At around 8 to 9 months of age, your baby should slowly start to learn the skill of “self-feeding”. Slowly, with your guidance, they master this skill by the time they turn a year old.
One of the most important things for parents to remember is that older infants, who are teething, typically mash food using their gums.
According to recent research, some foods, which are marketed as “safe first finger foods”, may actually pose choking hazards.
Any food, if not served properly, can be a potential choking hazard. So, safety is key.
Pediatrician Dr. Tanya Altmann hopes to clear up any confusion amongst parents about what to feed their babies who are “new eaters”.
The mom-of-three and author of “What To Feed Your Baby” shared her recommendations with TODAY.
Here are Dr. Altmann’s top 6 safe and delicious finger foods for babies.
1. Eggs
photo: Pixabay
Eggs are rich in protein, fat, and other nutrients essential to the growth of your baby.
Small, soft portions of scrambled eggs are one of the best first finger foods for babies 9 months old and up.
More first finger food ideas on the next page!
2. Peas
photo: Pixabay
Peas are easy to prepare and are packed with tons of vitamins and minerals.
Plus: they’re the perfect size for tiny fingers who are just learning how to pick food up.
Introducing veggies to your kids early on saves you the trouble of teaching them to enjoy eating healthy later on.
3. Whole-grain round cereals
photo: Pexels
A good example of this is Cheerios; a popular breakfast cereal which, according to Dr. Altmann, has 3 grams of fiber, 1 gram sugar, and no artificial coloring.
They’re good to keep in handy so your tot can snack anytime, anywhere!
4. Peanut puffs
photo: Pexels
These crispy, airy snacks easily melt between little gums unlike whole nuts which are serious choking hazards.
Cut them in half before feeding them to your toddler.
Dr. Altmann believes that introducing a bit of peanut into your kid’s diet early can help lessen the chances of them developing an allergy in the future.
More first finger food ideas on the next page!
5. Berries
photo: Pexels
It’s best to buy the organic kind; make sure to wash them well, though!
Berries are an excellent source of Vitamin C and other awesome antioxidants.
Blueberries–specifically–are soft, small, delicious, and healthy. Plus: they’re easy for teething tots to chew!
6. Beans
photo: Pexels
Beans work well with any lunch or snack. They are a healthy non-meat source of protein, fiber, zinc, and iron.
Slightly mashed beans are easy for older babies and toddlers to pick up.
There’s no need to buy the plain ones because choosing beans in different colors allows babies to have fun as they eat!
READ: Some of your favorite first ‘finger foods’ for babies may be choking hazards
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