15 Best Finger Foods For Babies

Wondering about some good finger foods to feed to your baby? Well, you have landed at the right place! When babies start demanding to eat on their own and are ready to move on from pureed or mashed foods to more solid foods, it is probably time to start feeding them finger foods. Finger foods for babies are foods that your baby can eat directly by hand. You can start giving finger foods to your babies at around 7-9 months, provided they are ready for it.

Contents

• How to Check a Baby’s Readiness for Finger Foods
• Precautions to Take While Preparing Finger Foods for Your Baby
• 15 Best Finger Foods For Babies
  • 1. Carrot/Beetroot Finger Foods
  • 2. Baked Potato or Sweet Potato Wedges
  • 3. Steamed or Boiled Green Beans
  • 4. Steamed or Par-Boiled Broccoli/Cauliflower Florets
  • 5. Tomato Wedges or Cucumber Slices
  • 6. Cooked Chickpeas (Chhole) or Kidney Beans (Rajma)
  • 7. Cheese Sticks
  • 8. Paneer Cubes
  • 9. Cooked Boneless Chicken or Fish Pieces
  • 10. Banana, Apple, or Kiwi
  • 11. Papaya, Mango, Watermelon, Muskmelon, Avocado, or Plums
  • 12. Grapes or Strawberries
  • 13. Pasta
  • 14. Cornflakes
  • 15. Regular Family Foods (Idlis, Dosas, Parathas, etc.)
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions

How to Check a Baby’s Readiness for Finger Foods

Babies are ready for finger food if they can do the following:

• They can sit upright.

• They have overcome the extrusion reflex; that is, they do not thrust out food that is kept in their mouth.

• They have sufficient hand-eye coordination to pick up food and put it in their mouth.

• They have achieved the pincer grasp that allows them to pick up and hold food between their fingers (thumb and index finger).

Precautions to Take While Preparing Finger Foods for Your Baby

Follow these precautions while preparing finger foods for your little one:

• The finger food for babies should be cooked well so they can mash and gnaw between their gums, even if their teeth are absent. .

• When you first introduce finger foods, size them so they are not a choking hazard. Once they get the hang of finger foods, you can size them to be that of your baby’s fist, preferably chip-shaped.

15 Best Finger Foods For Babies

Now that you've learned when to feed finger foods to babies, let's look into some of the best food options.

1. Carrot/Beetroot Finger Foods

Carrots and beetroots are excellent finger foods for babies. You can serve them as steamed or baked sticks for a delicious and healthy snack. Start by washing, peeling, and cutting carrots and beetroots into medium-thickness sticks. You can steam them, let them cool, and serve them to your baby as finger food. To bake them, take the carrot/beetroot sticks, drizzle them with a little oil, season them with cumin or cinnamon powder, and then bake them in a preheated oven (350 degrees) for 18-20 minutes on each side. You can also include carrots in dosas or idlis by adding carrot puree to the batter. Once cooked and cooled, cut the dosas or idlis into long, suitable pieces.

2. Baked Potato or Sweet Potato Wedges

Potato or sweet potato wedges are a healthy, weight-gaining finger food option for babies. Simply peel, wash, and cut potatoes or sweet potatoes into wedges. Season them lightly with olive oil and herbs, then bake until tender. These soft wedges are easy for little hands to grasp and enjoy!

3. Steamed or Boiled Green Beans

Green beans are packed with fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Steam or boil them until tender, then cut them into bite-sized pieces. These make excellent finger foods that support your baby’s digestion and overall health.

4. Steamed or Par-Boiled Broccoli/Cauliflower Florets

Broccoli and cauliflower are rich in vitamins and minerals. After washing them thoroughly, steam or par-boil them until soft, then cut them into bite-sized florets. These veggie florets are easy for babies to hold and provide essential nutrients for growth.

5. Tomato Wedges or Cucumber Slices

Tomatoes and cucumbers are both hydrating and nutritious. Slice tomatoes into wedges and peel, wash, and slice cucumbers into small, easy-to-hold pieces. These refreshing snacks are great for keeping your baby hydrated and satisfied.

6. Cooked Chickpeas (Chhole) or Kidney Beans (Rajma)

Soak chickpeas or kidney beans overnight, then cook them until soft. You can serve them whole or halve them for smaller bites. These legumes are high in protein and fibre, making them an excellent source of nutrition for your baby.

