot of positive reviews, preferably from foreigners.
Skip ice and fruit wedges in drinks and cocktails.
Pack stomach meds (Children’s Mylicon, Pepto Bismol and Tums) and Pedialyte packets just in case anyone does get sick.

Some parents also worry about the local cuisine. What will my kid eat? Will it be too spicy? Will they like it? I think people think that kids in India will eat nothing but rice and dal and mango lassi every day. Let me assure you that (if you choose), your child can eat pasta and pizza everyday in India just like they do at home.

Very early in our travels, we learned that you can find western food literally everywhere, and India is no different. There is a McDonalds in Chandni Chowk in Delhi, a Pizza Hut in Jiapur and a Starbucks in Udaipur. I’m not saying you’ll want to or need to resort to American fast food, but think of it as a safety net.

Relevant to both of these food concerns, we ate almost all of our meals in our hotel restaurants. We were confident the food was as safe as possible, but we still stuck to fully cooked foods only. The menus at all of our hotels had Indian food that we could enjoy as much as possible, but also a wide variety of international foods that appealed to our little one. Our 2-year old dined on their finest veggie sliders, pizza, and of course, the occasional dal and palak paneer.

Other than missing fresh fruit (because we chose to avoid it), the only thing we sort of struggled with in India was snacks. Our toddler is a snacker, so we always needed to get something small while we were out and about. We only ate packaged foods, so that meant they at a lot of chips and juice boxes. That obviously isn’t the healthiest option, but it was a 2-week trip and that’s just what we needed to do.

What is the best age to bring a kid to India?

How old are your kids? That age is the best age to bring them. I’m kidding, but also not.

Honestly, I think a trip to India can be great for any kids around 2 and up. I say 2 and up because it’s not the cleanest place. I wouldn’t want to be there with a crawler or wobbly walker spending too much time on the ground in public places.

Many of the tourist sites actually did have changing tables, but I can’t vouch for how clean they were. We personally handled most of our diaper changes on our portable changing mat anywhere we could find space (grass in the park, behind a car in a parking lot, a step of a step well, etc.).

Otherwise, India is great for even the youngest of kids. Even at 2, our toddler had a great time. I think they probably loved Udaipur most because they got to ride tuk tuks, take the “Skyliner” (gondola to a hilltop temple), and play Holi, but they found fun everywhere they went.

I think it’s less about how old your kids are and more about how comfortable you all are with travel. If you’ve never traveled as a family before, I’d probably start with an easier city (maybe London or Amsterdam ) first.

I would also suggest waiting until you can financially afford to do India as a bougier trip, especially if you’re going with little kids. A nice hotel will make all the difference when it comes to how much you all enjoy an India trip. If you stay at a nice hotel, no matter how old your kids are, you will be fine.

Part 2: Plan Your Trip

In the above section, we covered more broadly what it’s like to travel to India with kids. Now we’re moving onto the more granular details of planning your trip. These next sections go over everything you’ll need to know to finalize, book and prepare for a trip to India with kids.

Plan Your Route

Start by choosing your cities. How many cities you can fit in will depend on how long you have and what type of traveler you are. Some people are fine changing hotels every few days, while others prefer to park it at a home base, focus on one place and then take day trips as needed.

When you’re choosing your cities, be sure to plan for how you are going to get between cities. Some cities are easy to get to by train, some require a flight, and sometimes hiring a driver might be the best option. I’d recommend cities that are accessible by train or by car (with a driver).

If it’s your first time to India, we’d suggest sticking to the Golden Triangle, which includes Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra. You can do the Golden Triangle in either direction. Agra is primarily the Taj Mahal, so you could do it as a day trip from Delhi instead as long as you don’t care about sunrise.

When To Go & How Long to Stay

The best time to visit India is October through March. June through September is monsoon season, which you definitely want to avoid, and April and May start to get really hot.

The other thing to consider when planning your trip is holidays. We celebrated Holi in Udaipur , and it was the highlight of our trip. If we come back to India one day, we’d love to plan it over Diwali. Holidays can offer a special local experience, but they can also have a negative impact on your trip. Be sure to account for travel delays, crowds, and closed attractions that may result from the holiday.

For a family trip to India, I would plan for at least 10 days, but ideally closer to two whole weeks. With two weeks, you can choose to do everything slower or you can add an extra city.

Here’s a look at how many full days I would spend in each of these popular cities in India. This does not account for travel days, which will likely take a full day between each city.

Delhi: 3 days
Jaipur: 2 days
Udaipur: 3 days
Agra: 2 days or a day trip from Delhi

If you are short on time, I would suggest skipping Jaipur. It was our least favorite city and our toddler loved the other places so much more. If I had 7-10 days, I would probably split my time between Delhi and Udaipur and then take a day trip to Agra for the Taj Mahal.

Choosing a Hotel in India For a Family Trip

At the risk of sounding dramatic, I would argue that your hotel selection can make or break your trip to India with kids. More than anywhere I’ve ever been, I needed a hotel oasis in India. I needed a comfortable, calm and quiet place to recharge after mornings exploring the busy cities. If you’re traveling with a kid, especially a younger one, this is even more important.

India can be intense and a bit of a culture shock, depending where you’re coming from. I wanted to give it my fullest attention so I could fully appreciate it. Because I had the the chance to reset at our nice hotels, I was able to do that. I think the country deserves that. I firmly believe that we loved India so much more because we could approach each day with a fresh set of eyes.

So, what should you look for in a hotel in India? I would prioritize hotels that have all-day dining and a swimming pool. Double check that the hotel has cribs available if you’ll need one. It’s also helpful if you choose a hotel that offers a car service or can help coordinate one for you. That makes getting to the hotel from the train station or airport easy, and it can make your touring days that much smoother.

Here’s a look at the hotels we stayed at in India with our toddler. As you can see, we erred on the side of luxury and it made our trip incredibly pleasant. (If anything, I’d argue that it made our trip too sterile, but I don’t regret it.)

Delhi: The Oberoi New Delhi and JW Marriott New Delhi
Jaipur: Jai Mahal Palace (no cribs)
Udaipur: The Oberoi Udaivilas
Agra: The Oberoi Amarvilas

I would recommend all of these hotels except the Jai Mahal Palace, which we personally didn’t love.

Selecting Flights to India with Kids

India has 34 international airports, but Delhi and Mumbai are by far the busiest in the country. Given how hard we’ve pushed the Golden Triangle route, we’d recommend flying to Delhi.

Many international carriers fly to Delhi, including the country’s flag carrier airline, Air India. Although we had a perfectly fine flight in Air India Business Class from Dubai to Delhi , it’s not necessarily an airline that you need to go out of our your way try on a long haul flight. Instead, I would suggest flying your preferred airline in your home country if they have flights to Delhi.

Now, if you’re coming from really far away (like the Americas or even western Europe), we have a hot tip that will be insanely helpful if you’re traveling with kids. Considering adding a buffer city on the front end of your trip to adjust to the time change and relax before diving into India. We flew from New York City to Dubai ( Business Class on Emirates ) and then spent four nights at Atlantis, The Palm , and it worked out perfectly.

It was then just a quick flight from Dubai to Delhi and our child was ready to hit the ground running in India. They were mostly adjusted to the time change, they were no longer groggy from the flight, and they were fully in vacation mode. Highly recommend!

The last thing to consider when booking your flights to India is the times. To help with jet lag, always fly during the day when you travel east to west and through the night when you travel west to east.

What Vaccines do Kids (And Adults) Need For India

India does not have any vaccine mandates, but you might want to get a few before traveling there. In the United States, the CDC recommends the following vaccines for travelers going to India. Other countries may issue different recommendations.

( Disclaimer : We are not doctors and this is not medical advice. Consult your physician or a travel clinic for professional recommendations.)

Hepatitis A
Yellow Fever
Cholera (regional)
Malaria (regional)
Japanese Encephalitis (regional)

We were already up to date with most of these vaccines including: Covid, Hep A, Hep B and measles. We also already received Yellow Fever vaccines before traveling to Colombia a few years ago, but wouldn’t have messed with it just for this trip. Based on our travel plans (Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, Agra), we weren’t at high risk for cholera, malaria or Japanese Encephalitis. That left us with Rabies and Typhoid to consider.

To help guide our decision, we scheduled a travel consultation with our pediatrician. If you want to do this for peace of mind, by all means go for it, but it turned out to be a waste of time for us. Our doctor basically just read the CDC website to us.

She wanted to be sure our toddler got their final Hep A vaccine (which they were already due for), but didn’t strongly recommend either Rabies or Typhoid. In fact, she actually had just traveled with her own infant to a country that also had a Typhoid recommendation and she didn’t have her child vaccinated.

We decided to skip the rabies vaccine. Stray dogs are definitely a thing all over India, but we assumed we would be able to stay pretty clear of them. Typhoid spreads through contaminated water, though, and that seemed like a risk that would be harder to avoid completely. We decided to get the Typhoid vaccine for all of us. Our toddler got it at our pediatrician’s office and we got ours at CVS MinuteClinic.

The Typhoid vaccine is expensive — usually costing $150 out of pocket. Our pediatrician charged us in full, but then we actually realized that our insurance covered it. We disputed the charge and got our $150 back that day. So be sure to check your insurance! Insurance did not cover our adult vaccines.

Getting a Visa for India

First and foremost, every member of your travel party, including children, will need a valid passport from your home country. Then, each traveler will need a tourist eVisa to enter India.

Tourists from most countries can request a Tourist e-Visa in three available durations (30 days, 1 year, 5 years). It’s not hard to get, but it can take time, so be sure to do it ASAP. We’d recommend getting this taken care of before you book you flight, just in case anything goes wrong.

You can apply for an Indian Tourist e-Visa online. You will need to submit one form for each member of your family. To complete the form, you’ll need a valid passport and passport photo. You’ll also need a credit card to pay the application fee, which will be $10 or $25 USD for a 30-day visa.

Planning Your Daily Itinerary

As you start piecing together your plans for each day, my best piece of advice is balance.

We have always been busy travelers. We’re not great at relaxing, so we usually try to see and do as much as possible when we travel. Even since we had our kid, we still usually pack our days pretty full, we just added a nap in the middle.

That didn’t work for us in India. We found that we only had enough energy to commit a half day to sightseeing in India and then we all needed a break. We decided we would get up early every day, spend the morning doing all the things, and then make it back to the hotel by 1 PM for lunch and nap.

During nap time, one parent would stay with the baby and the other would run in the gym, explore the hotel, or have a beer at the hotel lounge. Then we’d spend our afternoons swimming in the pool and playing on the playground before enjoying a relaxing dinner at the hotel. Balance.

This mornings-on-afternoons-off model worked really well for us. In fact, the only time we didn’t do this was in Jaipur. We tried to cram everything into one long, nap-free day and our toddler ended up passing out in the carrier in the middle of a market until their legs fell asleep.

It’s also important to balance your specific activities, too. If we had a busy market where we’d have to carry our child, we’d follow that up with a garden or tomb where they had space to run around. If we started at a palace that seemed “boring” for them, we’d follow it up with an adventurous activity like riding the gondola.

For a closer look at how we spent our time in India with a 2-year-old, check out these itineraries:

3 Days in Delhi
2 Days in Jaipur
3 Days in Udaipur

What to Pack for a Trip to India with Kids

This is not a detailed packing list. This is a list of the extra things we brought for India specifically that ended up being really helpful.

