Introducing solid foods to your baby is an exciting milestone, and as your little one begins to develop his fine motor skills, you can start introducing finger foods. Finger foods are an excellent way for babies to practice self-feeding, improve their hand-eye coordination, and develop their oral motor skills. But before introducing any new food to your baby, be sure to check with your pediatrician to ensure that it is safe for your little one. Here’s a guide to the best finger foods for babies.
When can you give babies finger foods?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies should start solids between 4 and 6 months of age. However, every baby is different, and your pediatrician can help you determine if your little one is ready. You can begin introducing finger foods at around 7 or 8 months, and your baby’s mealtime skills will continue to improve once he masters the pincer grasp between months 9 to 12.
Best finger foods for babies
When introducing finger foods, look for a consistency that can be gummed before swallowing or that will dissolve easily in the mouth. Foods with softer textures are an excellent place to start, such as overripe bananas, ripe avocados, or steamed carrots. Here are some more tasty-yet-safe finger food suggestions.
Bread or crackers
Biscuits and lightly toasted bread are excellent options for babies who can’t yet pick up things with their fingers. Your baby can hold the bread or biscuit in their hands and suck on it until it dissolves into a gooey mess. It’s important to find bread and crackers that turn mushy (not lumpy) in their mouth and are easier to swallow. When your baby becomes a pro at the pincer grasp, you can put small pieces of lightly toasted bread on their high-chair tray.
Oat circle cereal
Cheerios are a staple in every mom’s pantry for a reason. They are the perfect size and texture for little fingers and tender gums to practice on. But you can also think outside the circle and serve your baby wheat or rice puffs. Cereals to avoid for now include honey-flavored ones, as babies under one shouldn’t have honey, even when it’s baked into something.
Cheese
Cheese is kid-friendly, protein-packed, and loaded with calcium and other bone-building minerals. Start your baby off with a mild-tasting, pasteurized variety, like mozzarella or a non-sharp cheddar, either shredded or sliced thinly. When your baby is used to the taste and texture, you can broaden their range by including havarti and Swiss and serving up kid favorites like bits of grilled cheese and quesadillas. But shun soft cheese like brie or feta, which can contain listeria, a bacterium that can cause food poisoning, and stay away from string cheese and cheese sticks unless you cut or break them up into smaller pieces.
Fruit
Fruit is an excellent way to satisfy your baby’s sweet tooth (or gums). Turn your baby into a fruit fiend by giving them squished blueberries or small pieces of soft fruits like banana or very ripe, peeled and skinned pear. Ripe mangoes, peaches, apricots, kiwis, honeydew, and cantaloupe are also likely to appeal to your baby’s sweet tooth, but make sure to take off any skin first. However, not all fruit is baby-friendly. Avoid pieces of raw apple, even without the skin, for now, and any other harder-textured or unripe fruit that could get stuck in the windpipe.
Cooked pasta: Soft and easy to chew, cooked pasta is a great source of carbohydrates for your little one. Try cutting it into small pieces or spirals to make it easier for them to pick up.
Scrambled eggs: Scrambled eggs are a good source of protein and healthy fats, and can be easily mashed up for younger babies. Be sure to cook them thoroughly and cut them into small pieces for easy handling.
Steamed broccoli: Broccoli is a nutritious and delicious vegetable that is easy to steam and serve as a finger food. The florets can be cut into small pieces for easy handling, and they provide a good source of vitamins and fiber.
Toast with avocado: Mash up some avocado and spread it on a piece of lightly toasted bread for a tasty and healthy snack. Avocado is high in healthy fats and provides a good source of vitamins and minerals.
Soft cheese: Soft cheese like cottage cheese or ricotta can be a great source of protein and calcium for your little one. Be sure to choose a low-sodium option and serve it in small amounts.
Introducing your baby to finger foods can be an exciting time for both you and your little one. By offering a variety of nutritious options, you can help your baby develop healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime.
When choosing finger foods for your baby, look for foods that can be easily gummed or dissolved in the mouth. Start with softer textures and gradually build up to firmer foods.
Bread, crackers, oat circle cereal, cheese, fruit, and veggies are all excellent options for your baby’s first finger foods. By offering a variety of colors, flavors, and textures, you can help your baby develop a diverse palate and a love of healthy foods.
Remember to always consult with your child’s pediatrician before introducing new foods, and to offer new foods in small quantities to ensure your baby tolerates them well. Happy feeding!
