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Starting Solids

Foods for Little Fingers

By Jessica Williams

First, you must determine if
your child is really ready for such a change. Each baby will reach readiness at his own pace,
so try not to rush him.

This isn't necessarily a requirement, but it certainly does help. If your baby has a couple of front teeth, he will be able to bite food more easily. Some babies get teeth as early as their second month, while others may not erupt chompers until they are over a year old. So deciding if your child can handle finger foods based on how many teeth he has is not recommended. Still, a couple of teeth will make eating easier.

Introducing finger foods to your baby is a big step. It also presents many more opportunities for choking. If your child gets a piece of cracker stuck in his throat, do you know how to dislodge it? If not, it is time to learn. Call your local Red Cross or hospital to register for a class.

These are just some of the signs you should look for, but it is also a good idea to check with your pediatrician before adding a new group of foods to your baby's diet. Also remember that the more solid foods you give your baby, the less likely he is to nurse as frequently. He is still getting the majority of his nutrients from breast or bottle until he is about one year old.

Some of the easiest finger foods for babies are crackers, dry cereal (watch the sugar), toast, biscuits, avocado, cooked pieces of potato and other cooked vegetables like green beans, squash, yam and broccoli. Certain fruits are also easy for baby to swallow, such as banana, plum, pear and peach. Some pediatricians and nutritionists recommend avoiding citrus fruits and "exotic" fruits like papaya and mango until baby is older.

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