Introducing finger foods at six months is the best way to ensure your baby goes on to eat a variety of textures in the first year. I would aim to offer at least one meal as a finger food meal. When your baby is nine months you can start to introduce snacks and it's a good idea to make these as a finger food meal.
When planning finger food meals, it’s important to create a balanced plate with a mix of carbohydrates,fruit or vegetable, and a protein. Carbohydrates, such as toast, pasta, rice or potato, and fruits and vegetables like apples, bananas, green beans and broccoli are a great finger food option. Protein sources, such as eggs, cheese, or shredded chicken, are the perfect texture for your baby.
3 Finger Food Meals To Get You Started
Toast Fingers, Red Pepper Hummus & Grapes
This tasty meal is a great way to introduce new flavours for your little one. My Red Pepper Hummus is great as a dip for finger food, and is a great way to include healthy fats. Cut your toast into fingers, and your grapes into quarters for baby to easily pick up and self-feed.
Banana & Berry Muffins, Yoghurt & Blueberries
My healthy Banana & Berry Muffins are a great option for a finger food meal; simply cut into quarters to allow baby to self-feed, or bake in a mini muffin tray. Include a plain natural, full fat yoghurt and mashed blueberries to complete this meal.
Pesto Pasta & Peas
This is a great family meal that you can easily adapt to suit your baby. By making my Basil Pesto from scratch, you can offer it to baby. Cook your pasta for about 2 minutes longer than the packet suggests, so that it’s nice and soft, and squashable between your thumb and forefinger. Add peas to complete this finger food meal
To make mealtime even easier, our Silicone Suction Divider Plate is perfect for serving a variety of finger foods and dip. With its strong suction base, it stays in place, reducing mess and encouraging independent eating.
Our Weaning Advice page provides information and advice on weaning your baby. It includes recipes, tips, and articles on a variety of topics related to weaning, such as introducing finger food, adding herbs and spices to baby food, and healthy snacks for your baby, and lots more.