It is safe to introduce finger foods to your child once they can stand up on their own and hold a toy. Parents start solid foods for their children at six months. Most parents begin with purees. Some parents skip the spoon-feeding phase, allowing their children to eat soft foods by themselves. Whatever method you choose to use, your child will likely have indicated that they are ready for self-feeding by the time they reach 8 to 9 months old. They may grab your spoon or grab food from your plate. There are many foods your child can enjoy once they are ready. You can reduce picky eating by exposing your child to the flavour. Don’t be afraid to offer food they initially reject — they may eventually like it! You should always offer a variety of naturally sweet, savoury, and bitter flavours to help your baby’s taste buds expand. These are some of our favourite finger foods that you can serve your baby as a first meal.
Sliced Banana
Baby’s first food is sliced banana. Bananas are a great exception to the rule that most pediatric sources recommend. Unlike most foods that babies are introduced to, Bananas can be cooked until they become soft enough for the baby to swallow. Make sure to eat bananas when they are ripe. Remember to cut the baby’s food into small pieces to avoid choking risk.
Blueberries sliced
Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, making them great for both babies and adults. They are rich in vitamin C, vitamin K and fibre, and manganese. There are two types of blueberries: high-bush or wild blueberries, smaller but have higher antioxidants. Blueberries are one of the healthiest berries and a powerhouse of nutrients and energy.
Over-Cooked Pasta, Diced
When serving pasta to your baby, you might want to keep the tomato sauce on the table or have a clean cloth handy. Spaghetti…Fettucini…Fusilli…whatever type of pasta you choose, cook it until it is soft enough for their tiny mouth to handle. To test for tenderness, boil the pasta according to the package.
Pea-sized Pieces of Cooked Chicken (Or Fish or Ground Beef)
Chicken is high in protein and a good source of Vitamin B6. This vitamin is essential for the body to extract energy from food. To support rapid growth, babies must eat foods rich in protein.
Ripe Avocado, Sliced Or Diced
Avocados are a great introductory snack for babies. Babies need carbohydrates, fats, and protein for their development in the first and second years of life. Avocados are rich in healthy monounsaturated oils and contain nearly 20 vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.
Plain Cheerios (Oat Cereal)
Many parents have enjoyed this oat cereal to help them practice their pincer grasp. They are made from whole grain oats and contain no artificial colours or flavours. They can be easily dissolvable, so they are not choking babies.
Puffed Rice Cereal
My son loved Gerbers Puff Rice Cereal when he started eating finger foods. Gerber has a variety of healthy snacks and flavours that will appeal to your child’s taste buds. These puffed rice snacks are a great snack option to start your child’s fine motor skills.
Grapes, peeled
Grapes are delicious and high in polyphenols, antioxidants that fight free radicals. Grapes are the only fruit that contains the sleep-regulating hormone melatonin. You can help your child get to sleep faster by adding them to their diet regularly.
