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Katie Serbinski, M.S., R.D., is a registered dietitian and millennial mom, blogging about healthy recipes, child and mom nutrition, and motherhood.

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Home » Mom Life » 25+ Finger Foods for Babies and Toddlers

25+ Finger Foods for Babies and Toddlers

Mar 23, 2017 7 Comments

Here’s a simple list to get your baby started on appropriate finger foods for both babies and toddlers. Helpful for those feeding children of different ages at home! 

When Lily was about 4 months old I decided I was going to wait to start solid foods with her [here’s the thinking behind my decision]. Then once she hit 6 months of age I gradually started a mixed approach to feeding: some purees and some finger foods— otherwise known as baby led weaning. Because she had a strong pincer grasp [the ability to hold and pick up things between one’s thumb and forefinger] and was able to bring food and utensils [messily] to her mouth, I knew she’d have fun trying some finger foods. And boy was I right! I should also note that now that she’s 8 months old, she’s given up on purees almost altogether [minus things like yogurt, hummus, etc.] because she sees her big brothers eating REAL pieces of food. That girl is too smart for her own good!

Pass the peas Mom, I’m hungry! And super cute… [yes, I put words in her mouth].
Are there more than the amount of finger foods I listed that are age-appropriate for babies and toddlers? Of course! Essentially I’m sharing a list of what foods are always in our grocery cart that help me feed my hungry baby and toddlers. And since I’m practicing what I preach and want everyone in the family to eat the same foods/meal, here’s what my toddler duo and Ms. Lily are currently being offered [and enjoying from bite to bite]. And yes, it’s what I’m eating too! I just tend to add things like hot sauce to my plate!

http://momtomomnutrition.com/motherhood/7-tips-for-handling-picky-eaters/
Here’s Anthony when he was making the big transition from baby to toddler. As you can see from the picture, he’s always been one to want to eat the whole bowl of pretty much ANYTHING! Veggies included.

Some of these foods listed aren’t soft, like a cucumber slice, but Lily’s enjoying “gumming” the cucumber and it’s easy for her to hold. And for foods like a carrot stick I’ve steamed so they are softer for her to “chew.” Chew said loosely because she has five teeth. Also consider when cooking foods like veggies or protein options for your baby and toddler, do so EXACTLY how you would cook them for yourself. Some softer fruits, veggies, and proteins don’t require cooking and you can leave as-is, especially if you are going to be enjoying some yourself. Flavor, spice, seasonings, etc. Just go easy on the red pepper flakes!

As always, NEVER leave your baby or toddler unattended while they are eating. AND just because I fed my then 6 month old [now 8 month old] these foods doesn’t mean your 6 month old is ready. In my complete guide to feeding starting solids and EBOOK on feeding small children, I go through all of the signs you should be looking for to make sure your baby is ready for solid foods. Don’t rush it. Oh and don’t stress about the mess. Because things only get messier from here on out!

Here's a simple list to get your started on appropriate finger foods for babies and toddlers. Helpful for those feeding children of different ages at home!

Fruit:

Watermelon [sticks]

Banana [cut in half, then lengthwise]

Apple [slices]

Pear [slices]

Avocado [slices]

Orange [slices]

Pineapple [sticks]

Vegetable:

Cucumber [sticks]

Green Beans [steamed or roasted]

Sweet Potato [roasted]

Baby Carrots [steamed or roasted]

Potato Wedges [roasted]

Zucchini [steamed or roasted]

Cauliflower Florets [steamed or roasted]

Broccoli Florets [steamed or roasted]

Celery [stick]

Here's a simple list to get your started on appropriate finger foods for babies and toddlers. Helpful for those feeding children of different ages at home!

