If getting your toddler to sit down and eat his meals is a daily challenge, try introducing more finger foods. Finger food appeals to toddlers because it's fun and messy, and it allows them to exercise their growing independence. It's also a great way for you to sneak healthy foods into your child's diet since he's more likely to try something he doesn't love when it's served in a new and interesting way. Your toddler should already be eating a varied diet, but if you're introducing something new in the form of finger food, be sure to wait at least three days before feeding him any other new food in order to watch for any allergies or adverse reactions.
Rainbow Veggies
It's never easy to get toddlers to eat their daily dose of vegetables, but putting together a colorful mix of bite-sized veggies can make these essentials more appealing. Stir together diced, well-cooked sweet potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, peas and corn, spread on a plate and watch your toddler's eyes light up.
Fruit Salad
Many parents find that the more colorful the food, the more likely their toddlers are to eat it. Make a rainbow-colored fruit salad by cutting avocados, strawberries, blueberries, peaches, bananas, watermelon and apples into bite-sized pieces.
Roll-Ups
Layer thin slices of cheese and turkey breast together and roll them up tightly so your toddler can pick them up without the roll-ups falling apart easily. Add a whole-wheat tortilla for an easy alternative to a sandwich.
Eggs
Eggs are an easy way to give your toddler a healthy dose of protein and vitamins; just make sure you have your pediatrician's okay to serve them since they're one of the more allergenic foods. To turn eggs into finger food, hard-boil and chop them up into small pieces.
Beans
Beans might not sound like toddler food, but these protein- and fiber-packed legumes are just the right size for little fingers. Cook beans until soft and coat with olive oil.
Quesadilla Bites
Sneak some vegetables into a cheesy quesadilla. Top a small tortilla with shredded cheese and finely-diced veggies like zucchini, tomatoes and bell peppers. Warm in the microwave until cheese melts; top with another tortilla, then use a pizza cutter to cut into bite-sized pieces.
Pasta
Cook whole-wheat pasta in a small shape like elbows, spirals or mini-shells, toss with butter or olive oil and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Toast
Toast a slice of whole-wheat bread, spread it with vegetable puree, cream cheese, jelly or peanut butter and cut into easy-to-pick-up pieces.
Cereal
Whole-grain O-shaped cereal is a classic first finger food for babies, but there's no reason to stop offering bite-sized cereal pieces once your child reaches toddlerhood. Cereal is a great way to give your child the whole grains she needs and it makes a great on-the-go snack since it's mess-free.
Cheese
Cheese is a toddler-pleasing favorite and it becomes an easy finger food when shredded or finely diced.
Sandwich Bites
Turn a healthy sandwich into finger food by cutting up ordinary grilled cheese or peanut butter and jelly into bite-sized pieces.
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