UPF Hoodie : We got this UPF hooded onesie for our baby for trips to Disney World, and we loved that it provided sun protection without the hassle of sunscreen (or at least less sunscreen hassle). We wanted something similar for India and got this one with a hood and this lighter weight one without.
Baby Carrier: India is not great for strollers. If there are sidewalks at all, they are bumpy and there are lots of stairs without ramps. If you’re child is old enough to walk the whole time on their own, pack a baby carrier. Our toddler walked most of the time, but we also brought our favorite low-profile carrier, the Sakura Bloom Onbuhimo carrier. We also have a guide to baby wearing for travel where we review other carriers, too.
Dish Soap : I recently started bringing a small amount of dish soap in a travel-size bottle and it was a game changer. We give our toddler milk in their cup and we always travel with a bento box that we use to store leftovers for future meals or snacks. The dish soap allows us to do that without anything getting gross.
Water Purifier Water Bottle : It’s not safe to drink the tap water in India, so we relied on bottled water. I’d love to say that this water bottle eliminated our need for single-use plastics, but it didn’t. It’s just too small and we trusted bottled water more. However, this water bottle allowed us to purify hotel tap water if we were ever in a pinch. We mostly used this for brushing our teeth.
Baseball Hat: This was partly for sun protection and partly for social protection. Our toddler is blonde and stood out like a sore thumb. The hat covered them up a bit when they didn’t want attention. The brim also helped them block out people when we were in crowded spaces, which helped them feel less overwhelmed.
Liquid IV or Pedialyte Packets : If anyone in your family gets traveler’s diarrhea, these will help prevent dehydration. It’s also good great to improve everyone’s hydration on travel days.
Medicine: Again, if anyone in your family gets sick, it’s good to have something handy immediately that you know exactly what it is. We brought Children’s Mylicon, Pepto Bismol and Tums for stomach issues and Tylenol and Children’s Tylenol for everything else.
Entertainment: Whether that is a tablet and headphones or special activity books, bring stuff to keep kids busy in car rides and train rides. If you go the tablet route, be sure to download shows and movies in advance. The selection is different in India, plus you won’t have wifi or service everywhere.
Portable Charger : We bring our power bank everywhere, but it’s extra important on travel days. Your battery will die faster taking more photos, looking up directions and downloading online tickets. A bigger one is also good for hotels if there are no outlets by your bed.
Photos From Home : This isn’t necessary, but it can be really nice on a long trip. We brought photos from some of our favorite places at home, plus photos of places we were going. We could use our phone too, but this way our kid could look at the physical photos on their own whenever they want.
Ziplocks : This is another thing that I just bring anytime we travel. You will use them for went clothes on travel days, snacks that you accumulate, keeping your phone dry when it rains, and about a million other things.
Travel Car Seat: If you plan to take any cars in India, you’ll need to bring your own car seat if you want to use one.

Part 3: Review and Reflection

Well, we did it. We went to India for two weeks with a two year old. I remember boarding our flight out of Delhi and thinking to myself, “Wow. I’m glad we did that, but I’m also kind of really glad it’s over.” I’ve since had a few months to look back on the experience … and to hear my toddler talk about it over and over … and I finally took the time to put some words to our feelings.

If you don’t want to read an extra 1,000 words on the matter, the short version is that it was hard, but I’m glad we did it, and I would definitely go back to India again.

Toddler Review of India

Me: Did you go to India? Zoe: Yeah! Me: What did you do there? Zoe: H

I’ve had similar conversations with Zoe a hundred times before, during and after our trip. They used to always tell me they were excited to see the Taj Mahal, because there’s a photo of it in their favorite book. Now they tell me about playing Holi, riding a tuk tuk, and the giraffe they got at the Red Fort. Sometimes they talk about a specific floatie they used at a hotel pool or the flavor of chips they ate on the steps outside Jagdish Temple.

Whatever their response, it’s always one of many positive experiences they had in India. They never mention waking up early to board the train or that they didn’t eat fresh fruit for two whole weeks (woops!). They’ll never tell you that the pool water was actually freezing or that they were hangry before they got that snack in Udaipur.

This isn’t unique to bringing a child to India. That’s just how kids are no matter where they are or where they go. Children will find the joy, they will cling to the tiny things that are big things to them, and they will quickly adapt to the world around them.

So much about India was different than home. The way the buildings looked, the type of vehicles on the roads, the clothes people wore and the langue they spoke was all new to them. But going to India wasn’t the first time Zoe walked into a new place.

Where as my travel motto is “Same, same, but different,” Zoe’s entire life motto is “Different, Different, but the same.” Kids are constantly experiencing new things. They just started day care and that was different, but turned out fun. They moved to a new home in a new city and that was different, but turned out fun. So when Zoe arrived in India, they did what they always do. They found the fun.

The fun Zoe found was not always the things that were unique to India — they loved the pools and the toys and the playgrounds, which you could find anywhere — but some of it was. They got to play Holi and celebrate an Indian festival with other Indian kids in India! They got to ride in a tuk tuk and a rickshaw and drive a boat, which they would have never been able to do in NYC. To them it was just dancing and running around, but the the backdrop was the Taj Mahal.

Zoe remembers this trip vividly right now, but they might not remember everything forever. And that’s okay! Honestly, my husband won’t either! Lifetimes memories don’t have to be the only reason we travel. India was a unique, joyful, colorful experience. Our toddler had so much fun, found so much joy, and lived those moments to the fullest. That is why we travel, and that is why we went to India.

Parent Review of India

Taking a toddler to India was hard, but that’s because India is hard. It’s a huge country, so planning cities, transportation and activities took time. Food safety was really hard and we had to constantly be cautious about what we ate and drank. Even just getting around cities was hard because we couldn’t walk or take the Metro as much as we’re used to.

That fact that we had a toddler didn’t actually make things much harder. The hard parts about having a 2-year-old — feeding them, entertaining them, putting them to bed — are all the same no matter where we are. The only thing that was different with a toddler was that we had to hire drivers more so they could safely ride in their car seat. If anything, this made the experience easier.

I was also worried about my kid having a good time. They’re pretty shy and don’t like loud noises, so I was concerned they would be completely overwhelmed. It did take them a bit of time to warm up to strangers talking to them and Holi was definitely scary at first, but I was thrilled to see that they actually loved being in India so much more than I expected.

As you surely noticed in reading this post, we took the luxury approach to this trip. As an adult traveler looking back, in may ways this approach made the trip a bit sterile. It was probably less “authentic,” we didn’t have any kooky fun travel stories, and we definitely ate less local cuisine. But as a parent, I stand by the decision.

We learned pretty quick that our child would do just about anything in the morning if they knew they could swim in the pool in the afternoon. That was a trade we were willing to make. It also turns out that we also really needed a break midday, too. Our busy mornings were physically exhausting for our toddler, but they were emotionally exhausting for us.

India will open your eyes and break your heart in many ways, but particularly as a parent. I watched children take baths in the street and sleep outside of train stations, most all of them were barefoot. To see that and then take your child back to The Oberoi where they’ll get a free macaron just for walking in the door is a real reminder of our intense privilege and fortune. That’s a feeling I was never able to come to terms with.

India was hard, but I would absolutely go back. Even as I was actively dreading upcoming parts of our trip (hello, overnight train), I was adding to my list of places I wanted to go next. India has a complexity, vastness and diverseness to it that I was constantly in awe of. I also just loved how strangers treated my child in India. I loved the massive and beautiful tombs as much as the tiny shrines hidden around every corner. Even the traffic and the decorations on the semi trucks made the list of things I loved.

Finding joy in the little things and the unexpected things is definitely something I learned from my toddler. And that’s why trips like this are worth it.

Tips for Going to India with Kids

Read books about India before you go . I didn’t expect this to work as well as it did, but it really got our kid excited about India. They recognized things from their books and were excited to visit them! And now when we read those books, they’re so excited to tell us “I been there!” (We reccomend Tiny Travelers India Treasure Quest and Good Night India .)
Watch YouTube videos. Similar to reading books, watching videos about the specific places you’re going and things you are doing will help prepare your child and get them excited.
Choose your hotel wisely. I’d highly recommend a hotel that has a pool and restaurant(s) on property. If you need a crib, be sure to confirm that they have one before you book.
Talk to your kids about photo requests. It’s really common in India and Asia for strangers to ask for photos with foreigners, especially white and/or blonde Westerners. Be sure to explain this to your child and decide as a family (or as parents) how you want to handle that. You may choose to say no or you may leave the decision up to your child. Either way, they should be prepared for it.
Stay away from stray dogs. There are a lot of stray dogs in India. If your kid is anything like ours, they will want to pet all of them. In our experience, these dogs were not at all aggressive and never approached us if we gave them space. Just keep an eye on your child when dogs are around so they don’t try to sneak in a pet. You want to avoid this as rabies is a concern in India.
Don’t drink the water. It’s easy to remember to not drink water from the faucet, but it’s harder to remember all the sneaky ways you’re exposed to tap water. Avoid ice, produce washed in tap water, and even utensils cleaned with tap water. We’d also recommend brushing your teeth with bottled water, which is surprisingly hard to remember to do.
Submit your Visa request ASAP . Travelers from most countries will need an eVisa prior to landing in India. It is a relatively easy process, but it can take time. We had some issues with ours and it took a few weeks to come through. Don’t wait till the last minute on this.
Don’t fill your suitcase with diapers . We almost never pack enough diapers for our entire trip. Babies all over the world wear diapers, so you can you almost always stock up at your destination. We ran out of diapers in Agra so we asked our hotel where to go to buy more. They actually went out, got diapers for us, and delivered them to our room that day! (I’m sure we were overcharged for it, but I gotta say it was worth it.)
Go to sites early . Try to get to major attractions as soon as they open. Morning times are cooler and much less crowded. This matters at some places more than others, but it’s most important at the City Palace in Jaipur and of course the Taj Mahal.
Push your child out of their comfort zone. When we first got to Jagdish Temple on Holi, our toddler was terrified. It was loud and crowded and people were getting Mommy dirty. They wanted to go home. It was hard, but we encouraged them to stay. We showed them that the colors were fun and let them play with other kids who were getting dirty, too. Half an hour later, they were having the time of their life and wanted to stay and play Holi forever! It was hard for all of us but so worth it in the end.

12 Healthy and Delicious Indian Food Recipes for Toddlers

12 Easy and Tasty Indian Recipes for Toddlers

Every parent wants their kids to develop healthy eating habits, laying the foundation for a lifetime of well-being. However, toddlers can present unique challenges in this regard, often exhibiting picky eating habits and resistance to new flavors and textures, especially those found in traditional Indian cuisine. Introducing toddlers to Indian dishes can require patience and creativity. To navigate this journey, it’s essential to start gradually, offering familiar ingredients and gentle introductions to new tastes. In this article, we will explore a selection of easy and enticing toddler recipes for Indian households specifically tailored to ensure that mealtime becomes a joyful exploration of flavor, texture, and cultural heritage.

These Indian food ideas for 2 and 3-year-olds are easy to make and are sure to provide a tasty yet nutritious meal/ snack your munchkin is sure to love.

Breakfast Recipes

Start your toddler’s day off right with these nutritious and delicious breakfast options that will keep them energized throughout the morning.

1. Carrot and Spinach Puri

This puri recipe is a sure-shot way to attract the picky eaters. Its natural red and green shades will make this recipe a hit among toddlers.

