Slow Autumn Meal Prep With a ‘Helpful’ Toddler

Living in rhythm, nourishing our family, and preparing for the week ahead

Some days are slow and spacious, and others are beautifully full. On the full days, I find so much peace in knowing there’s a nourishing meal already waiting for us. That’s why I love setting aside one morning each week for autumn meal prep with a toddler. I prepare a few simple, seasonal dishes that support our rhythm and our well-being – especially in autumn, as the light fades earlier and the cooler air calls us toward warmth, grounding, and rest.

In today’s post, I’m sharing exactly what I made during one of those mornings – four cozy recipes that are gut-healthy, hormone-supportive, toddler-approved, and just right for the season.

This kind of autumn meal prep with a toddler doesn’t need to be overwhelming. We work with the flow of the day – starting with a candlelit breakfast and morning walk, then gently moving into the kitchen while my toddler plays nearby or helps with little tasks. I filmed the whole thing for YouTube too, so if you prefer to watch the day unfold, you can check it out here.

Honoring Autumn and Living in Family Rhythm

Each season offers its own rhythm, and autumn, to me, is about slowing down, savoring warmth, and preparing inwardly and outwardly for the darker months ahead. Our meals shift too — from fresh summer salads to roasted vegetables, broths, and spices that support digestion and immunity. I find that when I align our food and flow with the season, we’re all more settled — including my toddler.

On days like this, I don’t expect everything to get done perfectly. But with a little preparation, we can ride the highs and lows of energy and still end up with nourishing meals on the table.

What I Made for My Morning of Autumn meal prep with a toddler

1. Sausage & Egg English Muffin Sandwiches (Make-Ahead & Freezer-Friendly)

This was the first recipe I made because it’s the most hands-off once it’s in the oven. These little breakfast sandwiches are full of protein, healthy fats, and greens, and they reheat beautifully when time is short.

I used wild venison sausages my husband hunted and had butchered, which makes them feel extra special and nutrient-dense. I removed the sausage from its casing and fried it off, then poured it into a glass baking dish with whisked eggs, homegrown spinach and chives, and grated cheese. After baking, I sliced the egg into squares and tucked it between toasted sourdough English muffins I had made earlier in the week.

I wrap each one in greaseproof paper and freeze – they’re perfect for a nourishing breakfast on busy mornings or a high-protein snack after nap time.

Why it’s perfect for autumn:
The rich, warming flavors and protein-dense ingredients help keep our energy steady as the temperatures drop. Plus, cooking in bulk keeps the kitchen warm and saves time later.

2. Apple Chamomile Gummies

These soothing gummies are one of my toddler’s favorite snacks. I simmer apples with chamomile tea (you could use elderflower too), blend them until smooth, then stir in high-quality gelatin and pour into silicone molds.

They’re hydrating, easy on little tummies, and a sweet way to wind down in the afternoon. I often offer these after outdoor play or during quiet time to help him transition into rest.

Gut-healing and calming: Apples offer prebiotic fiber and chamomile is calming to both the nervous and digestive systems. Gelatin supports the gut lining and skin – great for postpartum mamas too.

3. Autumn Vegetable Grain Soup with Bone Broth

This soup is one of those meals that feels like a hug. I sauté leeks, carrots, and onions in butter, then add chopped sweet potato, chicken bone broth, and a mix of grains – red lentils, barley, and brown rice. I season with kelp salt, turmeric, and cumin and cook it all in the pressure cooker.

It makes enough for dinner and leftovers, and it always tastes better the next day.

Warming, grounding, and easy to digest: Perfect for when we’re starting to feel run down, or just need something simple and nourishing.

4. Cottage Pie (For Tomorrow’s Dinner)

Because I knew we had a full day planned the next day, I wanted to make dinner ahead. Cottage pie is a go-to in our home during the cooler months. I fry beef mince with onion, garlic, carrots, and a bit of flour to thicken, then simmer in beef bone broth with frozen peas.

For the topping, I mash boiled potatoes with leftover cooked pumpkin, butter, and milk. I layer it all in a baking dish, cover with foil, and tuck it into the fridge until I need it.

Batch cooking = future you will thank you.

Flowing With the Seasons

Our days won’t always be perfectly slow or tidy – toddlers are beautifully unpredictable. But when I live by a gentle rhythm, anchored by seasonal food and small rituals, I find I’m more adaptable.

We don’t need to do it all every day. We just need to meet the day where we are – with a nourishing breakfast ready in the freezer, a bowl of warm soup on the stove, or a dinner already waiting in the fridge.

Watch the Full Video

Want to see it all come together? I filmed the entire morning for you – from candlelight to cottage pie.

Read More or Try These Recipes

I’ll be posting full recipes with ingredient quantities and printable cards over the next few weeks. Subscribe to the blog or join my email list to be the first to know when they’re up. Check out my other mum and toddler friendly recipes already on the blog.

What’s your favorite autumn meal to batch cook for your family?