Becoming a new parent means learning how to decipher another little person's every whine and whimper. And just when you think you've got the hang of the whole feeding thing, it's time to start on real food and you're back at square one. Keeping a baby healthy on more than just milk can seem scary, but we've got you covered. Here are 13 recipes that will make the transition from purees to solids a smooth one, while still packing a punch of essential vitamins, nutrients and protein.
Apricot Bites
Just five ingredients including rolled oats, almonds and dried apricots make these little balls a delicious treat for tots.
Zucchini Fries
Turn your littles onto a healthier version of the French fry with these zucchini sticks.
These breadsticks are just the right length for self-feeding, which means you might actually get to eat your dinner, too! (via Little Grazers)
Egg yolks, cottage cheese and spinach. Three little ingredients, one big meal! (via Happy Stuff)
Kids and chicken nuggets go hand in hand. But instead of turning to the fast food or frozen varieties, now you can make your own healthier and better-tasting version in one nap or less. (via Essential Kids)
These baked apple rings are the finger food trifecta: easy to hold, completely healthy and make a great teether! (via Babble)
Pasta usually goes over well with most babies. With a sauce full of hidden veggies like carrots and celery, it will go over well with parents, too! (via Feeding Audrey)
Chickpea patties are a great texture for babies and toddlers alike, and make a unique side or salad topper for the rest of the family. They also freeze really well for make-ahead meals! (via Oh Dear Drea)
The soft pasta and vegetables in this hearty minestrone soup are an ideal way to introduce your baby to different textures. Add a dash of salt and you’ve also got a meal even the hungriest grown-up will appreciate. (via Annabel Karmel)
In this one simple meal your baby will get healthy brain-developing fats from the avocado, vitamins A and C from the mango and protein from the black beans. (via Mama Guru)
Who doesn’t like macaroni and cheese? Serve up this test-of-time favorite in portions that are just the right size for tiny hands. And don’t worry, we won’t tell if you happen to “taste test” a few yourself. (via Live A Little Wilder)
Get your baby used to eating greens early with these cheesy spinach bites. And since they only take 30 minutes to make, you won’t mind whipping up another batch once the first one disappears. (via Feeding Audrey)
Your baby will be so busy scarfing down these croquettes that he won't even notice they're chock-full of sweet potatoes, carrots, peas and lentils. (via Little Grazers)
Get more recipe inspo on Brit + Co's Food page!
This article has been updated from a previous post published in 2014.
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Ashley Tyler
A South Florida native, Ashley is a new mom who is just trying to figure it all out while still finding time to blog at TWO TYLERS AND A BABY. There, she shares bits of her everyday life, DIY projects, recipes and everything in between.
FAQs
Foods that squish easily between your fingers are a safe bet for babies and younger toddlers. Think cooked peas, raspberries, chunks of banana, diced avocado, and soft cheese.
Why won t my 15 month old eat finger food? ›
In the meantime, there are steps you can take to encourage your baby to eat — and not just play with — his finger foods: Keep the portions small. Try not to offer more than two or three finger foods at a time — or too large a serving of any item. Babies can be easily overwhelmed by too many choices.
What are some safe finger foods for older infants? ›
Start with menu items like pieces of soft cheese; small pieces of pasta or bread; finely chopped soft vegetables; and fruits like bananas, avocado, and ripe peaches or nectarines. These foods should require minimal chewing, as your baby may not yet have teeth.
What foods do toddlers love? ›
Toddler snack plate
- Cheese slices.
- Crackers.
- Fruit.
- Vegetables.
- Hummus.
- Nuts.
- Chocolate chips.
- Deli meat.
Avoid round, firm foods and large chunks (hot dogs, nuts, whole grapes, hard or sticky candy, popcorn, raw carrots). Hot dogs are not safe for babies. If your toddler likes hot dogs, be sure to cut them lengthwise. Avoid stringy foods like string beans and celery.
When can baby eat cheerios? ›
6 to 9 Months
Most medical experts suggest the best time to introduce solid foods is around 6 months old.
What is the easiest finger food for babies? ›
1. Puffs and dry cereal. Puffs and O-shaped dry cereal are some of the most popular first finger foods for good reason: They let baby practice the pincer grasp by picking up one at a time. And as McCormack explains, they also “mix well with saliva and are easy for the infant to manage in their mouth without choking.”
What are the most popular finger foods for parties? ›
Easy Finger Food Recipes to Make Ahead
- Cheese Puffs. ...
- Cheesy Garlic Bread. ...
- Vegetarian Quesadillas. ...
- Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus. ...
