Nutritionist-Approved Finger Foods for Your Baby...

Playing with your food isn't always a bad thing! Aid feeding development by trying these safe, healthy, and delicious finger foods for babies.

Photo by Rachel Vanni for Parents / Styled by Lauren Lapenna

Reviewed by Janet Helm, MS, RDNReviewed by Janet Helm, MS, RDNIntroducing finger foods to your baby can be an exciting milestone. A finger food is any small piece of food that your baby can pick up and bring to their mouth—a fine motor skill that most infants begin developing around 6 months.Eating finger foods not only helps your baby learn to chew, but it's also an important sensory experience for them. The act of using their hands to touch and eat finger foods helps little ones understand how foods look, feel, smell, and taste. Starting finger foods can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure how to determine if your baby is developmentally ready. If you'd like a little guidance, read on for a comprehensive guide to introducing and serving finger foods for babies.When to Introduce Finger FoodsMost babies start solids around 4-6 months, and they'll show signs that they're ready to try finger foods around 6-8 months. But there are essential milestones that babies must hit before you start introducing finger foods to them, says Joel "Gator" Warsh, MD, a board-certified pediatrician in Los Angeles, California, and author of Parenting at Your Child’s Pace: The Integrative Pediatrician’s Guide to the First Three Years.These include:Sitting up with minimal supportShowing interest in what you're eatingDeveloping the ability to pick up objects with a pincer graspWhen the time is right, incorporating solid foods into your baby’s diet is crucial because they're growing very quickly and need the extra energy and nutrients. But finger foods alone won’t fulfill a baby’s nutritional needs as they still need to get a majority of their nutrition through breast milk or formula at this stage, says Dr. Gator.The Best Finger Foods for Your BabyWe've hand-picked a list of finger foods your baby can easily pick up and enjoy!Veggie finger foods for baby6-9 months Cooked sweet potatoes, carrots, potatoes, butternut squash, pumpkin, and beets that are cut into index finger-sized sticks or wedges, easy for babies to hold in their fists (with enough sticking out to bite off), and soft enough to squish between fingersGreen beans, broccoli, or cauliflower florets that are large and cooked until very soft, making them easy for your baby to grabPeas that are soft or mashedZucchini rounds that are sliced into thick, soft sticks or wedges9-12 monthsAll of the above options may be served in smaller, bite-sized pieces—think the size of a chickpea—to allow your baby to pick up pieces between their thumb and pointer finger. These smaller pieces should still be soft enough to squish between fingers.Fruit finger foods for baby6-9 months Avocado, banana, cantaloupe, mangoes, peaches, or watermelon served in large, chunky pieces or strips that are easy to hold. You can keep a portion of the peel on for easier grip or roll these in flaxseed meal, wheat germ, wheat bran, or almond flour.Apples that are cooked until softened and sliced into stripsStrawberries that are very soft and squishable—or sliced into thin roundsBlueberries that are slightly squishedPears, plums, prunes, or kiwi served in large, soft pieces or strips9-12 months All of the above options can be served to 9-12-month-old babies but can be cut into smaller, bite-sized pieces that are still soft enough to squish between fingers.Grapes that are quarteredGrain-based finger foods for baby6-9 months Grains (such as oatmeal) that are cooked and loaded on spoons, or made into pancakes and breadsPasta that's larger and easier to hold like rigatoni, farfalle, or penneWhole grain cereals softened in breast milk, formula, or water to a mushy textureSticky rice formed into soft, golf ball-sized shapes9-12 months All of the above finger foods are still good options at 9-12 months, but you can now form grains into smaller shapes.Protein-rich finger foods for baby6-9 months Ground chicken, turkey, beef, or beans served as patties or meatballsBeef served in thick 2-inch strips cut against the grain of the muscle so your baby can gnaw and suck out the juicesEggs cooked thoroughly—you can even try rolling them up into an omeletFish cut into two-finger wide, index-finger length strips or baked into patties or cakesTofu cooked and sliced into index finger-sized strips that are easy to holdCreamy nut butter, which can also be mixed into other foodsChia pudding served on a loaded spoon or added to pancakes and muffins9-12 months All of the above protein-rich finger foods can be cut into smaller, bite-sized tender pieces for older babies.Beans and legumes that are soft enough to be squished between fingersEggs that are hardboiled and halved, scrambled, or cooked in an egg bakeTips for Choosing Finger Foods for BabyOverall, finger foods for babies should be firm enough for grabbing, but tender enough to mush with their gums or between their thumb and index finger. Your baby should be able to chew on or eat the finger food without teeth.Dr. Gator says your baby should be skilled