The Best Finger Foods For 6-12 Month Babies

Parents who are looking to provide their little ones with finger foods tend to have a multitude of questions. Knowing when and how to start is not always easy.

First of all, it is completely up to the parent. Some parents may decide that their children are ready at 6 months. Others may want to wait until 10 months. There is no one set way to do things.

To get started, simply place a bit of food on their tray and let them dig in. Messes will be made and this is something you will have to grin and bear. They need to be prepared in a manner that is soft enough for the baby to consume without hurting themselves. To make your life a little easier you should use a chair that has been designed around a baby's eating habits. The Regalo Easy Diner is a top-notch high chair for babies and this chair is equally effective at home and on the road. 

Watch out for foods that are choking hazards. Be sure to know the difference between choking and gagging because they are not the same thing. Veggies, fruits and whatever items we are eating that day that we wish to share can be included. Get them to try as many foods from each food group as you possibly can.

Without further ado, it is time to take a closer look at the finger foods that need to become a part of your six to twelve-month old's diet as soon as possible.

Broccoli

Gently steam the broccoli for four or five minutes before serving. The broccoli can also be roasted in olive oil. Chop the broccoli up into very tiny pieces so that it can be easily consumed.

Peppers

These are an easy veggie to serve and they can be provided to your child raw and in strip form.

Cherry Tomatoes

The cherry tomato can also be served raw and your child will appreciate it if you were willing to cut them up into eighths first.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes can be steamed or roasted. Make sure that they are tender before serving. You can serve these plain or season them to your child's taste.

Carrots

A carrot is able to served whether it is raw, roasted or steamed. Chop them up into tiny little pieces or serve them as small strips.

Cucumbers

Remove the seeds before serving and these are able to be consumed raw.

Honeydew

Be sure to check the ripeness of the honeydew and finely chop it before presenting it to your little one.

Blueberries

These berries are a major hit and they can be sliced in half or cut into quarters.

Pineapples

Some kids may prefer to consume their pineapples in ring form. Others may decide that they want a finely chopped pineapple instead.

Watermelon

Either cut it up into strips or give your child a piece with some rind to grab onto so that it will not be as slippery.

Chicken

What kid doesn't love chicken? Bake it, grill it, roast it. It does not matter.

Cheese Slices

Babies tend to have a mind of their own when it comes to the cheeses that they like. Provide them with a varied selection so that they can choose the one that works best for them.

Shrimp

This one is easy enough to feed a child off your own plate. Just make sure to cut it up first!

Waffles

For best results, please serve homemade whole wheat waffles to your child. If they are store bought? Look over the ingredients to see if you can pronounce them.

Pasta

Whole wheat pasta is best. Quinoa and rice pasta also work well in these instances. Some kids may enjoy cheese and sauce. Others will want to eat it plain.