Learning to eat is an important part of a toddler's development, and finger foods play a role in helping your toddler learn how to chew and swallow. Learning how to feed herself also helps develop your child's sense of independence. When you're choosing nutritious finger foods for your child, keep in mind that you should offer her a variety of foods to provide the most adequate nutrition.
Vegetables
Bite-sized cubes of cooked vegetables are good choices for your toddler's first finger foods. Carrots and sweet potatoes have a sweet flavor that appeals to many toddlers. Baked, sliced potatoes dipped in tomato sauce or your favorite dressing can also be a good finger food for toddlers to try. Vegetables are good sources vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber.
Fruits
Most toddlers don't need much encouragement to eat fruit, so it's a good thing fruit is a healthy choice. Try serving slices of apples, bananas, oranges and pears with yogurt on the side for dipping. Avocado doesn't make a neat meal, but if you don't mind a mess, it does make a good finger food for toddlers. Fruits tend to be rich in vitamins and minerals and many also provide antioxidants.
Meats
Unless your child is a vegetarian, meats can be a good source of protein, an essential nutrient for developing brains and bodies. Try feeding your child bite-size slices of grilled chicken with honey mustard or ketchup for dipping, or cut deli turkey into squares to serve with slices of cheese and crackers.
Other Proteins
If your child doesn't eat or doesn't like meat, try other protein sources. Hard-boiled eggs sliced into rings are a good source of protein, as are small squares of tofu and beans cooked until they are very soft.
Dairy
Dairy products are a good source of essential calcium and usually a favorite with many toddlers. Serve your toddler large-curd cottage cheese---you may want to supply a bib along with the snack---mozzarella cheese melted with pizza sauce on a sliced bagel or soft cheese that you've grated.
Other Foods
Toddlers love pasta, especially when it comes in fun shapes. Slices of toast and waffles are also favorites for many kids. Since these foods have limited nutritional value, serve them with other, healthier foods and don't offer them at every meal.
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