at handling these foods before gradually introducing more firm textures. It’s important to keep an eye on how your baby handles different textures and make adjustments based on their ability to manage them safely.Here are some more tips for choosing finger foods for babies.Choose age-appropriate finger food optionsAges 6-9 Months: Serve finger foods that babies can pick up using their palmar grasp (full hand). The finger food should be finger, stick, or spear-shaped and the size of an index finger that overlaps the edges of a closed hand.Ages 9-12 Months: Serve finger foods that babies can easily pick up using a pincer grasp (pointer finger and thumb) that are cut into thin slices or bite-sized pieces. At all ages, avoid giving your baby processed foods, which contain salt and other preservatives.Serve age-appropriate portion sizesUse a “less is more” philosophy when determining the size of finger food portions for your baby. Just offering one or two pieces of finger-shaped food to start is a good way to minimize food waste and not overwhelm your baby says Dani Lebovitz, RDN, and founder of Kid Food Explorers.Additionally, “starting with a few pieces makes it easier for your baby to focus on an individual piece of food and supports hand-eye coordination,” she says.Prioritize nutrientsWhen introducing your baby to finger foods, prioritize iron-rich foods such as meats, beans, legumes, and eggs.For other nutrient-rich choices, Dr. Gator recommends:Avocados because they’re high in healthy fats and fiberSweet potatoes because they’re high in vitamin A and potassiumBlueberries because they're packed with antioxidants and vitamin CCooked spinach because it’s a good source of iron, calcium, and folateSalmon because it’s rich in omega-3 fatty acidsIntroduce potential allergens with careWhen introducing finger foods, be mindful of your baby's potential allergies. Recent guidelines suggest that introducing allergenic foods early, around 6 months old and not before 4 months old, may actually help decrease the risk of developing food allergies.The most common allergenic foods include:PeanutsTree nutsEggsDairySoyWheatFish and shellfishSesame“Introduce these foods one at a time and watch for any signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, vomiting, or difficulty breathing,” suggests Dr. Gator.And of course, always consult your health care provider for personalized advice, especially if there's a family history of allergies.
Don't Be Afraid of MessDr. Gator says the primary goal of introducing finger foods is to let babies experiment. And while this experimentation can often create a messy high chair experience, Lebovitz believes parents shouldn’t fear the mess.“Instead, embrace the sensory experience it opens up for learning and development as your baby touches, squishes, and plays with their food," she says. “It shapes a lifelong food preference and promotes a more adventurous palate."
Baby Finger Food SafetySafety should be a top priority when it comes to introducing finger foods to a baby. You should always sit with your baby and monitor them while they're eating. That way, if they show any signs of choking, you’ll be able to respond without hesitation.“It’s important that your baby is seated properly at the table in an upright seat where their back is straight with their shoulders and hips in alignment and their elbows at table or tray height,” says Lebovitz.Finally, don’t serve any hard, small, slippery, or round foods that can potentially block your baby’s airways, as these pose a choking risk.Potentially dangerous finger food for babies include:Whole grapesWhole nuts or seedsCorn kernelsHard raw vegetable piecesUncut canned fruit piecesGranola barsSnack foods like popcorn, chips, or pretzelsFruit snack gummiesTouch or large pieces of meatBones found in fish or meatBenefits of Finger Foods for BabyFinger foods play two important roles for your baby: they serve as a crucial step in development and they're an introduction to good nutrition habits.Learning to eat finger foods helps improve motor skills, coordination, and dexterity as your baby learns to grasp and manipulate small objects, says Dr. Gator.“Finger foods support sensory development, allowing babies to explore different textures, tastes, and smells,” he explains. “Encouraging self-feeding with finger foods fosters independence and can help develop a positive relationship with food by letting them control their eating experience.” Tips For Preparing and Serving Finger FoodsPreparing and serving finger foods to your baby doesn’t have to be complicated. It just takes a little bit of mindfulness.“Whatever I am making for myself, I just think about what I need to do to modify it for my baby,” says Lebovitz. “For example, when you’re chopping up vegetables and fruit, set aside a few pieces in the shape and size needed for your baby based on their age/stage.”You can prepare many foods the same way as you would for yourself, but without the addition of salt and sugar. And if the texture isn’t soft enough for your baby, cook their portion a little longer. For more Parents news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Parents.

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