The best finger foods for first-timers combine healthiness and hold-ability with low choking risk. Click through our ideas below…
Introducing solids is an exciting time of exploration, wonder and, inevitably, rejection. As with each new developmental stage, remember that every child is going to be different.
Some like lumpy food, some don’t. Some will try to grab the food from your plate, others will be more interested in watching the cat.
Babies will become interested in finger foods anywhere between the ages of six and 12 months, but this will also be determined by their fine motor skills (ability to pick up little objects and manipulate them in their fingers) and general inquisitiveness around food.
Don’t be afraid to offer them unusual, stronger-tasting foods to encourage an adventurous approach to food – it’s amazing how many bubs love olives, sushi and pickles!
The most important thing is to encourage exploration and fun, and don’t worry if they get good and messy with it as this is a sure sign they are having the full sensory experience of texture, taste and smell – plus a face full of food makes for great photos!
1
Step away from the watermelon! Cut it up into cubes for little fingers
2
Ripe pears, peeled and sliced.
3
Lightly toasted bread, cut into soldiers.
4
Cheese slices or cubes
5
Slices or chunks of avocado – kids’ superfood!
6
Marinated tofu (hold the chilli!)
7
Peaches, peeled and sliced.
8
Strips of soft tortillas.
9
Sausages, cut into small rounds.
10
Mini, crust-free sandwiches, filled with cheese or mashed up banana.
11
Pickles are easy to hold and good to chew on.
12
Pasta, well cooked and tossed with a little pesto if they want more flavour.
13
Carrot sticks, lightly steamed.
14
Crumpets, buttered and with those sharp crusty edges cut off.
15
Sweet corn on the cob, cut into little wheels – super easy to hold.
16
Chicken, cooked and shredded.
17
Peas, cooked but not mushy – picking up the peas is also good for fine motor skills and developing their pincer grip!
18
Cheese ‘worms’ aka grated cheddar.
19
Breadsticks or grissini.
20
Who didn’t spend the first few years of life with banana all over their face?
