As your tiny tot transitions to solids, the world of finger foods opens up, bringing excitement and messiness to the table. But what are the best finger foods for your little one? Fear not, we've got you covered with a delicious and nutritious guide to those perfect, pint-sized bites that will encourage your little one to explore food.
Introducing finger foods to your little one isn't just about easing into solids – it's a tiny adventure that comes with a bundle of benefits! Beyond the practicality of letting them nibble on their own, it's a key component of baby-led weaning, fostering independence and a positive relationship with food from the get-go.
The act of picking up and exploring finger foods also works wonders for those adorable chubby fingers, honing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Plus, let's not forget the sheer joy and messiness that come with this developmental milestone – because who knew a slice of banana could be so entertaining and nutritious at the same time?
When Should Babies Start Finger Foods?
At around 8 to 9 months of age, your baby should slowly start to learn the skill of "self-feeding." Begin with soft, easy-to-handle options and gradually progress to more challenging textures as your baby becomes more adept at self-feeding.
Slowly, with your guidance, they master this skill by the time they turn a year old.
One of the most important things for parents to remember is that older infants, who are teething, typically mash food using their gums.
Best Baby Finger Foods
Introducing finger foods is an exciting milestone for your little one. However, according to research, some foods, which are marketed as “safe first finger foods”, may actually pose choking hazards.
Any food, if not served properly, can be a potential choking hazard. So, safety is key.
Paediatrician Dr Tanya Altmann hopes to clear up any confusion amongst parents about what to feed their babies who are “new eaters”.
The mum-of-three and author of “What To Feed Your Baby” shared her recommendations with TODAY.
Here are Dr. Altmann’s top 6 safe and delicious finger foods for babies.
1. Eggs
Eggs are rich in protein, fat, and other nutrients essential to the growth of your baby.
Small, soft portions of scrambled eggs are one of the best first finger foods for babies 9 months old and up.
2. Peas
Peas are easy to prepare and are packed with tons of vitamins and minerals.
Plus: they’re the perfect size for tiny fingers who are just learning how to pick food up.
Introducing veggies to your kids early on saves you the trouble of teaching them to enjoy eating healthy later on.
3. Whole-grain round cereals
A good example of this is Cheerios; a popular breakfast cereal which, according to Dr. Altmann, has 3 grams of fiber, 1 gram sugar, and no artificial coloring.
They’re good to keep in handy so your tot can snack anytime, anywhere!
4. Peanut puffs
These crispy, airy snacks easily melt between little gums unlike whole nuts which are serious choking hazards.
Cut them in half before feeding them to your toddler.
Dr. Altmann believes that introducing a bit of peanut into your kid’s diet early can help lessen the chances of them developing an allergy in the future.
5. Berries
It’s best to buy the organic kind; make sure to wash them well, though!
Berries are an excellent source of Vitamin C and other awesome antioxidants.
Blueberries--specifically--are soft, small, delicious, and healthy. Plus: they’re easy for teething tots to chew!
Be sure to cut the into halves or quarters, alternatively, stick around when your child eats them - berries could pose as choking hazards.
6. Beans
Beans work well with any lunch or snack. They are a healthy non-meat source of protein, fibre, zinc, and iron.
Slightly mashed beans are easy for older babies and toddlers to eat.
There's no need to buy the plain ones because choosing beans in different colours allows babies to have fun as they eat!
Finger Foods for Picky Babies
Picky eaters can still enjoy a variety of finger foods. Offer familiar flavours in a new form—try slicing fruits differently or offering veggies in fun shapes. Cheese cubes, whole-grain crackers, or small pieces of grilled chicken can be enticing alternatives for selective eaters.
What to Remember When Serving Finger Foods to Baby
To ensure your baby can joyfully explore food with their little hands, here are some important considerations to keep in mind while preparing and serving their meals.
- Size Matters: Cut foods into age-appropriate, small pieces to prevent choking hazards.
- Supervision is Key: Always keep a watchful eye on your little one during meals.
- Experiment with Textures: Introduce a variety of textures to develop a diverse palate.
- Go at Their Pace: Allow your baby to explore and enjoy self-feeding at their own speed.
As with any transition in your baby's diet, it's essential to consult with your paediatrician to ensure the introduction of new foods aligns with their developmental stage.
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