Ingredients

1/2 cup blanched and pureed spinach
1/2 cup carrot puree
A pinch of asafetida ( hing)
A pinch of turmeric powder
1/2 tsp carom seeds ( ajwain )
Salt to taste
1 ½ cup wheat flour
1-3 tsp oil for kneading
Oil for frying puris

How to Prepare

Add carom seeds and salt to the wheat flour and mix well.
Divide the flour into three equal portions.
Knead one portion with water into a stiff dough.
To the second portion of wheat flour, add the carrot puree and mix.
Add some water if required and knead it into a stiff dough.
Add the spinach puree to the third portion of wheat flour and make another stiff dough.
Use some oil in each dough but ensure the dough is stiff.
Take some dough from each portion and make small balls.
Roll out the three coloured balls to form thin rotis of about 5 inches in diameter.
Now, place the green roti on a flat surface, spread a little oil over it, then lay the white roti on it.
Spread some oil over the white roti and then put the orange-coloured puri on it.
Now, roll the three rotis from one end to form a tight roll.
Slice the roll into 1-inch pieces.
Take each piece and roll them out into puri .
Deep fry the puris in oil.

2. Banana Sheera

If your toddler has a sweet tooth, this recipe is perfect for him. Banana sheera is a great dish if your little one needs to gain some weight.

3 tbsp suji
Pinch of cardamom powder
½ cup milk
Bananas (3 small)
Water (if required)
Add desi ghee to a pan and heat it.
Add suji and roast it till it is light brown.
Pour the milk and cook it until the mixture thickens a little.
Keep stirring the sheera as the milk could get burnt.
The mixture should have a runny consistency. Add some water/ milk if required.
Sprinkle the cardamom powder and mix well.
Turn off the heat.
Cut the banana into pieces and grind it to a smooth paste in a blender.
Combine this banana paste into the suji mixture and serve warm.

3. Vegetable Upma

Vegetable upma is a nutritious and flavorful dish made from semolina (rava) and mixed vegetables. It’s easy to digest and can be customized with your toddler’s favorite vegetables.

1 cup semolina (rava)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 small carrot, finely chopped
1 small potato, finely chopped
1/4 cup green peas
1 green chili, finely chopped (optional, adjust according to your toddler’s taste)
1/2-inch piece of ginger, grated
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp urad dal (split black gram)
1/2 tsp chana dal (split chickpeas)
A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
Few curry leaves
2 cups water
2 tbsp oil or ghee
Fresh coriander leaves for garnish (optional)
Heat oil or ghee in a pan or kadai over medium heat.
Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then add cumin seeds, urad dal, chana dal, and a pinch of asafoetida. Stir well.
Add chopped onion, green chili, grated ginger, and curry leaves. Saute until the onions turn translucent.
Add chopped vegetables (carrot, potato, peas) and cook for a few minutes until they are slightly tender.
Meanwhile, dry roast the semolina in a separate pan until it turns aromatic and lightly golden. Keep stirring continuously to prevent burning.
Add the roasted semolina to the pan with vegetables and mix well.
Pour in 2 cups of water and add salt to taste. Stir continuously to avoid lumps.
Cover and cook on low heat for about 5-7 minutes or until the upma is cooked and all the water is absorbed. Stir occasionally.
Once done, switch off the heat and let it sit covered for a couple of minutes.
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves if desired.
Serve warm vegetable upma to your toddler as a nutritious breakfast or snack option.

Lunch Recipes

Make lunchtime a delightful affair with these flavorful and wholesome recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

1. Sprouted Moong Dal Chilla

This recipe can be included for breakfast or as an evening snack. Moong dal chilla is a fantastic way to add some protein to your baby’s diet.

1 ½ cup sprouted moong dal
2 tbsp besan
2 tbsp suji powder
Grind the sprouted dal and coriander. Add ½ cup of water to make a smooth paste.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add besan, suji and salt. Mix well.
Adjust the consistency of the mixture to resemble the consistency of dosa batter .
Take a non-stick pan, drizzle/ brush some oil all over the surface.
Place a greased cookie cutter on the pan and pour some batter into it using a spoon.
The batter will separate from the cookie-cutter as it cooks.
Remove the cookie-cutter and gently flip the chilla with a spatula. Cook the other side as well.
You may make the chilla without the cookie-cutter too.
Ensure the chilla is cooked till it’s golden brown on both the sides.

2. Jeera Aloo

This is a stir-fried potato recipe that is quick to make and a favourite among kids. Here’s what you need to make jeera aloo.

2 to 3 potatoes (pressure cooked for 2 to 3 whistles and chopped)
1/2 tsp cumin seeds (jeera)
1 green chilly, finely chopped (optional)
Heat the oil in a pan.
Add the cumin seeds and let them crackle.
As soon as the seeds crackle, add the chillies and stir.
Add the potatoes and mix.
Add the turmeric powder, some salt and mix again.
Cook it for another minute or so.
Serve with chapati, paratha or some puris.

3. Vegetable Khichdi

Vegetable khichdi is a nutritious one-pot meal that toddlers love. It’s soft, easily digestible, and packed with the goodness of vegetables.

1/2 cup yellow lentils (moong dal), washed
1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped
1 potato, peeled and diced
1/2 cup green peas
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 tsp ginger paste
2 tbsp ghee or oil
Rinse rice and lentils together under running water until the water runs clear.
Heat ghee or oil in a pressure cooker. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
Add ginger paste and sauté for a minute.
Add all the chopped vegetables, turmeric powder, and salt. Stir well.
Add the washed rice and lentils. Mix everything together.
Pour in enough water (approximately 4 cups) to cover the ingredients. Stir well.
Close the pressure cooker with its lid and cook on medium flame for 3 whistles.
Turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally.
Once the pressure is released, open the cooker carefully and give the khichdi a gentle mix.
Serve warm khichdi to your toddler. You can mash it slightly if your child prefers smoother textures.

Snack Recipes

Keep hunger at bay with these quick and tasty snack options that are perfect for busy days or on-the-go munching.

1. Carrot and Beetroot Raita

This delicious raita with its bright colour can be a winner with toddlers. Add some freshness into your little one’s meals with this delicious raita.

1 small carrot, grated
1/2 beetroot, grated
1/2 tsp of roasted and powdered cumin seeds
1/2 tsp sugar (optional)
Whisk the curd till you get a creamy texture.
Combine all the other ingredients and mix well.
Serve the raita cold.

2. Dry Fruit Milkshake

This is a great way to provide the goodness of dry fruits. Most toddlers love milkshakes. Serve it in a fancy tall glass with some colourful garnish. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make it even more irresistible for your little one.

1-2 tbsp almonds
1-2 tbsp unsalted pistachios
1-2 tbsp cashew nut
1-2 tbsp raisins
7 to 8 dates
2 to 3 dried figs
2 to 3 threads of saffron soaked in 1 tbsp warm milk
2.5 cups chilled milk/ soy milk
Sugar as per taste
Soak all the dry fruits in warm water for at least 30 minutes.
Then, chop the soaked dates and the fig.
Grind all the dry fruits. Add some milk to make a fine paste.
Add the rest of the milk, some sugar if needed and blend the mixture.
Pour the milkshake in a glass and garnish with some chopped dry fruits.

3. Mango Shrikhand

This delightful dish is sure to become your toddler’s favourite. It can be eaten with puris, parathas, or just by itself. Even you wouldn’t mind having a spoonful of mango shrikhand with your little one.

1 cup hung curd
1/2 cup mango pulp
1/2 tsp cardamom powder
1-2 tbsp sugar
Blend the hung curd, mango pulp, cardamom powder and sugar to a smooth consistency.
Store it in the fridge in an airtight container.
Serve cold.

4. Peanut Chikki

Peanut chikki is a crunchy and delicious snack you can give you toddler anytime he feels hungry. You can make it in bulk and store it for 8 to 10 days in an airtight container. This healthy sweet can also replace chocolates at times.

1 cup of unsalted, roasted peanuts
2/3rd cup of jaggery powder (or 1/2 cup of tightly packed jaggery)
2 to 3 tsp of ghee
1 to 2 tbsp water
Remove the husk of the peanuts and coarsely grind them in a mortar and pestle.
Heat a heavy-bottomed pan and put the jaggery in it.
Add the water and bring it to a boil.
You may strain the syrup at this point if needed and follow the next steps.
After 2 to 3 minutes of boiling the jaggery, check its consistency by dropping some molten jaggery in a bowl of cold water. If the jaggery becomes firm yet brittle, it is ready. If not, boil it some more.
When the syrup is ready, add the crushed peanuts and mix it immediately.
Take a plate greased with some ghee and transfer the peanut and jaggery mix to the plate.
With the help of a butter paper, gently but swiftly flatten the mixture to your preferred thickness. You can also use a rolling pin and flatten the mixture on top of the butter paper.
Then, remove the butter paper and cut through chikki to form small squares.
Let the chikkis cool at room temperature.
Store them in an airtight container.

Dinner Recipes

These dinner recipes are not only easy to prepare but also packed with wholesome ingredients to ensure that your little one goes to bed with a full belly and a happy heart.

1. Methi Thepla

Methi thepla can be included in a meal and served with some curd or stir-fried vegetables. You can also make spread some ketchup over it and make a roll for your little one to bite on in between meals.

I cup methi (fenugreek) leaves, washed and finely chopped.
1 cup wheat flour
1/4th cup besan (gram flour)
1/4th cup bajra flour (pearl millet flour)
1/4th cup jowar flour sorghum flour (jowar flour).
1/2 tsp red chilli powder
1/2 tsp cumin powder
1/2 tsp coriander powder
1/2 inch ginger, crushed
1-2 green chillies, finely chopped
4 to 5 tbsp oil/ ghee
Mix all the flours together.
Add the spices and mix well.
Add the methi leaves and mix again.
Add some water and knead it into a soft dough.
Roll out the theplas with a rolling pin.
Roast each thepla on a non-stick tawa on both sides till it’s golden brown.

2. Paneer Tikka

This is a yummy idea of Indian food for toddlers. This recipe can be delectable finger food or a main dish your toddler can enjoy with a paratha . Let’s find out what you’ll need to make paneer tikka.

150 to grams paneer (cottage cheese)
1-2 small capsicum ( Shimla mirch )
2 to 4 tbsp oil for shallow frying
1 tsp ginger garlic paste
1 tbsp besan (gram flour)
A pinch of turmeric powder
A pinch red chilli powder (optional)
1/4th tsp garam masala powder
1/4th tsp cumin powder ( jeera powder)
1/2 tsp coriander powder ( dhania powder)
1/2 tsp chaat masala
1/2 tsp carom seeds ( ajwain ), coarsely crushed
1/2 tsp lemon juice or as required
Cut the cottage cheese in cubes.
In a bowl, add all the dry spices to the cottage cheese cubes and the bell peppers and toss them.
Ensure the paneer is properly coated.
Marinate the cottage cheese for 20 to 30 minutes.
Skewer the cottage cheese cubes and alternate them with some chopped capsicum. Make several such skewers.
In a pan, heat some oil.
Gently place the skewered cottage cheese cubes in the oil.
Fry them on all sides till they turn golden brown.
Serve with some mint chutney.

1. What are some nutritious ingredients commonly used in Indian toddler recipes?

Indian toddler recipes often incorporate nutritious ingredients such as lentils, vegetables like spinach, carrots, and peas, whole grains like rice and wheat flour, and dairy products like yogurt and paneer. These ingredients provide essential vitamins, minerals, and protein necessary for healthy growth and development.

2. How can I make Indian food appealing to my picky eater toddler?

To make Indian food more appealing to picky eater toddlers , you can introduce familiar flavors gradually, offer small portions in colorful and visually appealing presentations, involve them in the cooking process, and be creative with texture and presentation. Additionally, incorporating mild spices and adjusting flavors to suit their preferences can help encourage acceptance.

