Summer is a time of sunshine, exploration, and vibrant energy, and what better way to support little ones on their warm-weather adventures than with nourishing, seasonal food? At Happy Journeys, we believe that healthy eating should be joyful, safe and packed with flavor, especially for tiny taste buds just beginning their food journey.
Let’s explore some wholesome summer food ideas, UK-grown seasonal favourites, and safety tips to help you make snack and mealtime a breeze!
Seasonal Stars: What’s in Season This Summer in the UK?
Choosing seasonal fruit and veg is not only better for the environment, but it’s also fresher, tastier and often more affordable. Here’s a quick guide to some summer produce perfect for your little one’s plate:
Vegetables in season:
- Courgettes (zucchini)
- Peas and mangetout
- Carrots
- New potatoes
- Tomatoes
- Spinach
- Lettuce
- Beetroot
- Cucumber
Fruits in season:
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Cherries
- Blueberries
- Gooseberries
- Plums
- Rhubarb (early summer)
- Apples (late summer)
You can use these fruits and veggies to make colourful, simple meals like mini veg-packed frittatas, fruit-and-yoghurt pots, seasonal vegetable sticks with beetroot hummus, berry compotes over porridge (or mix them in cake batters!)
Safe Practices for Little Tummies
Young children are especially sensitive to foodborne illnesses, so safe food handling is a must: wash all fruit and vegetables thoroughly under cold running water, avoid leaving food out in the heat (especially proteins and dairy), always store leftovers properly (in the fridge within 2 hours) and when preparing meals for children under 5, avoid whole nuts, unpasteurized cheeses and raw or undercooked eggs.
And don’t forget… hydration is key! Offer filtered water regularly throughout the day, especially during outdoor play.
Cutting Food Safely for Little Ones
Knowing how to safely cut fruit and veg can reduce the risk of choking and help little ones feed themselves more confidently.
Here are a few basics:
- Grapes, cherry tomatoes & berries: Always slice lengthwise into quarters for children under 5;
- Carrot sticks: Steam or boil until soft, then serve in thin batons or grated.
- Cucumber, apples and pears: peel and cut into matchstick-size strips;
- Spaghetti: cut the pasta in small pieces for babies and infants, in half for toddlers and pre-schoolers;
- Fruit with pits: always remove pits and cut into small, manageable pieces lengthwise.
- Leafy greens & lettuce: Chop finely or mix into other foods to make them easier to chew.
Encourage independence by letting little hands practice with soft foods like bananas, avocado slices or steamed veg – always under supervision.
Summer is a beautiful opportunity to reconnect with food in a fresh, fun way. With colourful produce, sun-safe habits and mindful prep, mealtimes can become part of your little one’s happiest seasonal memories.
Bottom Line:
At Happy Journeys, we believe every child deserves a nurturing, stimulating, and joyful start to their educational journey. No need to search for “Nursery near me” or “Best nurseries near me” — our Nursery in Hendon offers exceptional care and early years education for children aged 6 months to 5 years. As a trusted Hendon Nursery, we also welcome families from surrounding areas looking for high-quality Colindale nurseries or the Best London North Nursery. Come visit us and see what makes Happy Journeys the perfect place for your little one to grow, learn, and thrive.
