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.
Importance of introducing healthy finger foods to babies
The importance of introducing healthy finger foods to babies cannot be overstated. It plays a crucial role in their overall development and sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy eating habits. Here are some key reasons why introducing nutritious finger foods is essential for your baby:
1. Nutrient-rich diet
Healthy finger foods provide essential nutrients that are vital for a baby's growth and development. These foods often contain vitamins, minerals, and fiber that support various bodily functions and promote overall well-being.
2. Texture and motor skills
Finger foods help babies develop their fine motor skills. Picking up small pieces of food and bringing them to their mouths encourages hand-eye coordination and strengthens their pincer grasp.
3. Sensory exploration
Offering a variety of textures and flavors through finger foods allows babies to explore their senses. This sensory experience can be both fun and educational, helping them develop preferences and learn about the world around them.
4. Independence and self-Feeding
Introducing finger foods empowers babies to feed themselves. This independence is not only a significant milestone but also encourages self-confidence and a sense of autonomy.
5. Transition to solid Foods
Finger foods act as a bridge between purees and solid foods. They help babies transition from a solely liquid diet to a more diverse and complex diet, preparing them for family meals.
6. Oral development
Chewing and gnawing on finger foods helps strengthen the muscles in a baby's mouth and tongue, which is essential for speech development.
7. Prevention of picky eating
Exposing babies to a wide range of healthy foods at an early age can reduce the likelihood of developing picky eating habits later in life. They are more likely to accept a variety of foods as they grow.
8. Nutritional awareness
By offering healthy finger foods, parents can instill a sense of nutritional awareness in their children from an early age. This can set the stage for making informed food choices as they grow older.
9. Bonding and social interaction
Mealtime can be a special bonding moment between caregivers and babies. It's an opportunity to engage in social interaction and teach them about the cultural and social aspects of eating.
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 and more.
Top 6 first finger foods that are safe (and yummy) for your baby!
Here are Dr. Altmann’s top 6 safe and delicious finger foods for babies and more.
1. Eggs
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.
2. Peas
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
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
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.
5. Berries
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
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.
7. Mashed Banana
Bananas are soft, easy to mash, and packed with essential nutrients like potassium and vitamin C. They are a perfect first-finger food for babies.
8. Mashed Avocado
Avocado is another soft and creamy option rich in healthy fats and essential nutrients. You can cut it into small, manageable pieces for your baby to pick up.
9. Sweet Potato
Cooked and cooled sweet potato sticks or cubes are a nutritious choice. They're soft, naturally sweet, and provide vitamins and fiber.
10. Cooked and diced chicken
When introducing meat, cook and dice it into small, manageable pieces. It provides a good source of protein and iron.
There's no need to buy the plain ones because choosing beans in different colors allows babies to have fun as they eat!
Additional information from Marhiel Garrote