3. Are there any Indian toddler recipes that are suitable for children with dietary restrictions?

Yes, there are many Indian toddler recipes that can be adapted to accommodate various dietary restrictions such as gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian diets. For example, you can use gluten-free grains like quinoa or millet instead of wheat, substitute dairy products with plant-based alternatives like almond milk or tofu, and avoid adding any ingredients that may trigger allergies or sensitivities.

These were some of the Indian recipes for toddlers from 18 to 24 months. It is not difficult to plan your toddler’s meals when you have enough options to choose from. These are just a few simple recipes, but Indian cuisine has several other ways of preparing delicious dishes with the same ingredients. Do try these breakfast and lunch ideas. Let your creativity take over and use imaginative ways to prepare and present healthy meals to your toddler to combat his mealtime quirks.

References/Resources:

1. Feeding & Nutrition Tips: Your 2-Year-Old; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/nutrition/Pages/Feeding-and-Nutrition-Your-Two-Year-Old.aspx

2. Serving Sizes for Toddlers; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/nutrition/Pages/Serving-Sizes-for-Toddlers.aspx

3. How Much and How Often To Feed; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/foods-and-drinks/how-much-and-how-often.html

4. Healthy Eating for 6 to 24-month-old children; Family Health Service; https://www.fhs.gov.hk/english/health_info/child/14727.html

5. Preventing Choking; Nemours Kids Health; https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/safety-choking.html

6. Nutrition Guide for Toddlers; Nemours Kids Health; https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/toddler-food.html

7. Infant and Toddler Nutrition; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/index.html

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Home • Toddler • Food

Top 13 Indian Food Recipes For Toddlers

Delicious signature dishes from different regions of the country that are easy to make.

Seeemaa Budhraja is a Delhi-based dietitian and nutritionist. She specializes in weight and lifestyle management. She is a healthy recipe designer, works as a health motivator and wellness coach as well. She has worked as a slimming head wi... more

Jessica Albert is a passionate writer who seeks to connect with her readers through wit and charm. Her work aims to invoke curiosity and keep the readers engaged through and through. She has two years... more

Swati Patwal is a clinical nutritionist, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and a toddler mom with more than a decade of experience in diverse fields of nutrition. She started her career as a CSR pro... more

Vidya did her post-graduation in Biotechnology from Osmania University, Hyderabad. Her interest in scientific research and writing made her pursue a career in writing, in which she now has over five y... more

MomJunction believes in providing reliable, research-backed information to you. As per our strong editorial policy requirements, we base our health articles on references (citations) taken from authority sites, international journals, and research studies. However, if you find any incongruencies, feel free to write to us .

It will be good to include some creative and delicious Indian food recipes for toddlers if you feel they are not eating properly. Eating healthy is essential for children’s proper growth and development. If they are fussy eaters, they might miss important nutrients. However, toddlers love exploring new things, and during their growth years, their taste evolves. So, if you feel your children have not been enjoying homemade meals recently, try giving a twist to traditional recipes and create something attractive and tasty by adding some Indian spices and flavors. This post gives you a list of different Indian foods that are easy to prepare and tempting for your toddlers.

Here are ten healthy recipes for kid-friendly meals that will be a sure shot hit with your little one:

1. Beetroot And Carrot Raita:

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need:

Beetroot (grated)
Carrot (grated)
Cumin seeds (roasted)
Sugar (optional)
Add all the ingredients in a bowl.
Whisk it well and serve.

If you’re looking for quick meals, this is a healthy recipe for your little vegetarian.

2. Bajra And Jowar Rotis With Paneer:

Bajra flour
Jowar flour
Paneer (grated)
Spinach (boiled and pureed)
Ghee or oil
Mix all the ingredients to make a soft dough.
Now use the dough to make rotis. You can use a little ghee or oil while cooking to enhance its taste.
You can serve it with Beetroot and Carrot Raita.

This is the perfect option if you are looking for a gluten-free recipe.

3. Moong Sprout Dosa:

Moong Dal (sprouted)

For Filling:

Mustard seeds
Curry leaves
Turmeric Powder
Potatoes (boiled, peeled and mashed)
Carrots (grated)
Cabbage (grated)
Coconut (grated)
Tomatoes (chopped)
Onions (chopped)
Coriander (chopped)
Mix all the dosa ingredients and grind to make a smooth paste. Keep it aside for 15 to 20 minutes to ferment.
Heat the oil in a pan on medium flame. Add the mustard seeds, curry leaves and turmeric powder. Sauté it and add all the other ingredients. Cook for two minutes.
Grease and heat a pan on medium flame. Add a ladle of paste and spread it evenly to make a dosa. Add the filling in the center of the dosa. Fold it over and flip to cook the other side.

4. Amarkhand (Mango Shrikhand):

Cardamom powder
Saffron strands
In a muslin cloth, place the yogurt and hang overnight to drain it.
Blend all ingredients except saffron and dry fruits into a smooth pulp.
Garnish with saffron and your toddler’s favorite dry fruits.

This little sweet dish can quickly turn into your little one’s comfort food.

5. Ragi Halwa:

Coconut milk
Cashew nuts
Soak ragi overnight, wash and drain it in the morning. Put this in a blender and add water to make a smooth batter.
In a pan, add the ragi batter, coconut milk, ghee, jaggery, and cardamom powder. Stir continuously.
Once it starts thickening, you can remove it from the heat.
In a dish, pour the halwa and add ghee.
Garnish with cashew nuts .

This sweet dish might not be for your little one if you are looking for low-sugar recipes.

6. Potato Poha:

Ginger (chopped)
Potatoes (chopped)
Lemon juice
Wash and drain the poha. Keep it aside.
Heat the oil in a pan on medium flame. Now add the mustard seeds, curry leaves, and urad dal. Sauté until the dal turns golden brown. Add the onions and fry it.
Add the ginger and turmeric powder. Now add potatoes and cook until it becomes tender. Add the poha and salt. Mix it well and remove from the heat.
Sprinkle lemon juice and garnish with coriander leaves.

7. Egg Curry:

Eggs (boiled)
Onion (chopped)
Coriander seeds and leaves
Turmeric powder
Heat the oil in a pan. Fry the onions and coriander seeds. Remove the onions from the pan and put them into a blender. Add coconut and tamarind. Churn to make a fine paste.
Add the oil to a pan and fry the remaining onions. Add the paste, turmeric powder and some water and bring it to a boil.
Add the boiled eggs and let it simmer for a few minutes. Add a dash of salt and garnish with coriander leaves.

This simple curry is a great choice for high-energy meals since eggs are considered as protein-rich foods.

8. Bread Rolls:

Bread slices
Potatoes (boiled)
Carrots (boiled)
Coriander leaves (chopped)
Coriander powder
Garam masala
Heat the oil in a pan. Add onions and tomatoes and cook until tender. Add all the remaining ingredients except bread. Cook until dry.
Now soak the bread in water and squeeze it. Place the stuffing on the bread and roll it to make round balls.
Heat the oil in a pan and fry the bread rolls until it turns golden brown.

Bread rolls are a quick and option for finger foods if you want your baby to try Indian snacks

9. Tomato Rice With Paneer:

Rice (cooked)
Paneer (cubes)
Tomato puree
Ginger paste
Garlic paste
Cumin powder
Heat the oil in a pan. Sauté paneer and keep it aside. Add the onions to the pan and fry until golden brown. Add the ginger and garlic paste. Let it cook for a few minutes.
Now add the tomato puree along with the spices and salt. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
Add the rice and stir well. Remove it from the heat. Add the paneer and garnish with coriander leaves.

10. Beaten Rice With Banana:

Beaten Rice
Banana (sliced)
Soak the beaten rice in water for ten minutes. Drain and keep it aside.
Melt the jaggery in a pan on low heat. Boil until it has a smooth consistency. Remove it from the heat. Add the beaten rice and mix well.
Now add the coconut and banana.

11. Stuffed Triangle Paranthas:

Your toddler’s favorite vegetables (chopped)
Cumin seeds
Tomato sauce
Heat the oil in a pan and add the cumin seeds. Now add the vegetables and cook until tender.
Add the tomato sauce and salt. Cook for five minutes.
Use the dough to roll out rotis. Cut to make two crescent pieces. Place the stuffing and close to make two triangles.
Heat the oil in a flat pan and place the stuffed triangles. Cook each side until it turns golden brown.

Stuffed parathas are great vitamin-rich foods for your child, since you can add their favorite vegetables depending on the seasonal produce.

12. Paneer fried rice:

Cooked rice
Paneer (cubed or grated)
Fresh coriander leaves
Grated carrot
Finely chopped French beans
Black pepper powder
Heat a pan and add ghee (medium flame).
Once the ghee melts, toss in the grated carrot and chopped French beans and stir fry.
Add the cooked rice and mix for one to two minutes over heat.
Add the grated or cubed paneer and mix thoroughly.
Season with black pepper. Remove from heat and garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves.
Serve warm.

13. Suji upma:

Suji or rava
Mixed vegetables (French beans, capsicum, carrot)
Roast the suji with a little ghee until there’s a nice aroma.
Finely chop onions, tomatoes, and mixed vegetables.
Steam cook the vegetables, and set aside.
Melt ghee in a pan, add cumin seeds, and let them crackle.
Add onions and ginger and saute till slightly browned.
Add tomatoes and cook till they are mushy.
Now stir in the mixed vegetables & turmeric powder and saute for a minute.
Boil water in a separate pan and add to the veggie mix carefully.
Now add roasted suji while stirring continuously. Keep mixing until the suji absorbs all the water.
Cover and cook for five more minutes on low heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which food is best for a two-year-old?

A two-year-old should eat from each of these primary four food groups ( 1 ).

Eggs, fish, poultry, meat
Milk, cheese, and other dairy products
Vegetables and fruits
Potatoes, rice, cereals, and flour products

2. How do I get my toddler to eat Indian food?

Once babies are 12 months old, you can offer them family food at the spice level they can tolerate. Add moderate amounts of spices, such as turmeric, cumin, coriander powder, chili powder, cardamom, and nutmeg, to their meals. You may add only one spice at a time to see how well they tolerate it. These practices may help them enjoy Indian food.

3. What can I feed to an Indian baby?

You can feed the usual Indian food such as curries, lentils, roti, paratha, rice preparations, dosa, idli, halwa, and poha at a spice level that your baby can tolerate.

Introducing some Indian food recipes for toddlers who hesitate to eat certain foods can be interesting. Beetroot and carrot raita, rotis with paneer, moong sprout dosa, Samarkand, and ragi halwa are some of the most nutritious meals and tasty Indian recipes for toddlers. Indian recipes are packed with flavors and various nutrients. You may make them less spicy for toddlers. You may also try beaten rice with banana or stuffed parathas to make your toddler eat healthy. Trying various recipes each day could help the child to get all the essential nutrients for a balanced diet.

Infographic: Flavorsome And Quick Indian Food Recipes For Toddlers

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Key Pointers

Healthy eating is crucial for children’s growth and development.
For toddlers, some delicious and nutritious Indian recipes include beetroot and carrot raita, rotis with paneer, and moong sprout dosa.
Mango shrikhand and ragi halwa are tasty and healthy dessert options for kids.
Indian recipes can be adapted to be less spicy for toddlers’ palates.
Offering a variety of recipes each day can ensure that children get all the necessary nutrients.

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

Delight your toddlers with these delicious Indian breakfast recipes! Perfect for children aged 2-4 years, these recipes are sure to help them gain weight in a healthy way.

