Whether you're trying baby-led weaning or attempting to move your baby on from purees, finger foods are a great way to encourage your little one to explore and enjoy solids. From six months onwards, you can start to give him food to hold and (attempt to) eat. At this stage, his fine motor skills will be immature, so you'll need to offer him large chunks of food that he can grab in his fist. Then, at around eight to 10 months, he'll develop a pincer grip, and be able to pick up food between thumb and forefinger, meaning he can eat more independently.
If your baby is currently on pureed or mashed food, you'll probably want to introduce finger food gradually, perhaps at snack time or alongside his main meal. Try things like mini rice cakes, chopped banana or berries, steamed veg, or squares of toast. As he becomes more dexterous, you can gradually move over to offering finger foods at most meals, so that by his first birthday, he's adept at feeding himself. Remember to supervise your child at all times when he's eating, in case of choking.
Recipes for 7-9 month olds
Steamed vegetables with cucumber dip
Baby sandwiches with chopped salad
Roasted veggie kebabs
Baked sweet potato chunks
Salmon fishcakes with steamed broccoli
Potato, carrot and courgette rosti
Cheese straws
Oven-roasted veggie sticks
Mini pancakes with summer berry yoghurt
Banana with eggy bread soldiers
Cheesy sweetcorn fritters
Homemade haddock fish fingers
Recipes for 10-12 month olds
Sweet potato pancakes
Homemade chicken dippers and tomato sauce
Carrot and courgette muffins
Spanish omelette (tortilla)
Homemade breadsticks and hummous
Mini cheese and tomato quiches
Vegetarian sausages
Homemade chicken nuggets
Oatcakes with vegetable dip
Breakfast burritos
Baby dhal with pitta
Spinach and cheese omelette
Fruit medley with cottage cheese
Potato, spinach and cheddar frittata
