Sometimes a handful of nuts doesn't provide enough nourishment, even for a snack. For something more than a nibble but less than a meal, pack mini-sandwiches for your preschooler. Make a regular sandwich with peanut butter and jelly or low-fat lunch meats and cut it in four to make four different snacks. A hard-boiled egg also packs a lot of protein, as does a mini-bagel with cream cheese. For something more fun but less healthy, try mini hot dogs.
Nuts are a classic snack for the car, but these might be restricted on the school bus because of allergies. If you want to avoid unhealthy snacks such as potato chips, try pretzels as a healthy alternative. Granola or trail mix also makes a welcome snack, as does your preschooler's favorite cereal in a small plastic bag or bowl. Crackers with slices of cheese turn into fun tiny sandwiches. If your preschooler will eat them, give him a container of snack-sized vegetables, such as carrot sticks or celery, with low-fat salad dressing or hummus for dipping.
You might want to avoid giving your preschooler too much sugar at certain times of the day, but sweet snacks do get eaten quickly. If you want to go beyond unhealthy cookies, try ones filled with granola or raisins. Fresh fruit is another healthy way for your preschooler to enjoy a sweet snack, such as an apple, an orange cut into slices or a bunch of grapes. Dried fruit, such as apricots or cranberries, also provide sweetness without much mess.
Snacks can also come in liquid form. Give you preschooler a juice box for refreshment. Freeze it the night before and let it melt during the day for a cool, icy treat. Bottled water is great for thirst, although your preschooler might not get excited about it. The same goes for vegetable juice. A small carton of milk, or chocolate milk for a treat, can work well, but only if it will be consumed before it spends too much time out of the refrigerator.