Feeding & Nutrition Tips: Your 2-Year-Old https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/nutrition/Pages/Feeding-and-Nutrition-Your-Two-Year-Old.aspx
Fact-checker

Seeemaa Budhraja DDHE & DNHE

Jessica albert be, swati patwal m.sc. (food & nutrition), mba, vidya tadapatri msc (biotechnology), latest articles, 1st month pregnancy diet: what to eat and avoid.

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Traveling to India with a baby or toddler

India with baby

Indian man kneels next to a toddler in India

Traveling to India with a baby or toddler.

India gives you the chance to experience a bit of luxury and actually get a vacation in – instead of settling for a trip simply because you have children. The affordable hotels, dining, fantastic service, family-friendly culture, and easy access to quality childcare make India a really GREAT destination choice for traveling with babies and toddlers.

That said, it can be challenging in some ways compared to other countries to get around with a baby or toddler in tow which is why I wanted to write this guide. I first moved to India when my twins were 10 months old and stayed here through their toddler years. After living in India 3 years, I moved away only to move back a few years later. It’s now home once again! Now I have a third baby in addition to my older twins. I’ve lived in both the North and South of India, while also traveling throughout the country so I have had varied experiences.

When I travel in India, I usually stay in nicer hotels and resorts so I can’t really speak to backpacking or hostels. I personally wouldn’t recommend that route with small children in India anyway. There are however fabulous glamping sites in India which I have absolutely loved, but you should seek out a well-reputed one. Regardless of where you’ll be staying, or how you choose to travel, most of this information should be helpful.

You have to take the good with the bad here. In a lot of ways, things are much easier, but in other ways, it can be much more challenging logistically. Here are a few tips for getting around India smoothly with your little one(s).

Transportation

Car seats in India are rare. They are readily available for purchase these days but I still recommend that you bring your own. If you feel your car seat will be too heavy to carry over, you can consider purchasing an affordable lightweight one specifically for travel. [If your car seat was purchased in the US or Canada you will need a locking clip , European ones have them built in]. I recommend hiring a car and driver for your entire stay in each city where possible. If not possible use your hotel car or their recommended service. Don’t try to drive on your first (or 3rd) trip here – there’s a reason most tourists AND locals hire a professional. When planning your trip, plan to fly between cities instead of driving. The roads can be rough and the rest stops far between.

I don’t take the metros on a day-to-day basis. Metro stations vary from dingy and overwhelmingly crowded to beautiful, modern, and clean. If you want to take a train, search the route to get reviews online. India is now home to many new, clean, and beautiful trains, but you should check 1st to see if that is the one you are getting. For long trips, sleeper cabins are available, and a lot of people love these. I personally prefer to fly with toddlers to keep the travel time short.

Sidewalks can be damaged, uneven, or nonexistent. I’ve managed to walk around everywhere from Delhi to the beaches in Sydney with my eco-friendly all-terrain stroller but for sure leave that umbrella stroller at home – or just plan to use it indoors or at certain places. For tourist sites, check online to see if it’s stroller-friendly before you head out. Most of the time an all-terrain stroller is perfect, but sometimes there are too many stairs. If feasible for you, a baby carrier is the best way to go. I use an Ergo carrier most of the time because it’s very comfortable and can be used from 7 lbs and up without a hot, bulky insert. When I travel, however, this is my go-to carrier because it folds up so compactly!

Mother poses with baby on her back in Jaipur, India

Online shopping/Amazon

Yes! India has Amazon – with one and two-day deliveries so if you forgot something or need to buy diapers, baby food, snacks, or formula they can deliver to your hotel. The front desk will usually bring it up for you. Also, check out Swiggy (app) for food deliveries! Not just prepared food but groceries, bakery deliveries, etc. Choose cash on delivery if you don’t have Google Pay. You can also call the hotel concierge and ask if they can send someone to the pharmacy to pick something up for you if you fall sick – they’ll send a Dr too if needed.

Best diapers in India

Babies use pull-ups here as soon as they’re out of the infancy stage so that’s all you’ll find. At first, I couldn’t figure out how they changed dirty diapers without a huge mess but then I realized you’re supposed to tear the side when removing the diaper. It seemed so obvious as soon as I did it!

The best diapers in India (I’ve tried them all) are Pampers Premium . I actually prefer them to diapers in the US now. Y ou’ll need to know your baby’s weight in kilos to know which size to buy. For wipes I like Huggies brand , they are the same formulation as in the U.S. They are scented but it’s mild and non-irritating.

For baby shampoo, lotion, etc. there is a natural brand here called Mama Earth, they make a great travel pack for all the baby essentials.

Changing tables

Changing tables isn’t really a thing here. You won’t find one anywhere in the country unless you’re in a play cafe, higher-end mall, nice theater, or another very family-friendly venue. I’m not entirely sure how other moms do things but I’ll tell you what I do. I find a private corner recline the stroller seat all the way, pull down the sunshade, and change my baby in the stroller seat. If you are in a very public area, you can ask a security guard if there is somewhere private to change them, sometimes you’ll get lucky and they’ll let you in a restricted area for a few minutes. Once my toddlers were around 18 months, I could take them to the restroom with me and change them standing up too if bathrooms were nice.

Potty-Trained toddlers

Whenever I travel anywhere with my potty-trained toddler I bring this foldable seat cover . It works on most toilets that I’ve tried in India but not all because some are shaped just a bit differently. Usually, I just keep it for the hotel room so they can be comfortable.

If you find yourself somewhere a hygienic restroom is just not going to happen with a potty-trained toddler, well, it can be challenging. I actually carry diapers around for mine and in the event of an “I can’t hold it” and there are only disgusting bathrooms around type emergency, I slip it on, have them go in the diaper, and then take it off immediately after. I’ve only done this a few times but it sure beats any alternatives I could think of. They make travel potty training seats , but I feel the diaper is often more discrete. For boys, they can stand and go usually but for older girls and myself, we use these…. erm ….devices so we can stand and go too. I keep two in my diaper bag always along with some tissues.

Baby Formula in India

If you need to buy baby formula in India, Enfamil is available at just about every pharmacy or you can order it online.

Baby food while traveling in India

You can easily buy baby food in India online (See Big Basket) or in stores (Look for Food Hall, World Market, or anything with the word “Hypermarket” in it). In hotels and restaurants, they will usually accommodate special requests such as mashing fruits and vegetables. Know that toddlers are often offered free desserts when out to eat. A few times my babies were offered food that was a choking hazard for their age like a small chocolate ball so you can either eat the dessert yourself or politely decline in that case.

Snacks for toddlers in India

I do recommend bringing some of your little one’s favorite snacks from home because that’s what they know and love. Packaged toddler food is usually less expensive. They also often incorporate more ancient grains and millets. There are several great local options as well. My kids love Happa Super Puffs , zookers – healthy toddler cookies , Anything Timios makes, and Indian Kishmish raisins.

Hotels in India

Hotels in India go SO far above and beyond for guests. If you leave your laundry all over the room, they will pick up and fold it all. They will also send housekeeping to clean up after your toddler eats their third snack of the day and leaves crumbs all over the room. When I first moved to India, I was in a hotel for 2 months. I called housekeeping 2ce a day to clean up after our meals – my babies were very messy eaters at that time but they were very happy to help. You can also ask hotels to reserve a table in the corner for you each morning at breakfast so fewer people pass by your table if your kids are feeling inundated with extra attention. Trust me, the breakfast buffets in India are not to be missed! If you have a food intolerance or allergy they are a dream!

Toddler walks on hotel grounds in Goa India.

Many higher-end hotels these days actually have tap water that you can drink. I don’t trust it for everyday drinking (which is fine because they also provide unlimited free bottled water) but it’s really nice to have if your baby is in the swallowing bath water phase. If your hotel does not have potable water and you are worried about your baby ingesting the water, a quick shower is a better option. Recently a lot of hotels have shifted to bottled water in reusable glass bottles. These are safe for drinking. If any concern call the front desk.

Washing Bottles

Use bottled water to wash all of your baby bottles, pacifiers, etc. I don’t like the baby dish soap here so I brought my own from the US. I also brought a travel bottle cleaning set along but you could easily pick something up here as well. Many hotels will actually wash and/or sterilize bottles for you – some even have sterilization machines. I tried the washing service (I don’t sterilize bottles) but they kept missing the air valves so I preferred to wash them myself. I generally start washing with tap water but do the final rinse with filtered or bottled water. That’s just for bottles and sippy cups where I tend to be extra cautious. F or plates, bowls, etc tap water is fine to wash with – just be sure it is completely dry before using again.

Cribs in Indian Hotels

Some hotels have older-style cribs – you know the ones they don’t sell anymore in other countries with the wide bars for the baby heads to get stuck in? Email your hotel beforehand and ask them to send you an image of the crib so you know if you need to bring your own pack-and-play or not. You can also buy pack and plays here online or at a baby shop such as First Cry.

Childcare in India

Babysitting is very affordable in India, most hotels provide babysitting services on-site. I have had so many great experiences with babysitting in Indian hotels. I also had one bad experience so it’s very important to vet the sitter before leaving your child – click here to see questions to ask the hotel and sitter before heading out. My preference is to always have the babysitter watch my toddler in the kids’ club – you have to hire a separate sitter due to their age but they can use the space with older kids.

Nannies in India

You can find a temporary full or part-time nanny during your stay. I recommend asking in an expat group on Facebook if they know of anyone between jobs. Nannies can also act as your translator should the rare need for one arise but typically English is enough.

Food safety while traveling

Food safety is a concern, especially for children under the age of 6. I highly recommend you read this post before your trip but if you are short on time at least remember to stick with well-reviewed restaurants where you can eat pretty much anything. Pro tip: Download the Zomato app and stick to restaurants rated 4.0 or higher. Otherwise, you can stick to only well-cooked foods or fresh fruits and veggies that you wash, cut, and peel yourself. In general, you have to be more careful in north India than in the south. If your street food meal seems too cheap (less than 100 rupees) it probably is. Always err on the side of spending more in India.

Breastfeeding in India

Breastfeeding is fairly well accepted in India but not as widely as in the West and most women do prefer to either nurse in a private area or they use a cover. Although India has very progressive maternity leave laws that relate to breastfeeding, there is no legal protection for public nursing. Now that doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t nurse your baby in public I’ve personally done it many times, without a cover. It’s just not legally protected which means if a restaurant owner asks you to cover up you can pitch a fit, tell them it’s ridiculous, etc. but then, in the unlikely event they don’t back down, you’d either need to comply or leave the premises. I’ve never actually heard of this happening but I know it must happen here because it still happens in the US where it IS legally protected. I’ve seen women breastfeed openly with and without covers when out and about, I have done the same. A few weeks ago I saw a woman breastfeeding on the back of a moving moped – not all superheroes wear capes am I right? In malls, hospitals, and other large public venues, there is almost always a baby care lounge with comfy chairs for you to privately nurse your baby, I think it’s because of that convenience that I’ve never seen anyone breastfeed in a mall before.

Ok, play cafes are amazing and at least where I live in the nation’s capital of New Delhi and surrounding areas of Noida and Gurgaon, they are very popular. The mall closest to my house has 3! Play cafes are half restaurants and half play areas. Most are geared toward younger kids (around ages 1-6). They’re even staffed – the idea is that you can eat in peace, chat with friends or get some work done while your kids run around, play dress up, or play with developmentally appropriate toys. I have no idea why this hasn’t caught on in the West and I have half a mind to open one up myself. Make sure you visit one during your trip to India. Click play on the video below to see a few different play cafes around town. Sadly they are not popular everywhere in India. Here in Bangalore, they are nonexistent but there are a lot of very cool indoor play areas!

