Regardless of what weaning method you choose to follow, it’s important to introduce finger foods from at least 6 months of age. Offering finger foods are a great way of encouraging your baby to explore and discover solids. It allows them to be in control over what they eat and helps them develop independent, healthy eating habits. Remember that babies can eat finger foods even with no teeth as they chew lumpier food with their gums – just make sure to offer foods that are soft and mash-able.
Below are some simple finger food ideas you can introduce from 6 months onward. Be sure to use our Baby Led Weaning Set to prepare foods in batches and freeze in portions to ensure you always have a variety of treats on hand to offer your baby.
Steamed Vegetables
Steamed vegetables like carrots, broccoli and cauliflower florets are great first foods for your baby. When starting out, it’s best to offer soft finger foods your baby can grasp; only then can you start to increase the variety of options as your little one starts to develop their pincer grip. Make sure to cook the vegetables well to ensure they are soft enough for them to enjoy.
Sweet Potato
Packed with nutrients, sweet potato is an ideal healthy finger food snack your little one will love. Simply bake a whole potato until tender and cut into cubes like in our Roasted Sweet Potato Fingers recipe. Delicious and so simple to make!
Avocado
The soft texture of avocado makes it a suitable snack your baby would love to get their hands on. Try it out in our creamy and delicious Avocado Fries. Simple and easy to do, they can also be served with a dip such as Tomato Sauce for a yummy baby led weaning meal.
Eggs
Eggs are an excellent source of protein and iron and are perfectly baby friendly! Best of all, they are easy to prepare and cook for your little one. Whip up some Scrambled Eggs, Vegetable Omelette or Boiled Eggs for a delicious baby led weaning meal your little one will love. Who knew eggs could make perfect finger foods for babies?
Pasta
Love pasta? It’s the perfect quick meal for the family and your baby can have them too! Cooked pasta shapes such as fusilli are great because baby can grasp them easily. For increased texture, offer pasta with dips such as Three Pepper Pasta Sauce or Roasted Vegetable Pasta Sauce.
Dips and Dippers
When your baby is better able to pick up food, you can start to introduce dips such as Tomato Sauce, Hummus with Coriander and Lime, Pistachio Pesto and serve them with dippers like Sweet Potato Tots, Broccoli Tots or even Vegetable Muffins. Your little one will love it!
Happy weaning!
