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Self-Feeding & Finger Foods
What Experts Say
Between 7 and 9 months of age, your little one will graduate from all things pureed to finger foods -- the first step toward independent eating. While it's exciting to graduate from those tiny jars and other mushy items, as your baby takes more control, be prepared for meal times to take longer and be a whole lot messier. The good news: there's more than Cheerios to offer, provided you're mindful of your baby's safety.
Experts agree that by 9 months, most babies are ready to start eating finger foods. You'll know it's time when your baby can sit well and starts swiping at your veggie wrap or reaching for her spoon in an attempt to feed herself....
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What is the best type of "finger food" to start with?
Water-soluble is key! If a food doesn't dissolve quickly in water (or other liquid), I try to wait until baby has more teeth before introducing it. Foods that need lots of grinding down are best left to wait for a few months before letting baby eat them as a finger food.
Are there any finger foods I should prevent my toddler from having?
Anything that could pose a choking hazard should be avoided. This includes grapes, nuts, hot dogs, hard candies, and chunks of hard cheese or meats. The key is to start with food that is very mashable (will it dissolve in water?) and then slowly move to foods that are a little more solid, like soft cheeses, well-cooked vegetables, and well-cooked pasta. Until toddlers get their flat molars, they don't have the ability to grind and chew their food well. Once the first set of molars are in, your toddler will be able to chew better and can tackle more complex foods, but hard to chew foods should be avoided due to the choking risk.
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February 06, 2008
Finger Foods
When your baby starts feeding himself/herself, it is exciting, messy and sometimes downright funny! You do have to be prepared for a mess...babies feeding themselves can mean food-slinging, spaghetti sauce in the hair (both yours and... read more
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