Historical sites

Safety can be a concern at historical sites. Most sites have been preserved as they were built so that means no railings have been added to stairwells or plexiglass added to gaping holes in the walls three stories up. It is up to you and only you to keep your little one safe. I used to use these on occasion when I was out in more dangerous sites with my kids so they didn’t accidentally run out a doorway and fall three stories.

Baby learns to walk in historical site. New Delhi, India

Stray dogs and wild monkeys

We have a rule in our family that you can look at but not touch any animal without first being invited by an adult. That adult can be me once I assess a stray is friendly. My kids love to say “Hi” to the local animals who usually ignore them entirely in return. Both monkeys and stray dogs can carry diseases and can be aggressive if provoked, startled, or if you’re holding food, so use caution. Some strays are quite friendly. You will notice some strays wear collars. These are often dogs cared for by their community humans and are often very friendly, even protective of children they run into. Animals here are pretty used to the presence of humans though and most often will choose to do their own thing.

Saying hi to a local stray dog in Kerala

All the extra attention

Indian people, in general, LOVE kids. Kids here get extra attention and touching (pats on the head, cheek, etc.) If your kid would stand out in a crowd here you might get a bit more attention ….. sometimes you might get a LOT more attention, particularly at tourist sites. Most particularly at tourist sites in Jaipur, I am not sure what the deal is but the attention in Jaipur is more than we have received anywhere else. The good news is that there is not a huge language barrier here so communicating that your baby isn’t liking it or saying “Please no touching” is a pretty simple thing to do. I often blurt out “Not the face!” which is met most often with amusement and an apology.

This can be challenging because, on the one hand, you want to respect the culture you’re in, and on the other, your baby or toddler may not respond well to unwanted touching. You also might want to prevent strangers from touching your baby since their immune systems are still developing. In general, Indians are very respectful and will back right off without being offended after you ask them to stop. If you need to address a handsy stranger further, stay friendly, repeat that they don’t like touching, and put your whole body between them and your child. If there seems to be a language barrier put your hand up like you’re telling someone to stop. Sometimes, locals will want to take selfies with your child. Unlike many other countries that I have visited, in India, they almost always ask your permission first. I often tell people “not right now” because it sounds nicer than no, but it’s pretty unlikely that they’re going to see you again later. Other times we take the selfie, it just depends on what we have going on, if my toddler is okay with it, etc. If you’re really lucky, someone might ask you to hold THEIR baby to take a photo with.

Two Indian women smile at baby crawlking around in Gurgaon, India

Staring in India

Part of getting extra attention is getting stared at. If you have older kids I would explain to them that they are staring because they are different and find them interesting. I often find myself staring at the 20 people crammed into one tuk-tuk. It’s not that I mean any harm by it. I just can’t believe they all fit in there! It’s amazing. For babies going through the stranger danger phase, it can even be traumatic for them. My son would shut down, tuck his chin to his chest, and just start crying. It was a horrible thing to watch keeping him in a baby carrier, sitting in corners of restaurants, and notifying waiters (who were very often the ones staring) of his “shyness” helped a lot. On the other hand, my daughter loved all the extra attention so we went with it. You’ll find what works for you.

Mother holds toddler in Jaipur, India while the crowds around them pay no attnetion.

If they are getting a lot of unwanted attention, It might help to have your kids wear hats at tourist sites. Not just blonde kids, all kids. Locals largely prefer to come and discuss my brunette daughter’s “silky hair” over my son’s blonde hair. In general, you will get a lot more attention at tourist sites and in rural areas. Everyday living, walking around big cities – that’s a completely different story. While I get more stares here in malls I get stopped for conversation in the US way more (every 4th person in the US wants to know if my kids are twins) so for us, it was an easier transition.

Man pushes a stroller in India while passerby's stare at the kids.

If you ever feel uncomfortable because the staring has become more of creepy leering, feel free to give a dirty look back, say Hi, ask a guard for help, or just be blunt and tell them to stop. I mean, some people will never know that they are being inappropriate unless someone lets them know and other people just have unfortunate resting faces. Use your instincts and protective emotions (fear, anger, etc.) that come with those instincts to do what you’re comfortable with.

I had one man staring at me in a very creepy way while I was out and about with my kids. I tried staring back, dirty looks and even putting my hands up as if to say “What?!?” but nothing stopped this man from staring. I was waiting for my driver so this went on for more than 10 minutes. My instincts told me something was off and not to approach (he was a ways away) even though normally I have no issue confronting people. There weren’t any security guards around at the time, normally there are and you can just talk to them. I took out my phone and as obviously as possible, took a photo of him. I then made a phone call to my driver to see how close he was. The man probably thought I was calling the police and finally walked away. That was the worst experience I have had to date. After 3.5 years of living here. S o hopefully, if you’re on a short trip, it doesn’t happen to you at all. I have had a similar experience in Australia as well but the man was leering at and filming my child instead of me which was way worse.

Vaccines needed to travel to India

Never accept a blogger’s advice when it comes to which specific vaccines are required for travel. Most of us aren’t doctors and vaccine information can change. Check here for information on vaccines needed before visiting India and then speak with your child’s pediatrician. Be sure to tell them which specific areas you will be visiting because that most likely will mean fewer vaccines are required.

Hand Sanitizer

Keep an alcohol-based hand sanitizer on you at all times. I took a Costco-sized pack of individual Lysol wipes with us when we moved which comes in handy to carry around. (These are also amazing for travel in general) Just be sure it completely drys before your little one touches their face … or sucks on their fingers.

Mosquitos in India

Mosquitos here can do more than give you an itchy bump, they carry and transmit dengue and other diseases. They are also out all day long too, not just after dusk. I normally love natural remedies but that is assuming some level of effectiveness. When it comes to tropical, disease-carrying mosquitos, Deet is your best friend. It is safe for babies 2 months and up. On the other hand, natural repellents containing oils such as eucalyptus or lemon oil are only safe once your child is three years old. I’ve also tried several natural brands of lotions, sprays, and stickers myself and the mosquitoes were not phased at all.

There is one brand here in India that contains DEET. You can buy it online but the sprayer is not very good, it leaks a ton and smells terrible. I import these from the US to use which contains 15% Deet. I tried a brand containing 7% but found it to be ineffective here. I also really love these wipes (picardin is as effective as DEET) because they are so small and easy to carry around! Be sure you know how to correctly apply DEET based bug spray. I always give a bath after an evening outside to wash off all the residue before bed.

What to wear in India

In general, dress for your comfort and for the weather. Shopping locally is always a great idea because the fabrics sold here are designed for the climate, not to mention they are super comfy and cute. To read my full guide on how to dress in India, click HERE.

Pollution in India

I was so afraid of the pollution levels in India before moving here and, it’s true it does get bad – really bad…. in the north that is. However, it’s not an issue year-round and air purifiers are amazing at removing toxins from the air. Anti-pollution face masks are great for outdoor activities. Vog Masks are the local expat’s brand of choice and they do make them in child sizes but they are really hard to find post covid. You can try these if for 4+. Face masks are not recommended for young toddlers or babies, check with your pediatrician before using on an older toddler. The best thing to do is to plan your visit when air pollution is not a major issue. Karnakata or Kerala, for example, does not struggle with the same air quality issues as other part of the country. Here in Bangalore, I can leave my windows open all day long most days of the year!

The best time of year to visit India

It’s important to plan your visit at the right times, especially when traveling with kids because you need to avoid pollution and extreme heat if you want to enjoy the outdoors. The best time to visit most of India is February-April and August-October. (Click here to read the full guide to when to visit India, which is broken down by region.) Most people say September-October but I love August in Delhi. It’s still monsoon season so you get clear skies and clean air. It’s still very warm and humid but not as hot as the other summer months.

Sun peaks through the clouds on a tea plantation in Munnar, India

November is the absolute worst time of year to visit because the air pollution is horrible, if you can help it, do not bring your little one to visit unless you’re heading to South India. Summers in many parts (May- mid-July) are also hard because it is unbearably hot. Babies cannot regulate their body temperatures the way adults can so you really wouldn’t be able to see the sights with them without risking heatstroke.

Shopping in India

Be sure to take the time to shop in India, particularly for clothing early on in your trip. My favorite brands for Indian kid’s clothing are Fab India and Anokhi . They have (adorable) lightweight, breathable pieces of cotton that are perfect for Indian weather. There are also several markets where you are able to buy directly from local vendors. For tips on Haggling in India click here . Your baby or toddler will be able to wear what you buy here back home too!

Mother and twin toddlers walk around in Goa wearing traditional Indian clothing

Did I miss anything? If you have any burning questions about traveling in India with a baby or toddler feel free to ask in the comments below!

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Kid-Friendly Indian Snacks For Road Trips

There is 1 comment

It’s so funny how life rotates 180 degrees and then a whole 360 degrees. I have such vivid memories of being 7 years young, with my “wrapped” subji sandwich that my mom so meticulously put together for me. And then the feelings embarrassment that my food looked and smelled so differently from my peers. Two decades later, as an adult when I bring cultural foods to potlucks or my workplace, everyone flocks to my seat; curious to know what I’ve got. I’m not a mum just yet, but when I am, I’m encourage by these posts to see how far we’ve come. We truly live in an era where foods from all over the world are celebrated.

Thanks for sharing, and thanks for the walk down memory lane. Nita!

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Dessert at home: kulfi in a chocolate cup.

Tips on Traveling to India With Kids

by Kiran | Jan 8, 2020 | Roadmap , Travel | 0 comments

Tips on Travel to India With Kids

I’ve been traveling to India since I was just two years old. My father is Indian, and my mom American; he was the only one in his immediate family to move from the country, so naturally we traveled back many times to visit. Traveling abroad as a child was a mix of feelings: adventure, curiosity and excitement were coupled with fears. I got sick a number of times while visiting which left me scared of it happening again. Flash forward to today – I just got back from my own travel to India with my four kids ranging from age 8 – 15. I have tips to share on why you should visit India, what foods to avoid in India and what to pack for your trip. Let’s take a look.

Why visit India?

As mentioned, I grew up traveling to India and other locations as a child. I never quite understood how much it affected me, and truly changed me as a person until I got older. Now that I’m a parent, I realize that exposing children to other cultures opens their minds and truly lets them appreciate people – all people. A visit to India will not leave you unmarked. It is a country full of colors, smells, tastes, and more. It’s a sensory experience, sometimes overload. It’s a rich experience to give to your children.

Specific reasons to visit India:

Cultural diversity – areas vary greatly throughout the country. From North to South, East to West, not only will the landscape and weather be varied, but so will the cuisine, clothes, arts and of course languages. If at all possible, plan to see a few different areas throughout the country.
Economic diversity – seeing the levels of poverty as a child was eye-opening for me, to say the least. While 50 per cent of the nation lives below the poverty lines, others boast Mercedes and BMW’s and eat and live lavishly. It was important for me to show my kids these differences, to let them know that so much more exists than what they know in their everyday life.
History – from the British influence shown from the architecture and landscape, to the roots of yoga and Ayurveda, India holds so much in the area of history. Many times trends in healing such as taking turmeric or curcumin or taking ginger or garlic with meals tie back centuries to this country.
Food – Sure there are foods you need to avoid while on your trip – but there are so many more that you can enjoy! Tikka Masala is only the beginning. Samosas, Saag , Idils and Saambar, Masala Dosa and Gobi are some of my personal favorites, but there are truly so many others to try and enjoy! The spices are unique and hotness can vary. Take your appetite itself on a voyage with this trip (and be sure to let your kids try even just bites – no “kid food” needed!