7. Cheese Sticks

Cheese sticks are a quick and protein-rich snack that babies love. Opt for mild, unsalted cheese like mozzarella and cut it into small sticks. Cheese provides calcium for strong bones and teeth and is an excellent finger food for babies.

8. Paneer Cubes

Paneer (Indian cottage cheese) is an excellent source of protein, calcium, and fat—helpful for your baby’s growth and weight gain. Simply cut the paneer into bite-sized cubes and lightly fry them in ghee or clarified butter. Cool them down and serve them as soft, nutritious finger food.

9. Cooked Boneless Chicken or Fish Pieces

For babies ready for meat, boneless chicken or fish pieces are excellent protein-rich finger foods. Cook the chicken or fish thoroughly, shred it into small, manageable pieces, and serve. It’s a healthy, protein-packed snack that will keep your little one energised.

10. Banana, Apple, or Kiwi

Bananas, apples, and kiwis are naturally sweet and full of vitamins. Slice them into bite-sized pieces and serve as finger food. These fruits are gentle on the stomach and perfect for introducing your baby to new tastes and textures.

11. Papaya, Mango, Watermelon, Muskmelon, Avocado, or Plums

These fruits are packed with vitamins, minerals, and hydration. Cube papaya, mango, watermelon, muskmelon, avocado, or plums into small pieces for a delicious, refreshing finger food option. They’re perfect for snacking and provide essential nutrients.

12. Grapes or Strawberries

Cut grapes into small pieces (to prevent choking) and slice strawberries for a vitamin-rich snack. Both fruits are high in fibre, water, and antioxidants, making them a perfect refreshing treat for your baby.

13. Pasta

Boiled pasta, such as penne, macaroni, or spirals, is a great finger food. Cook the pasta well until it’s soft and easy to chew, then cut it into bite-sized pieces. You can serve it plain or add a little cheese for extra flavour and nutrition.

14. Cornflakes

Plain cornflakes can make an exciting finger food for babies. Make sure to give only the unflavoured variety, as sugary cornflakes are unsuitable for little ones. Their crunchy texture will engage your baby, and they can enjoy a nutritious snack.

15. Regular Family Foods (Idlis, Dosas, Parathas, etc.)

Regular family meals can easily be turned into finger foods for your baby. Foods like idlis, dosas, cheelas, pancakes, parathas, and chapatis can all be cut into small, baby-friendly pieces. Just be sure to avoid adding salt or sugar for babies under one year of age. These familiar foods are an excellent way to introduce your baby to the flavours of family meals.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change. Refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.

Conclusion

Introducing a variety of finger foods is essential in your baby's journey to self-feeding and healthy eating habits. Finger foods provide necessary nutrients and help develop motor skills and independence. By offering a balanced selection of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and grains, you can ensure your baby enjoys mealtime while benefiting from a nutritious diet. Remember to always supervise your child during feeding to ensure their safety and to make the experience enjoyable for both of you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s a list of FAQs about 15 Best Finger Foods For Babies

Can I offer my baby cooked chicken or meat as finger food?

Yes, cooked boneless chicken, fish, or other tender meats can be excellent protein sources for your baby. Ensure the meat is thoroughly cooked, cut into small, bite-sized pieces, and ensure no bones or skin could pose a choking risk.

Are there any nutritious benefits to offering finger foods to babies?

Absolutely! Finger foods are rich in essential nutrients that support your baby’s growth, such as vitamins from fruits, protein from cheese and legumes, and healthy fats from avocado. They also help babies build oral motor skills and transition to a more varied diet.

How can I make finger foods more exciting for my baby?

Introduce a variety of textures, shapes, and colours to make finger foods more exciting. Use fun food cutters to shape soft foods into stars, hearts, or animals, or serve a variety of fruits and vegetables for a colourful plate. Making mealtime fun and visually appealing encourages babies to try new foods.

Should I be concerned about allergies when offering finger foods?

Food allergies can be a concern, especially with foods like eggs, dairy, and peanuts. Introduce new foods one at a time, and wait 3-5 days before adding another to monitor for allergic reactions. Always consult your paediatrician before introducing allergenic foods, especially if there's a family history of allergies.

How do I know if a food is the right size for my baby’s fingers?

The size of finger foods should be small enough for your baby to grasp easily but large enough so they don’t choke. A good guideline is to cut foods into pieces no larger than the size of your baby’s thumb and always supervise them while eating.

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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.

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