- Slow-Cooker Jelly Meatballs. ...
- Loaded Cheese Ball Bites. ...
- Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts. ...
- Jalapeño Poppers. Make spicy jalapeño poppers as one of the best finger food ideas for a party.
At this age when kids happily eat the same foods, we, the responsible adults, need to take the long-view. We need to encourage kids to be open to trying new foods. A way to do this without any battle or force-feeding, is to not give your child the same food at the same meal or snack two days in a row.
What is food neophobia? ›
Food neophobia is generally regarded as the reluctance to eat, or the avoidance of, new foods. In contrast, 'picky/fussy' eaters are usually defined as children who consume an inadequate variety of foods through rejection of a substantial amount of foods that are familiar (as well as unfamiliar) to them.
But when and at what age is a baby/infant considered a toddler? Most experts suggest toddlerhood starts at 1 year of age. This is the time when many babies are ready to "toddle"—to take those first shaky steps. The toddler age range runs from around 1 year (12 months) to around 3 years of age.
What age do babies change to table food? ›
Once your baby starts using her pincer grasp–the ability to grab objects using the pad of her thumb and index finger—she should be ready to self-feed with foods like beans, puffs and certain cereals. Generally speaking, a good time to start introducing table food is around eight months of age.
Can 7 month old eat scrambled eggs? ›
You can give your baby the entire egg (yolk and white), if your pediatrician recommends it. Around 6 months, puree or mash one hard-boiled or scrambled egg and serve it to your baby. For a more liquid consistency, add breast milk or water. Around 8 months, scrambled egg pieces are a fantastic finger food.
What cheese can baby eat? ›
Cheese can form part of a healthy, balanced diet for babies and young children, and provides calcium, protein and vitamins. Babies can eat pasteurised full-fat cheese from 6 months old. This includes hard cheeses, such as mild cheddar cheese, cottage cheese and cream cheese.
What food to serve at a 2 year old birthday party? ›
Starters and finger foods for your two-year-old's birthday party
- French fries or potato wedges.
- soup and bread sticks.
- baked potato smileys or potato alphabets.
- baked potato chaat.
- mini dhoklas.
- cucumber and carrot sticks with dips.
- vegetable or paneer pakoras.
- garlic bread topped with grated cheese and sauce.
What are some snack ideas for my child?
- Bite-sized pieces of leftover cooked beef, chicken or tofu and soft cooked vegetables.
- Grated or small cubes of cheese with whole grain crackers and cut-up grapes.
- Mashed avocado on whole grain toast.
- Nut or seed butter thinly spread on whole grain crackers topped with banana slices.
Best Finger Food Ideas on a Budget
- Parmesan Bread Bites. Bake addictive parmesan bread bites for delicious finger food ideas. ...
- Tomato Bruschetta Bites. ...
- Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts. ...
- Sheet Pan Nachos. ...
- Cheese Puffs. ...
- Cheesy Garlic Bread. ...
- Vegetarian Quesadillas. ...
- Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus.
These breadsticks are just the right length for self-feeding, which means you might actually get to eat your dinner, too! (via Little Grazers)
Egg yolks, cottage cheese and spinach. Three little ingredients, one big meal! (via Happy Stuff)
Kids and chicken nuggets go hand in hand. But instead of turning to the fast food or frozen varieties, now you can make your own healthier and better-tasting version in one nap or less. (via Essential Kids)
These baked apple rings are the finger food trifecta: easy to hold, completely healthy and make a great teether! (via Babble)
Pasta usually goes over well with most babies. With a sauce full of hidden veggies like carrots and celery, it will go over well with parents, too! (via Feeding Audrey)
Chickpea patties are a great texture for babies and toddlers alike, and make a unique side or salad topper for the rest of the family. They also freeze really well for make-ahead meals! (via Oh Dear Drea)
The soft pasta and vegetables in this hearty minestrone soup are an ideal way to introduce your baby to different textures. Add a dash of salt and you’ve also got a meal even the hungriest grown-up will appreciate. (via Annabel Karmel)
In this one simple meal your baby will get healthy brain-developing fats from the avocado, vitamins A and C from the mango and protein from the black beans. (via Mama Guru)
Who doesn’t like macaroni and cheese? Serve up this test-of-time favorite in portions that are just the right size for tiny hands. And don’t worry, we won’t tell if you happen to “taste test” a few yourself. (via Live A Little Wilder)
Get your baby used to eating greens early with these cheesy spinach bites. And since they only take 30 minutes to make, you won’t mind whipping up another batch once the first one disappears. (via Feeding Audrey)