Protein:

Shredded Chicken

Ground Beef [crumbles]

Scrambled or Hard Boiled Egg

Beans [canned]

Peanut Butter [spread on bread or mixed in oatmeal]

Yogurt [eaten with fingers]

Hummus [spread on strips of bread]

Grain:

Penne Pasta [well-cooked]

Whole Wheat Bread [strips- with peanut butter or melted cheese]

Quesadilla [small wedges]

Oatmeal [eaten with fingers]

Pancake [strip]

French Toast [strip]

Dairy:

String Cheese

Shredded Cheese

BabyBel Cheese

Yogurt [with or without spoon- it’s messy!]

Here's a simple list to get your started on appropriate finger foods for babies and toddlers. Helpful for those feeding children of different ages at home!

This photo depicts the later stages of babyhood and early stages of toddlerhood and how I combined the meals for that transition. Soon enough those finger foods can become bigger pieces that toddlers can pick up with utensils OR their little fingers too!

If you’ve gone the finger food route with your baby, what are some of his/her favorites?

Feeding a baby and toddler at home? Then snag this list of 25+ finger foods appropriate for both! Click To Tweet

Interested in learning more about baby led weaning? Then you might like my friend Katie’s personal story as to how she got her babies started on solids without purees! I’ve been getting a lot of my inspiration from Katie’s Facebook and Instagram posts. I think Lily would love to have a seat at their table!

Here's a simple list to get your baby started on appropriate finger foods for both babies and toddlers. Helpful for those feeding children of different ages at home!

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Comments

  1. The Not So Perfect RD says

    July 24, 2017 at 3:42 pm

    I’m a mom dietitian as well. I have one little one and we have taken the baby led weaning approach. We gobble up what I call avocado fries- avocado sliced rolled in ground flax seed, no salt added canned black beans, bananas, peas, sweet potato, scrambled eggs, shredded cheese… We are trying to introduce 100 foods before she turns one. We are at 85 foods at 10 months old. Probably the craziest thing I have seen her eat is a kalamata olive!

    Reply
  2. Bianca says

    July 17, 2019 at 10:42 pm

    I am not a baby but I would like to try all these.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Bean Bytes 232 says:
    March 28, 2017 at 12:00 am

    […] I Want to Be a Better Mom via Mom to Mom Nutrition How to Declutter the Toys via Simple Families 25+ Finger Foods for Babies and Toddlers via Mom to Mom Nutrition 5 Breathing Techniques for Your Daughter’s Well Being via Athleta […]

    Reply
  2. Bean Bytes 232 – wellpersonsblog says:
    March 28, 2017 at 12:19 am

    […] I Want to Be a Better Mom via Mom to Mom Nutrition How to Declutter the Toys via Simple Families 25+ Finger Foods for Babies and Toddlers via Mom to Mom Nutrition 5 Breathing Techniques for Your Daughter’s Well Being via Athleta […]

    Reply
  3. Parmesan Zucchini Sticks - Mom to Mom Nutrition says:
    March 29, 2017 at 1:33 am

    […] week or so ago I shared a list of the finger foods Lily has been enjoying on the regular. Add these parmesan zucchini sticks to […]

    Reply
  4. Lemony Asparagus with Garlic and Parmesan - Mom to Mom Nutrition says:
    April 10, 2017 at 1:55 am

    […] Simply sautéed and finished off with lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese, this lemony asparagus is fancy enough for a holiday dinner OR everyday weeknight meal. The best part? Everyone in my family likes this recipe as-is. No substitutions. No limits on how much lemon or cheese I use. Mom can be Mom as do as she pleases in the kitchen! Asparagus also makes a great finger-food for Ms. Lily [it’s made her top finger-foods list]. […]

    Reply
  5. Episode 5: Navigating First Foods | Produce for Kids says:
    July 16, 2018 at 12:50 pm

    […] 25 Finger Foods for Babies and Toddlers […]

    Reply

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Katie Serbinski at Mom to Mom Nutrition

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Hi, I’m Katie! Registered Dietitian, Mom, and Mealtime Negotiator. I’m on a mission to make mealtime happier, healthier, and easier with small children, despite what my 4 picky eaters have me believing. From family-friendly recipes to confessions about my unfiltered motherhood moments, I hope you grab a seat at my kitchen table!
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