At six months old, your baby can start eating solid food. These are also known as finger foods because they're easy for a child developing a grip to pick up and eat with their tiny hands.
Pediatricians recommend items from various food groups for your baby due to their high nutritional value, low choking hazards, and ability to contribute to a healthy diet.
Here are the eight best finger foods for babies:
1. Avocados
Avocados are known as 'superfoods' because they contain vital nutrients, including dozens of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, and omega fatty acids. These are essential for supporting your baby's physical and cognitive development.
Fortunately, the natural softness of ripe avocados makes them the best foods to introduce to your tiny tot once they progress from baby food purees. According to Serenity Kids, the texture and consistency can be prepared for your baby's readiness. Avocados can be served thin and mushy for easier swallowing or sliced small and chunky for your baby to grip and chew.
2. Steamed Peas
Soft and squishy peas are among the best vegetables to start babies on their finger foods journey. It allows them to develop the pincer grip as they try to hold one pea at a time.
Nutritionally, green peas are an excellent source of carbohydrates and protein that help your baby grow and provide energy for everyday learning and playing activities. Ensure the peas are steamed for two to three minutes to retain the most nutrients.
3. Sliced Meatballs
Meat is an important source of protein and iron for a growing baby, so they should start eating it as soon as they can swallow solid foods. To prepare it in a finger-food-friendly way, roll seasoned ground meat into a baby fist-sized ball, then cook it thoroughly in a mild soup or sauce instead of frying it.
Monitor your baby as they eat it for the first time. If your baby has difficulty nibbling on it, slice it into smaller pieces.
4. Sweet Potato
To introduce your baby to sweet-tasting solid foods that are healthy and contain no refined sugar, feed them sweet potatoes. They're high in vitamins, potassium, and fiber that help regulate your baby's digestive system.
You can steam the potatoes for about 10 minutes or roast them and cut them into small wedge pieces. Keep the potatoes soft enough for your baby to grip by themselves and chew to prevent gagging or choking.
5. Scrambled Eggs
Soft and squishy scrambled eggs are easy to prepare and for a baby to pick up and eat alone. Just be sure to serve it in small quantities and watch your baby closely for symptoms of egg allergy, including difficulty breathing, dizziness, itching, and red, blotchy skin.
Pediatricians recommend introducing babies to allergenic foods between four and 11 months to prevent developing food allergies later. At any rate, getting clearance from your baby's doctor first is best. If you're given a thumbs up, break up the scrambled eggs into bite-sized pieces, and don't add any salt or sauce.
6. Pasta
Whole-grain and shaped pasta, such as fusilli and mini shells, are easy for your baby to grip either as a bunch or individually. Cook the pasta for longer than usual until it's soft, then serve without salt or sauce.
This will help your baby develop a taste for healthy pasta that's higher in fiber than refined pasta. Furthermore, if your baby finds it challenging to eat through a single roll of pasta, cut it up into little pieces and serve smaller portions.
7. Baked Salmon Strips
Fish is also considered a 'superfood' because it's nutrient-dense with protein, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids vital for bone, brain, and nerve development. Salmon is an excellent fish for your infant because it's easy to cut into small pieces after baking and is among those with the lowest mercury levels.
Alternatives to salmon include white-fleshed fish like pollock and cod. Be sure that the fish you serve to your baby is deboned and served plain.
8. Puffy Cereal
Oat-based, round puffy cereals have the ideal shape, size, and texture, allowing your baby to pick them up easily. They also make good practice foods for teething infants to eat because they mix well with saliva and can dissolve easily in the mouth.
The healthiest puff options should be low in sugar, high in fiber, and fortified with essential vitamins and minerals for a growing baby. You can store a pack of puffs in a baby bag for on-the-go snacking.
Conclusion
The best finger foods for babies are packed with nutrients, easy for baby hands to grip, and present a low choking hazard. These include soft fruit and boiled vegetables for vitamins and minerals, saltless meat and fish for protein, and whole-grain puffs and pasta for energy.
These simple food items are taken from each food group and can be introduced to your baby from six months old to support their growth and development.