It can be nerve-racking introducing finger foods for the first time. There are so many questions – when to start, how to know when the baby is ready, what foods to start with, and of course, how to know if it is safe. Learn how to introduce finger foods to your baby.
*Always talk to a doctor before trying new methods and introducing finger foods.
Finger foods can be a great way to introduce your baby to solid foods. They are small and easy to chew, which makes them a good option for babies who are just starting to eat solids.
There are a variety of finger foods that you can give your baby, including fruits, vegetables, meats, and breads.
The scare of choking can lead many parents to hold off on introducing finger foods to their baby. I was actually one of these moms.
I was always terrified that I was feeding my baby certain foods too early and the thought made me anxious!
With the help of my pediatrician, I learned how to ease my anxiety with learning what foods were appropriate to start with. Talk to your pediatrician to learn more and get tips when you’re ready to start introducing finger foods!
Today I’m here to share tips for introducing finger foods to your baby that we tried when my babies were little!
100 Baby’s First Food Tracker
Baby Food Diary Printable
How to Introduce Finger Foods
When to Introduce Finger Foods
There are a few indications to look for when trying to determine if the baby is ready for finger foods.
It is often easy to tell that a baby is looking for something more when he starts showing interest in other people’s food.
A baby sitting up on his own and developing a grip with his fingers are a few more signs to help determine if he is ready.
A baby’s gums can be a very effective tool for mashing food. Just make sure the foods being introduced are soft and easily broken down.
I’ll be sharing a list of finger foods that you may want to try below.
List of Finger Foods for Babies
Many fruits and vegetables make great finger foods to start off with. Produce that comes softly is ideal for on-the-go snacks and quick meals.
Some of the more firm foods need to be cooked before serving to make the chewing process easier for babies just starting out on the finger foods.
This is a list of some fruits and vegetables that are perfectly served fresh and sliced into smaller pieces.
- Banana
- Avocado
- Soft pears
- Melons
- Peas
Some fruits and vegetables served best cooked and diced are listed below.
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Green beans
- Apples
- Firmer pears
There are also many other snacks that parents can introduce to liven up their baby’s diet and provide proper nutrition.
- Dry toast cut into strips
- Cooked pasta
- Cereals such as Cheerios
- Pieces of cheese
- Scrambled egg yolks
If these foods are new to the child, remember to allow a few days between each new item to watch for allergies and reactions.
Advice for Introducing Finger Foods
Introducing finger food will have its ups and downs. On the one hand, the baby can now feed himself (under close supervision).
But on the other hand, there will be a lot of mess, fussiness, and stress to accompany this new feeding endeavor.
Try and keep calm about the mess; it is to be expected, and there is no getting past it. Allow baby to play and experiment with his food; he will be learning a lot about it right now.
Only give a few pieces at a time to avoid the rest being thrown on the floor. If worried about a mess on the floor, lay out a blanket under the high chair to catch rogue finger food.
Don’t worry too much if the baby doesn’t take to some food right away, just try again in a few days.
I hope these tips help you if you are new to introducing finger foods to your baby!
Printable Baby’s First Food Checklist