Babies should start eating finger foods around eight months of age, or when they can grasp food between their thumb and forefinger and have been exposed to a variety of foods with no problem, says the American Academy of Pediatrics. Consult with your pediatrician to ensure that your toddler shows all of the signs of being ready for finger foods. Cutting up food so that it is no larger than your thumbnail keeps the food small enough not to be a choking hazard, yet large enough for tiny fingers to hold and manipulate.
Fruits and Vegetables
Foster a love for healthy foods like fruits and vegetables early in life. Some kid-friendly fruits that can be cut into finger foods include apple slices (cut into smaller pieces and dusted with cinnamon sugar), ripened and soft fruits (like mango and banana) and berries (such as strawberries and blueberries that have been halved). Cook vegetables to soften, such as tender-crisp carrots and small pieces of potato.
Grains
Grains provide your toddler with fiber. Babyzone.com recommends that your toddler eat at least six small servings of grains per day. Whole-wheat cereal pieces, multi-grain crackers dipped in hummus or peanut butter and silver-dollar, whole-wheat pancakes are all excellent choices. Monitor for sugar intake. Small bites of bread with a vegetable spread can give your child an extra dose of fiber.
Dairy
After the age of one, your child can try milk and other dairy foods, says KidsHealth.org. String cheese that has been cut into small, bite-sized pieces are great for on-the-go snacks. Yogurt served in tubes can be a good choice for little fingers. A whole-wheat tortilla, which is sprinkled with cheese, toasted and cut into small wedges, combines both dairy and grains for a nutritious meal.
Meats
Some parents hesitate to give their little ones meats because of their young age. The Children's Hospital Boston of the Harvard Medical School recommends small pieces of soft meats like chicken, beef and pork chopped into small, bite-sized pieces for toddlers. Cubes of ham can be an ideal choice for little fingers. Even vegetarian children can enjoy protein in the form of cubes of tofu.
Serving Ideas
A toddler can be picky with new foods. Serve up finger foods in a unique way to garner her interest and entice her to try them. Arranging soft, cooked carrots and peas into a face on her plate may be the trick. Cut finger-sized sandwiches into hearts or stars with your cookie cutters, or arrange food into a blossom on the plate.
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