Is it safe to travel to India?

The second question that comes to mind when considering travel to India is that of safety. Conflicting stories are out there, and as a mom, we look for the safest options when it comes to our kids. So I can’t stress enough how much I appreciate this question.

Ironically, since I have been so many times myself, I didn’t really question the safety when it came to my kids, but it was my father who did. Grandparents can often feel a different sense of responsibility, and it was him who was fearful of us taking the trip – ironic because of how many times he took me growing up! 🙂 Regardless, my goal was to make sure that my kids were old enough to take the trip . Travel over long distance can be stressful on the body, and I wanted to be sure that they could endure it. The distance is far, and thus the plane rides are long. My goal was to make sure that they were able to sit by themselves on the plain and entertain themselves for the duration – 16 hours for us.

How old should kids be to travel to India?

This is a subjective question, in my opinion. For me, the answer was 8. At this point, my youngest could help carry his own carryon, he could entertain himself on the plane, and after lots of coaching ahead of time, he knew which foods were safe and not safe – more on that later. In addition, he was, in my opinion, old enough to remember things that we saw along the way. We took our kids to Italy 4 years ago and he was just 4 years old. When I ask him today what he remembers, it’s not much. I wanted them all to be able to remember the experience and to learn from it. That said, this is a personal decision. As mentioned, I was there earlier than 8 years growing up, and I saw plenty of other parents bringing babies with them. Only you can truly decide when you are comfortable with it.

But back to the safety issue …

I have always felt safe traveling to India. Granted, I primarily go to Mumbai and New Dehli, but in these areas, I feel safe. The India Travel Advisory does offer some safety suggestions to include avoiding specific areas and not traveling alone. On the contrary, The Wall Street Journal states that travel is mostly safe even for women traveling alone and that the most that women will experience is unwelcome attention from men. I went out for a run by myself a number of times and never felt any sort of stress.

Which foods are not safe to eat in India?

Perhaps the biggest area for concern in me was the issue of which foods to eat and avoid. Because I had gotten sick each and every time that I traveled there growing up, it is a sensitive subject for me. Here is what I have learned over the years and the protocol I had my kids follow:

Avoid all raw fruits and vegetables. Cooked vegetables are fine.
Dairy should be avoided, specifically uncooked cheese or unpasteurized dairy products.
Don’t drink the tap water. In addition, don’t use it for brushing your teeth or get it in your eyes when showering.
Ice is also a no-no since it’s made with the tap water.
Fresh juice should be avoided.
Chutneys, while a favorite of mine, are made with fresh herbs and therefore should be avoided.
Garnishes on foods should also be eaten with haste.
Be cautious when eating meat. Try to stick to reputable, busy restaurants.
We 100% always avoid the street food.
As a rule, piping hot foods or foods cooked in front of you are ideal.

How to make Chicken Tikka Masala in the pressure cooker

What should I pack for Traveling to India With Kids?

Travel adapter
Mini surge protector
Dry gear bag
Antibacterial spray
Preventative medicines. I was prepared with everything – Immodium, Pepto Bismol, Benadryl, Probiotics, Dramamine and Antibiotics prescribed should we get Travelers Diarrhea. (5/6 of us did!)
Books and activity items for flights and other “downtimes”. We brought Uno, Old Maid, two sets of cards and Mad Libs in addition to books.
A journal. I had my kids each journal along the way, and we spent time reading all of our writings at the end of the trip. This creates a great memoir for them to look back upon.
Closed toed shoes if you don’t want your feet exposed to some unsanitary conditions. Shoes are very inexpensive in India should you need to purchase any.
A first aid kit.
Cameras or phones (of course!).
Enjoy Life Protein Bites
Wild Caught Tuna Packs
Sunbutter packs
GoMacro Bars

A few last tips on your travel to India:

Be flexible. I love this part of travel. Showing your children that things don’t always go as planned and adapting is a key life lesson.
Expect things to take longer than expected. The sense of urgency of time is different in India than it is in the States, so be prepared and relaxed.
Learn to bargain. When purchasing from stalls or markets it is customary to bargain, so go for it!
Go local. If you know someone who lives in the area, spend time with them. Otherwise try to visit during a holiday – Diwali or Holi are great ones. See which restaurants the locals frequent and join them to get a true taste of culture.
Don’t overpack. You can buy most everything in India, so don’t worry if you pack lightly. It’s also very warm so you needn’t bring lots of heavy clothes.
Keep an open mind. Your experience will likely differ from your expectations, and that is where the beauty lies.

I can’t wait to hear more about your plans and trip. Please comment below if you have a trip coming up, or if you’ve already taken one. Cheers!

Tips on travel to india with kids - what to pack, safety and foods to avoid

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Easy-to-make and healthy travel snack recipes for your toddlers

Check out quick and wholesome travel snacks recipes for toddlers..

Travelling with a young child may be both joyful and intimidating. Snacks are one of the most crucial items while travelling with a toddler . Since toddlers are unpredictable and prone to hunger , it is best to be prepared with some quick-to-prepare and wholesome snacks. With some advance preparation, you may feel secure in the knowledge that your kids will remain fed and pleased during the journey. When hunger strikes, you'll be ready for it. Not needing to buy food from other stores will also save you a lot of time and money. Here is a list of some easy-to-make and healthy recipes for your toddler for a hassle-free and happy journey. (Also read: 5 easy-to-cook recipes for late night hunger )

Toddler- friendly easy to make and healthy travel snack recipes(pixabay)

1. Atta biscuit recipe

(Recipe by Instagram/foodaholic_world)

Ingredients:

½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
¼ cup powdered sugar/icing sugar
1 cup wheat flour/atta
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp cardamom / elachi (powdered)
3 tbsp milk (room temperature)

- Firstly, in a large mixing bowl take ½ cup unsalted butter and ¼ cup powdered sugar. Beat the sugar and butter well with the help of hand mixer or whisk.

- Further add 1 cup wheat flour, ½ tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp baking soda and pinch of salt.

- Additionally add ¼ tsp cardamom powder or vanilla extract. Then mix and crumble the ingredients well with hand.

- Furthermore add 3 tbsp milk and start to combine well, do not knead, just combine to form a dough, also make sure when the dough is cut, it has a crumbly texture.

- Now flatten and roll out slightly thick with the help of rolling pin then seal the edges with your hand if cracks forms at the sides.

- Now with the help of cookie cutter, cut into any desired shape, gather the remaining dough and make sure to prepare biscuits from it and place the cut dough on to a tray lined with baking paper.

- Bake the biscuits in preheated oven at 160 degree Celsius for 15 minutes or till the edges turn slightly golden then allow the biscuit to cool completely. biscuits will be soft when hot, and turns crunchy when cooled.

Finally, wheat biscuit is ready to serve with chai or store in airtight container for at least 2 weeks.

2. Methi thepla

(Recipe by renowned cook Tarla Dalal)

1/2 cup finely chopped fenugreek (methi) leaves
2 cups whole wheat flour (gehun ka atta)
1 tbsp peanut oil
2 tbsp curd (dahi)
1/4 tsp turmeric powder (haldi)
1 tsp chilli powder
1 tsp sugar
whole wheat flour (gehun ka atta) for rolling
22 tsp peanut oil for cooking

- To make methi theplas, combine all the ingredients in a deep bowl and knead into a soft dough using approx. ¾ cup of water.

- Divide the dough into 22 equal portions and roll out each portion into a 150 mm. (6") diameter circle using a little whole wheat flour for rolling.

- Heat a non-stick tava (griddle) and cook each circle, on a medium flame, using 1 tsp oil, till it turns golden brown in colour from both the sides.

- Serve the methi theplas hot with chunda or sweet mango pickle.

3. Dry poha

1 1/2 cups thin beaten rice (poha)
1/2 cup quick cooking rolled oats
2 tbsp raw peanuts
1 tbsp roasted chana dal (daria)
1/2 tsp turmeric powder (haldi)
1/2 tsp chilli powder
a pinch of asafoetida (hing)
3 curry leaves (kadi patta)
1/2 tbsp powdered sugar

- Combine the poha and oats in a broad non-stick pan and dry roast on a medium flame for 5 to 7 minutes. Remove and keep aside.

- Heat the oil in the same broad non-stick pan, add the peanuts and sauté on a medium flame for 1 to 2 minutes.

- Add the roasted chana dal and sauté on a medium flame for 1 minute.

- Add the turmeric powder, chilli powder, asafoetida and curry leaves and sauté on a medium flame for a few more seconds.

- Add the poha-oats mixture, powdered sugar and salt, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 2 minutes, while stirring occasionally.

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Travel food recipes for your baby: photos

Feeding your baby while on the go

Readymade baby cereal mixes, fruit or vegetable purée, oats banana porridge, wholewheat biscuits, mini vegetable idlis, banana bread fingers, wholewheat carrot cake, well-cooked eggs, stuffed paranthas, cooked pasta shapes.

Once your little one starts on solid foods, travelling with your baby needs a bit more preparation and planning. Try our travel food options that are easy to prepare and carry and won't get messy while feeding your baby. We suggest you feed your baby these foods a few times at home before your planned travel. This will help you see which foods your baby accepts well.

When you're on a trip, nothing can be as handy as readymade baby cereal mixes. These are readily available in stores and come in a variety of flavours. Choose one that is appropriate for your baby’s age and palate. Powdered cereals can be mixed with expressed breastmilk , formula milk or even with boiled and cooled water. You can also make your own cereal powder mix. Ingredients

1 cup rice ( chhota chawal )
1 cup wheat grains ( gehu )
1 cup finger millet ( ragi )
1 cup split green mung ( hari moong dal )

Method Wash the rice, wheat, ragi , moong dal several times over in plenty of water. Sun dry them and then roast the mixture in a pan, oven or microwave. Once the cereal is dry through and through, grind it to a fine powder. Transfer to an airtight container. For preparing the cereal, just add in expressed breastmilk, formula milk, boiled and cooled water or any fruit or vegetable purée that is easy to carry.

Choose your baby's favourite fruit or vegetable purée and jar it in an airtight container. Make sure the container is really airtight so that mould cannot set in. Store the prepared purée in the fridge. These generally keep in the fridge for up to two days, provided there are no power cuts . Since purées have a limited shelf life, they are good for a day out, but not your best choice if you are taking a trip of several days. You can also use store-bought purées that might have a longer shelf life. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions on using and storing purées.

Oats are a good source of protein, vitamin B1, dietary fibre, and other micronutrients. You can add any soft fruit of your baby's liking to this recipe. Bananas are usually a favourite with babies and readily available in most places, so this is our fruit of choice in this recipe. Ingredients

1 ripe banana ( kela )
Roasted oats (as needed)
Baby's regular milk

Method Prepare a batch of powdered roasted oats first. You can take one cup of oats or more, depending on how often you use it or how big a batch you want to make. Roast the required quantity over a low flame, stirring intermittently for 2-3 minutes. Once done, transfer the oats to a wide plate and allow to cool completely. Transfer to a mixer and grind to a consistency that your baby is able to eat. For 6-months-old babies, just starting on solid foods, grind the roasted oats into a fine powder. For older babies, the consistency can be coarser. Store in an airtight container. When making the porridge, use a fork to mash a peeled banana in a bowl. Add 1 to 2 tsp of the roasted oats powder to the mashed banana and mix. Add breastmilk or formula to make the porridge more runny if required. For older babies and toddlers, you can increase the quantity of oats to 3 to 4 tsp and use regular milk .

