Finger foods offer an infant the chance to practice her independence by feeding herself. Finger foods also improve an infant’s fine motor skills. While it is exciting to see your infant reach new milestones, finger foods should not be rushed. Any food is a potential choking hazard to an infant learning to self feed. Starting finger foods too early can increase the risk of choking. Always supervise your infant while she eats finger foods.
Teething Biscuits
Teething biscuits are specially designed for infants. They dissolve easily and are easy for an infant to grasp. Teething biscuits may also offer relief to a teething infant. Teething biscuits are often one of the first finger foods offered to an infant. Watch your infant closely to make sure he doesn’t bite off a small piece of the biscuit as this could cause a choking hazard.
Soft Fruit
Bananas are a smart choice when introducing an infant to fruit. They are soft enough to mash with the gums. Other soft fruits are also options for infant finger food. Mesh feeders are available when introducing these types of foods to infants. They have a handle and a small mesh bag. The fruit or other soft food is placed inside the mesh bag. The infant can mash the food through the mesh bag which reduces the chances of choking on a large piece of food.
Cheese
Strips of soft cheese work well as infant finger food. Choose a type of cheese that does not have a strong flavor so it is more appealing to your infant. Avoid cheeses that are hard as they will be more difficult for your infant to mash.
Dry Cereal
Dry cereal such as Cheerios is a popular finger food for infants. The small size gives an infant the chance to work on her fine motor skills. Choose a dry cereal that dissolves easily to reduce the risk of choking.
Well Cooked Pasta
Pasta that is well cooked allows an infant to mash it with his gums. The size of most pasta allows the infant to pick it up easily. Use caution with wheat pasta as wheat can cause an allergic reaction. Make sure the pasta is very soft to avoid choking.
Well Cooked Vegetables
Vegetables should be cooked well so they are soft enough for your infant to easily gum. Cutting vegetables into sticks allows infants to easily hold them. Never offer raw vegetables to an infant as it is a choking hazard.
Crackers
Crackers that dissolve easily work well as finger food for infants. Choose a cracker with a low salt content. Wheat can potentially cause an allergic reaction so you may want to avoid wheat crackers. Graham crackers are another option for infants.
