Time for Finger Foods
Enjoying finger food
Once you notice your baby begin to grasp small objects, he is ready to begin feeding himself. It’s time for introducing finger foods! It’s more than just fun, as finger foods add texture to the diet and encourage self-feeding to help with oral and motor development. Remember, babies should always be supervised whenever they’re eating or drinking.
What’s the big fuss about finger foods?
Introducing finger foods will allow your baby to continue developing his oral and motor skills. You’ll know he’s ready when he is able to pick up objects with his thumb and index finger. Finger foods are one of the first steps in self-feeding and an important move towards using utensils.
Embrace the mess
Babies are not always the most polite guest at the dinner table but try to let it slide. Smashing, mushing and even throwing food are all ways for baby to learn about and explore the food he is eating. Recent research suggests that this type of play helps babies to learn to identify different types of food. Make it easier on yourself by providing small portions and putting down an easy-to-clean mat or shower curtain under his high chair.
Watch out for these finger foods
If your baby only has his front teeth, he’s capable of biting off a chunk of an uncooked carrot but he can’t actually chew it up, which means he could choke on it. Small, round or cylindrical foods have the greatest potential to become choking hazards for toddlers and babies.
Related articles
Acidified foods: Good just like your mother said!
Did you know…. More than 8000 years ago our ancestors made bread, beer and wine through fermentation.
5 mins to read
The adult’s role
The adult’s role is to provide children with nutritious foods. Adults are responsible for what and when their children are fed.
5 mins to read
Baby meal planner 10 to 12 months
Around 10-12 months, babies are ready for harder finger foods & self-feeding.
1 min to read
A day in your 6 to 7 month old’s diet
This sample day was created by registered dieticians to help meet the nutrition goals for your 6 to 7 month old baby.
5 mins to read
Baby meal planner 8 to 10 months
Around 8-10 months, increase the variety and texture of foods for your baby.
1 min to read
When do we introduce solids to the diet
Birth to six months
It is too early to introduce solids if your baby:
5 mins to read
At seven to eight months
Look out, baby’s on the move!
5 mins to read
Your guide to starting solids
Now the adventure really starts, introducing solid foods to your baby is a lot of fun as they adjust to new tastes and textures
2 mins to read
Reducing the risk of allergy
There is an increased risk of allergy when solids are introduced too early, i.e. before
2 mins to read
At nine months
Your baby sits alone and pivots into a crawling position. He crawls on extended limbs and holds on to furniture to pull himself up to stand.
5 mins to read
Sugar: Fact or Fiction Quiz
Not all sugars are created equal and therefore not all sugars are bad. The main role of food is to provide energy and nutrients for growth and development.
5 mins to read
Your 6 to 12 month old’s hunger & fullness cues
Understanding your baby's hunger & fullness cues. Learn to identify when to feed and when they're full.
2 mins to read
Setting the stage for his first taste
Here are a few tips for getting your baby ready to take that first spoonful of baby food.
5 mins to read
At ten months
- He enjoys nursery rhymes and games. Encourage and play with him. Talk to him and imitate and add to his sounds.
- Encourage self-occupation.
5 mins to read
Celebrating 150 years
And it all began with Henri Nestlé’s mission to give babies a good foundation in life
5 mins to read
Babies food choices
A quiz for mums of 6-7 month olds
5 mins to read
Developmental Milestones
You cannot fast-track the stages of your baby’s development, but you can help by creating a stimulating environment.
5 mins to read
