It is so exciting to see teeny weeny eat his/her first meal, and of course, it would be a puree or liquid instead. Right! But, do you know a 8-9 month old baby is ready to have finger foods.
Introducing finger foods for the baby can be an overwhelming and frustrating experience. This editorial to Finger Food for Babies gives a broad list of finger food ideas and answers the queries many parents have when it comes to starting the baby with finger foods.
Here you will acquire the know:
- What is finger food?
- 3 Quick and Easy Recipes of finger food for babies
- To The Bottom Line
What is finger food?
As the name itself suggests, finger food is something that can be held with fingers for eating. Finger Food examples for kids are- scrambled eggs, dry cereal, biscuits, pasta(healthy-one), cooked veggies, avocadoes, soft fruits, etc. When in the stage of 8-9 months, a baby becomes ready for having finger foods.
As his/her best guide, you need to be calm and patient while teaching the baby how to eat, chew, swallow finger food. Obviously, it is not overnight magic for the baby to learn to eat on his/her own; just be easy-going for things to happen. And no doubt, your little one will not let Mumma and Daddy back off so easily!
Read More: Benefits of Tummy Time: Essential Tips for Baby's Development
3 Quick and Easy Recipes of Finger Food for Babies
Before starting with recipes for baby finger food, take a note that handing over anything to the baby for eating will not help. Slowly and gradually start with each item as the baby needs to develop eating habits, learn to grip, chew, and swallow the food.
A baby's muscles aren't fully developed to hold the food, so try offering (approx. length) 2 inches of finger food.
Steam/Boiled Veggies
In a pot, add water and let it steam. Till then, cut vegetables (of your choice- carrots, cauliflower, potato, pumpkin, sweet potato, zucchini, broccoli) evenly in equal shape and size. Add the even-cut vegetables and let it get cook until soft. Take them out after done, season with salt and flavor as per taste (light for the baby), and serve warm.
Zucchini Finger Fries
First, preheat the oven at 200 degrees Celsius for a couple of minutes. In a bowl, add breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese powder, pepper, salt, and mix well. Cut zucchini in finger shapes- coat in plain flour, then in milk, and then in the breadcrumbs mixture. In an oven tray, place a butter paper, and one by one, put the finger cut zucchini's and bake for 25 minutes. Then turn the side and cook for 15 minutes. Take out when done and serve with your little one's favorite dip.
Energy Bars for Kids
What is better than children having a goodness-filled snack, whenever and wherever they like. Yes! That's possible with these sweet and power-packed energy bars. The recipe for this kid's snack- Roast some nuts such as almonds, cashews, peanuts, pistachios, raisins, etc. (as per the kid's choice). Take them out in a bowl and cool them. In a saucepan, add jaggery and let it melt. In a bowl, add these toasted nuts and melted jaggery. Mix well and pour out in a greased(coated with a thin layer of butter/oil) tray. Let the mixture spread evenly and allow it to cool. When the mixture settles and hardens- cut into equal shapes, whichever you like.
Read More: Why Eating Fruits Is Important For Kids- Benefits And 5 Must Eat Fruits For Kids
Take Home A Message
Try out these simple and quick recipes for baby finger foods. These are easy to make and fill the tiny tummy while nourishing with the best health aspects.
It's a completely natural progression where a child learns to eat. But, Moms mark this- you should always try to introduce the tot with newly infused recipes so that he/she will be able to recognize different tastes and textures. Apparently, you will get to know about the toddler's likes and dislikes.
Happy Tummy Filling!