Health experts recommend everyone to start the day with a hearty breakfast. However, when you have busy mornings and a picky eater, this can be impossible. But, there is hope. Here are some healthy and quick breakfast ideas for kids every parent can try.

Cereal

Cereal is a convenient, child-friendly breakfast food for children. Cereal is loaded with carbohydrates, fiber and protein. Buy at least 2 or 3 different brands of cereal so your toddler can mix and match them. Go for whole grain, high fiber cereals since they are packed with more nutrients than sugar-based cereals. Here are some of the best breakfast cereals for children:

• Cheerios
• Earth’s Best Tot Cereal Bars
• Nature’s Path EnviroKidz Penguin Puffs
• Kix
• Wheaties

To make it tastier, let your toddler choose a mix-in (e.g. milk, yogurt, almonds, honey, banana or dried berries) of his choice.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is considered as a child’s comfort food, especially during the cold season. It is very easy to prepare. Plus, you can top it with a handful of sliced apple, sprinkle almonds, raisins and a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg or top it with maple syrup to make it extra scrumptious.

Eggs

Ask you little one if he prefers scrambled eggs, a sunny side up or an omelette. You can serve the eggs on top of toasted bread, bagels or English muffins or with cheese, sausage, bacon or cold cuts (ham, salami or roasted beef) on the side. This breakfast food will truly keep your toddler full and merry for hours.

Pancake

This one is another classic breakfast food for children. You can buy instant whole wheat pancake mix from your local grocery and add slices of fresh fruit, raisins, chocolate chips, nuts, grated carrots to the batter for added nutritional value. Top it with honey, whipped cream or plain yogurt and serve.

Waffles

You can either buy a box of frozen waffles or mix up the batter the night before and simply toast them in the morning. Again, offer some toppings such as berries, bananas, strawberries, peaches or apple sauce to make it more nutritious.

Fresh Fruits

Fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals and they can be prepared in many ways. You can slice at least 5 to 6 kinds of fruit into        small cubes and combine all of them in a big bowl and top it with unsalted granola or nuts or fat-free whipped cream.

Or, you can make fruit kabobs. Chop up your toddler’s favorite fruits and thread onto wooden skewers. Serve it with a bowl of coconut dip or plain yogurt mixed with honey.

Fruit Smoothies

Fruit smoothie is another all-time favorite. It can satiate your toddler’s sweet tooth because it is sugary yet very rich in vitamins and minerals. Add a handful of bananas, strawberries, mangoes, watermelon and low-fat yogurt or milk in a blender. Pour the mixture into a glass and add a silly straw to make it more exciting.

With these fun and super easy to prepare breakfast ideas, preparing breakfast for your toddler and making sure he does not skip the most important meal of the day need not be a struggle anymore.