Introducing finger foods to babies is an exciting
moment for parents. Deblina Chatterjee interviewed pediatricians
about their recommendations for safety, but also for foods that will be tasty
and nutritious. Here are their key recommendations:
Dry cereal mixes well with saliva that makes it easy
for the baby to chew and swallow without choking.
Small pieces of bread are great, especially if you put
mashed banana or avocado, hummus or peanut butter on the bread when your baby
is around 9 or 12 months old.
Cut scrambled eggs into very small pieces to give
your little one. And avoid adding salt.
Avocados are a potential source of omega-3 fatty
acids which help to enhance your child’s brain development.
Tofu is a plant-based source of protein that’s also
soft.
Cooked veggies like sweet potato, carrot, broccoli,
cauliflower are good options to offer your baby and as he gets older, you can
start giving him steamed carrot sticks or roasted sweet potatoes.
As your baby reaches 6 months of age, start giving
small cubes of cheese. If he shows any sign of dairy allergy, stop right then,
and consult your doctor.
Diced chicken breasts are also good finger food. Make
sure they are thoroughly cooked and cut into very small pieces.
Fish can be introduced when your baby reaches one
year old. This should also be cooked properly.