How to Reduce Food Waste with a Toddler: 7 Simple and Practical Tips.

Between half-eaten meals, untouched leftovers, and the occasional “I don’t want this,” it's easy for food to go to waste when you have a young child. But the good news is: with a few small changes and the right tools, it's absolutely possible to reduce food waste with a toddler—without adding stress to mealtime.

Here are 7 easy tips to help you waste less, save more, and make mealtime smoother for everyone.

 

1. Serve smaller portions (and offer more if needed)

Big portions often end up uneaten. Start with a small amount and simply add more if your child is still hungry. This helps prevent waste without limiting their appetite.

💡 Pro tip: Use a silicone divided plate to portion out different food groups and avoid overwhelming your little one.

2. Get creative with leftovers

Don’t throw away those extra veggies or soft fruits! Turn them into muffins, smoothies, mini frittatas, or mix them into sauces and purees. There’s always a way to give leftovers a second life.

3. Freeze extras for later

If there’s more than what your child can eat, freeze it right away in individual portions. Silicone molds are perfect for freezing small servings of purées, soups, or sauces—great for busy days.

4. Plan your meals ahead of time

Planning meals for the week helps reduce food waste and simplifies grocery shopping. Stick to simple, flexible recipes and schedule one or two “leftover” meals to use up what’s on hand.

5. Let your child choose

When toddlers feel involved, they’re more likely to eat what’s on their plate. Offer small choices (like “apple or banana?”) and serve food in divided plates or snack boxes so they feel more in control.

 6. Take inventory before grocery shopping

Before buying more food, take a few minutes to check what’s already in your fridge, freezer, and pantry. Using up what you already have helps reduce waste and saves money.

💡 Pro tip: Write down a quick list of what needs to be used up and build your meal plan around that.

7. Use a mat under the high chair

Toddlers drop food—it’s part of learning! Use a washable mat or silicone tablecloth under the high chair to catch spills and thrown food. You’ll be able to clean up easily and even save food that’s still good.

Reducing food waste with a toddler is totally doable. A few smart habits, a little planning, and the right gear can go a long way. You'll save time, money—and a whole lot of food.