Finger Foods for Babies

A good time to start your baby on finger foods is, when he/she is around eight months old. While this may differ from one child to another, a sign that your baby is ready for semi-solid foods is when he/she shows interest in the food you are eating, or tries to grab things and put them in his/her mouth. If your child watches you eat and drink, and tries to grab the food/spoon/glass from you, then it is time to make the transition. While this is a fun change, know that it is also a messy one. It is wonderful to have your child try to feed himself/herself, but this may also mean that your kid will spill stuff or smear himself/herself with food.

Upon reaching this stage, any concerned parent will wonder what are the best finger foods for babies. While many think that any bite-sized piece of food that a baby can pick up and eat by himself qualifies, the nutritional value and digestibility of the food item are important factors to consider. Apart from these, the most important feature of the food item is that it must dissolve easily. As most babies don't have teeth at this stage, it is important that the baby food dissolve when chewed between the gums. You may offer your child finger food, three times a day. Apart from this, it is preferable to continue breastfeeeding or allow your child to consume pureed foods.

Good Finger Food Ideas for Babies

• Fruits: Soft fruits like banana can be diced into small pieces, whereas harder fruits such as apple need to be cooked. Among the healthy finger foods are cooked and diced peaches and pears, small bits of ripe mango, melon, blueberries, etc. It is important to remove the skins of all the fruits, and slightly mash the hard ones.
• Vegetables: Soft baked bits of sweet potato, butternut or acorn squash make great finger foods for kids. They are also likely to enjoy cooked bits of carrots, peas, broccoli and green beans.
• Cereals: Another great option are cereals, because they will stick to your baby's wet fingers and make it easy for them to eat. Some options are multi grain cheerios or Oatie O's. However, you may need to feed some of these to your baby, for while eating them may be fun for him and he is unlikely to consume much.
• Other Foods: Other good finger foods include bits of cheese like gouda and cheddar, tiny cubes of tofu, scrambled eggs, cooked soft pasta, and shreds of soft cooked fish.

Once you've figured out what finger foods to feed your baby, the question of 'how to feed your baby' arises. We suggest that you scatter four or five pieces of finger food in a plate and place it on your baby's highchair tray. Allow him/her to play with it and eat it, at his/her own pace. You can add more as your baby eats them. Always feed your baby in a highchair, because it minimizes the chances of choking. It will also teach him to sit at a table and eat. Keep a change of clothes and wipes at hand, whenever your child is eating, and expect a mess.

The list of finger foods for the little ones given above is just a guideline, but apart from it any food that is healthy, nutritious and that will dissolve easily is a good bet. While your child may enjoy these, keep the empty calories of cakes, cookies and brownies at bay. Apart from your baby being ready for semi-solid foods, another reason to start him or her on finger foods is for the development of motor skills. It will help them make small, precise movements, specifically the forefinger and thumb pincer grasp.