FINGER FOOD IDEAS FOR EVERY STAGE
When your baby hit 6 months you should try finger foods that are soft to eat and in a finger shape to help your little one get used to solid food.
Here are some finger food ideas:
Bananas cut into slices
Slices of avocado
Soft cooked broccoli trees
As your baby grows you can start to explore new tastes and textures as your little one becomes more confident with finger foods.
Here are some chunky, easy to bite finger foods you could try:
Rice cakes (we have lots of tasty flavours!)
Cooked veggies
Peeled raw or cooked slices of fruit
Pasta and noodles
Toast or bread soldiers
Slices of boiled egg
When your baby hits 9 months you can start to explore smaller, more chewy finger foods with your little learner to help get them used to more textures. Why not try one of these finger food ideas:
Peas, sweetcorn and cherry tomato halves
Dry cereals
Well cooked meat or fish
Breadsticks and pitta bread
Sticks of fruit or veggies
WHEN CAN BABIES START FINGER FOODS?
There are usually 3 signs that your baby is ready to move on and try solid food. Not all babies will be ready to start trying finger foods at exactly six months old and may need a few extra weeks. Don’t worry if it takes your little learner longer it’s important to trust your instincts and tune into your little one as they’ll let you know when they are ready!
- Coordinate their eyes, hands and mouth
- Can stay in a sitting position, holding their head steady
- Can swallow food
BABY FINGER FOOD SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
The most important thing to consider before you start trying finger foods with your baby is whether they are ready (do this by using our three signs to spot above). But there are also some safety precautions to consider before starting any type of solids with your little one:
- When ready make sure your little one can sit in their highchair without sliding or slumping or if you prefer to feed on your lap ensure your baby can sit unsupported and can hold their head up straight
- Make sure to wash your hands as well as clean all surfaces and equipment before and after preparing your finger foods as well as serving
- Check your little learner's mouth with your little finger once they've finished eating to make sure no food is stuck, as they many not be able to dislodge it themself.
- Always check the temperature of your babies finger food, and allow it to cool down properly.
- Babies are born with a gag reflux, this is their natural safety mechanism that allows them to push food forward in their mouths. So you may notice that your little one gags more with finger foods than when spoon feeding as they are more in control of their food.
- Halve cherry tomatoes and grapes to reduce risk of choking, and make sure to never leave your baby alone when feeding them finger foods and that there are no distractions.