A baby's first meal with the family is a big day, for both the baby and her parents. No longer limited to bottles and baby food, being able to feed herself is a big sign of independence. Begin the process by offering tiny pieces of finger foods, and, before you know it, she'll be using utensils and ordering for herself.
Breads and Cereals
Brooklyn Presta from Parents Magazine suggests starting babies with small, Cheerios-type cereals or rice puffs made especially for babies. These are often fortified with nutrients and almost melt in the mouth, so babies don't have to do a lot of chewing. Cubes of whole grain bread, toasted or plain, are a good source of fiber and easy for little ones to chew. Crackers are also popular, because they are easy to hold. Try plain graham crackers--infants under 1 should never eat honey--saltines or butter crackers.
Fruits and Veggies
Bananas are a popular treat with little ones, as are other fruits with a soft consistency that babies can smash with their tongue or gums, such as avocados or very ripe pears. Always cut into small pieces. Sweet potatoes are loaded with nutrients and most babies love the sweeter flavor. Steam or bake them and then dice. Cooked peas, green beans and carrots are also good choices.
Ideas for Older Babies
If your baby has mastered picking up small pieces of food and chewing them, branch out to include more adult-like options. Try cutting up whatever the rest of the family is eating into tiny pieces so your baby can join you at the dinner table. Small, cooked pasta, such as macaroni or spirals, are a suitable option for finger foods. Skip thin noodles, such as spaghetti, because they are too hard for little hands to pick up. Try shredded or cubed chicken or pieces of meatballs or meat loaf. Cooked beans are also easy to pick up and chew. For lunch, whip up a grilled cheese sandwich and tear into small pieces. At breakfast, serve chopped hard-boiled eggs.
Time Frame
Most pediatricians recommend starting infants on solid foods around 6 months, with baby foods first and finger foods later, as babies develop motor skills necessary to pick up food and guide it to their mouths. According to the Mayo Clinic, between 8 and 10 months is a good time to introduce finger foods. By his first birthday, your little one should be able to enjoy tiny versions of whatever the rest of the family is eating. Up to age 1, babies still get most of their nutrition from breast milk or formula, so they'll need at least 24 ounces a day.
Warnings
Dr. Sandra Hassink from the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you start all new foods one at a time, at intervals of every 2 to 3 days. This will help you identify any food sensitivities or allergies. Choking is a serious hazard of introducing finger foods. You should never give babies hard, smooth foods such as peanuts or raw vegetables that must be chewed with a grinding motion, since they might not have the necessary teeth to chew the food well. Round, firm foods such as hot dogs and carrot sticks are also choking hazards, so make sure to chop them into small pieces no larger than the end of your baby's pinky finger. Lastly, supervise mealtime closely. Never let your little one eat while playing or running, and teach her to chew and swallow before talking or laughing.
