10 Simple, Healthy Finger Foods for Baby
When it's time for your baby to try some finger foods, you don't need to look in the baby aisle. There are nutritious, whole foods that are baby-friendly and don't come with a ton of added sugar.
These 10 simple foods are not only packed with nutrition, but they're also a healthier alternative to those pre-packaged snacks full of stuff you probably don't want your little one to eat. Yep, babies can eat what we eat -- we just have to tailor the delivery a bit.
Not only are these finger food ideas nutritious, but they're also easy for babies to pick up and gnash. Eat up, baby!
*Image via *iStock.com/Marilyn Nieves
Banana
Bananas are one of the best and easiest choices for a baby's first finger food. Aside from being easy to peel and mash (or served in mushy slices), bananas are high in fiber, potassium, and vitamins C, B6, and B2. Don't go overboard though -- too many bananas can cause constipation.
Peas and carrots
Cooked peas and diced carrots are just soft enough for baby's gummy mouth to chomp on. And the two-color mix also makes it interesting for your little one. Packed with nutrients, peas and carrots are also foods that help with hand dexterity.
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Toast
Lightly toasted little pieces of bread make a great finger food for baby -- that light toast on it will prevent it from getting gummy and sticking to baby's mouth. Small bits give baby a new texture to explore. She'll work on those fine motor skills as she picks up the pieces.
Waffle
Much like tiny pieces of bread, bits of plain, whole grain waffle make a good finger food for baby. If you make your own, try adding pureed sweet potatoes, blueberries, applesauce, or even pumpkin to the batter to give the waffle even more nutritional value. Make a batch ahead of time for an easy snack to grab for on the go.
Sweet potato
Rich in vitamin A and delicious even with nothing on them, sweet potatoes could end up being your baby's favorite. Cook them to a soft texture and cut them into small cubes so baby can have fun picking them up and feeding himself as well.
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Roasted seaweed
Your baby's first finger foods don't have to be boring or bland; in fact, it's great to get her to try plenty of new tastes. Roasted seaweed melts in the mouth and has vitamins B6 and B12 as well as fiber.