Wholewheat biscuits are a good option for travel food and quick snacks. Ingredients

2 cups wholewheat flour ( gehu ka atta )
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup butter
A pinch of cardamom ( chhoti elaichi ) powder

Method Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Meanwhile, whisk the flour, baking powder and baking soda in a bowl. Add butter into the flour mixture and mix well until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add milk and stir into a smooth dough. Put the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly for a few minutes. Pat and roll out the dough to about three quarter inch thickness. Cut circles with a 2-inch biscuit cutter, or a cup or katori and arrange on a baking sheet. You could also use cookie cutters in interesting shapes such as animals, stars or hearts. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until light brown. Remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack. Once cool, store in an airtight container and use within two weeks.

Here's an interesting twist to the good old idli . This recipe provides balanced nutrition in the form of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, fibre and fats. Ingredients

2 cups idli batter
1/4 cup carrot ( gajar ) - grated
1/4 cup boiled peas ( matar )- mashed
Roasted cumin ( bhuna jeera ) powder - optional

Method Mix the carrot, peas and cumin powder in the idli batter. Pour spoonfuls of the batter into greased idli moulds and steam in a steamer for 10 to 12 minutes or till they are done. Once they cool, pack in an airtight container and use within a day.

Ingredients

1 banana ( kela )
4 wholewheat bread slices
1 pinch cinnamon ( dalcheeni ) powder - 1 pinch (optional)
Oil or ghee for frying

Method Cut the bread slices into long strips and keep aside. Blend the banana, milk and cinnamon powder until you get a smooth and slightly runny mixture. Heat a non-stick pan over medium flame. Grease with a little oil or ghee . Dip the bread fingers into the banana mixture and lightly fry on each side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain out excess oil. Once done, store in an airtight container and use within a day.

This healthy cake is easy to make and carry and provides a host of nutrients and interesting flavours for your little one. Ingredients

150g wholewheat flour ( gehu ka atta )
300g carrots ( gajar ), coarsely grated
20 almonds ( badaam ), powdered
20 raisins ( kishmish ) - finely chopped
2-3 walnuts ( akhrot ), powdered
4 tsp ground mixed spice (optional)
1 tsp baking soda
2 large eggs
100ml sunflower oil, plus a little extra for greasing
3 tbsp semi-skimmed milk

Method Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, grease and line the base of a cake tin with baking parchment. Put the flour, almonds, raisins, walnuts, mixed spice and baking soda in a large bowl and mix thoroughly. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, oil and milk together and fold in the grated carrot. Add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring to form a thick batter. Pour the batter into the prepared tin and spread to the sides. Bake in the oven for about half an hour, or until the cake is well-risen and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Leave to cool in the tin. Take the cake out of the tin and peel off the lining paper. Cut into slices and keep in an airtight container in the fridge until you pack it. It's best for your baby to eat this within 4-6 hours after it's removed from the fridge.

Cooked eggs are convenient to carry and a great way to handle hunger pangs. They work best for short journeys. You can try hard-boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, omelette or egg bhurji . For a more filling meal, offer the eggs with buttered toast, chapati or parantha . Take a look at our slideshow on egg recipes for your baby for more options!

Wholewheat paranthas stuffed with cooked vegetables or purées make filling and yummy breakfast, lunch or dinner options. Paranthas cut into small pieces or strips make great finger foods . Ingredients

1 cup wholewheat or multigrain flour
Stuffing or purée of your choice
Oil or ghee for lightly frying

Method Prepare the dough and use any stuffing of your choice. Good options include potatoes ( aloo ), cauliflower ( gobhi ), peas ( matar ), radish ( mooli ), carrots ( gajar ), beetroot ( chukandar ) or any cooked, leftover dry sabzi . For a more protein-rich option, try stuffing the paranthas with cottage cheese ( paneer ), soya mince or minced meat ( keema ). If using purée, knead it into the dough. Vegetable purées such as pumpkin ( kaddu/sitaphal ), bottlegourd ( lauki/doodhi ), and spinach ( palak ) can also be kneaded into the flour. Another variation is to knead the flour with high-protein food items like different types of cooked and mashed lentils ( dals ), kidney beans ( rajma ) and chickpeas ( chhole ). Gram flour ( besan ) or different types of mixed flours can be used to make delicious multigrain paranthas . Cut into bite-sized pieces or in strips and store in an airtight container. Use within a few hours after they have been cooked.

For short trips, cooked pasta works well. You can carry any vegetable or non-vegetarian purée in a jar and mix it for additional flavour and nutrition. Just make sure you use the purée within a few hours and don't keep any leftover pasta for later. See our slideshow on nutritious purées for more ideas! These baby recipes have been put together by BabyCenter with the help of Dr Shaveta Kaushal, a pharmacologist with a passion for creating healthy and nutritious meals for babies.

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The Rare Welsh Bit

Food and travel blog focusing on food travel and sight-seeing, from Cardiff to the Caribbean

Top 12 Travel Foods for Babies And Toddlers

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This is a collaborative post.

Travelling with an infant or toddler can be an exciting experience, but it’s not always easy to find appropriate food options to satisfy both yourself, and your little one.

One way to make the travel experience more enjoyable, is to pack food that won’t spoil during the trip, including nourishing foods to keep your child satiated.

For inspiration, here are 12 travel food ideas for babies and toddlers to help you prep better for that long-awaited trip together. For further reading, this blog from The Parents Class has a useful guide of foods to avoid in pregnancy.

A baby sticking his finger into a chocolate cake.

1 Breast or formula milk
2 Flavoured yoghurt
3 Scrambled eggs
5 Fruit or veggie puree
6 Mini muffins or cakes
7 Cracker sandwich with peanut butter and jelly
8 Oats or porridge
9 Granola bars
10 Wholewheat pasta with pesto
11 Baked sweet potato fingers
12 Dry cereal

Breast or formula milk

If your child is still too young to eat solid foods, be sure to carry extra bottles of breast or infant formula milk.

You may want to bring powdered formula, rather than premade bottles, especially if you’ll be travelling for a long period of time; formula tends to be easier to find when travelling internationally: https://sellformula.com/

You can buy the best formula for babies at airports, but it’s usually more expensive here than it’ll be in most other stores, so either pack it into your suitcase, or buy it from a local supermarket or grocery store when you arrive at your chosen destination.

Flavoured yoghurt

Yogurt is full of calcium, while also being easily digestible. What’s more, it also contains probiotics to help boost the immune system.

If you’ll be travelling on a road trip, you could pack some yoghurt into a cooler bag to keep it chilled during your journey.

Alternatively, if you’ll be flying to your destination, consider buying some flavoured yoghurts from a local grocery store once you’ve landed.

As yoghurt is such a versatile food, you can also mix it with other foods. While fruit might be the most obvious choice, yoghurt also makes for a low-fat alternative to cream in everything from sauces to curries.

Scrambled eggs

If you’re heading off on a family picnic with your toddler, consider scrambled eggs as a potential meal option. Scrambled eggs are a great source of protein and healthy fats and, most importantly, they’re quick to prepare and can be eaten cold.

This is a great option for keeping your baby’s tummy full for hours; they’ll be less cranky, so you’ll be able to truly enjoy your travel experience.

From apples and pears to pineapples and mangoes, most fresh fruits are small enough to throw in a bag, while also providing a much-needed energy source during long car rides.

Plus, they’re often less messy than some other snacks for travelling; just be sure to pack some wet wipes in case of any spillages!

Alternatively, mix plain yogurt with a spoonful of your baby’s favorite fruits; there are many varieties in any local supermarket that you can choose from.

What kind of fruits are best for toddlers while travelling?

Fruits that don’t require refrigeration are the best kind to travel with. One example is grapes, which are also packed with nutrients, although bananas are another great choice when travelling with young children. Sliced or chopped fruits work well, too.

Fruit or veggie puree

It can be a challenge to feed young babies on the go, especially if they’re not eating solid foods yet. However, pureeing fruit or vegetables for them may just be the solution you’ve been looking for.

Pureed bananas are ideal for infants who are just starting to eat solid foods, while apple sauce, peaches, apricots, pears and plums can make for great alternatives. Similarly, a few veggies that work well pureed include squash (either butternut or zucchini), cauliflower, and carrots.

Note: Most babies and toddlers aren’t ready for beans until they’ve been eating other types of food for a while – usually around 12 months of age. So, avoid legumes when you’re out with your child.

Mini muffins or cakes

You can buy premade baby food in jars or pre-made cakes in containers, so there’s no reason why you can’t bring your own home-cooked foods with you while travelling.

For example, if you make muffins, cakes, or brownies at home , you can pop them into reusable plastic containers or bags for feeding on the go – just be sure to include a spoon so your little one doesn’t have to eat with their hands!

Cracker sandwich with peanut butter and jelly

Sandwiches with bread are old school. So, why not switch things up and make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with crackers?

However, this will depend on the age of your child, as if your toddler or baby’s teeth haven’t fully grown yet, they might not be able to chew crackers that well. In this case, you might need to stick to using bread.

Oats or porridge

If you’ll have self-catering facilities at your disposal while travelling, there is absolutely no compromise on taste or health when it comes to porridge for toddlers; kust add some sugar, salt and fat-free milk to some rolled oats, and cook it like regular porridge; your baby will probably eat it without any fuss.

Your child’s digestive system will benefit from unprocessed oatmeal, which helps prevent constipation.

Granola bars

Granola bars make for a great travel snack for both adults and children alike, as they contain plenty of complex carbs and fibre, but only a small amount of sugar and as they’re served in individual portions, they’re handy for refuelling on-the-go. Again, however, this will be dependent on how old your child is, and whether their teeth are fully grown yet.

You can also substitute dried fruit or nuts for granola, which might be easier to find when travelling, depending where you’ll be heading.

Wholewheat pasta with pesto

Pasta is an ideal meal for travelling for kids and adults, as it’s easy to carry without worrying about spilling and, if need be, it can be cooked in advance.

Eating pasta will help to keep your little one fuller for longer, as it takes a while to digest fully. Likewise, pesto is a good source of fibre, iron, protein, potassium, vitamin K and omega-3 fatty acids.

Pesto sauce can be a simple, yet tasty way to add flavour to pasta. You can use store-bought pesto, or make your own by mixing fresh basil leaves with olive oil and pine nuts in a food processor or blender; do this before you head off on your journey, and decant the pesto into a small air-tight container or jar for travelling.

Baked sweet potato fingers

For a convenient yet appetising healthy snack to carry for your child to nibble on-the-go, opt for baked sweet potato fingers, or wedges.

Simply cut a sweet potato in half lengthwise, slice each piece into thin (quarter-inch) sticks (a bit like fries) and arrange on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, oregano or any other spices you like.

Bake for 20 minutes in the oven, until golden brown. Baked sweet potato fingers are delicious served warm, but they can also be eaten cold – pack them into an air-tight container and carry them with you on your journey for a go-to healthy snack.

Wherever you’ll be travelling to, dry cereal often makes for a convenient food choice to take with you.

For babies under six months old, you can take baby rice cereal with you in a small, airtight container and mix it with milk as needed (although, you’ll need to limit their intake to 10oz per day). After six months, babies can eat any kind of dry baby cereal, either with milk or eaten dry, as finger food for snacking.

Travelling with your baby or toddler can be fun, but there are many things to think about before you head off, especially when it comes to feeding your baby. With a little planning, however, it’s entirely possible to pack nutritious travel foods for your toddler to enjoy during your trip.

What foods do you like to prepare for your baby or toddler while travelling? Comment below to let me know your favourite ideas.