Finger Food Ideas for Little Ones

I recently had an old friend from high school send me a message on Facebook asking me how I get my little ones to eat so well.  I definitely don't have any tricks and I am very fortunate to have two kids that overall eat very well.  

With both girls I made most of their food. My older daughter ate purees longer because I was so worried about choking (typical first time mom, right?), but the second time around I knew better.  Anna, my younger daughter started finger foods much earlier and really enjoys them.  She loves the independence of feeding herself.  Both girls love food and love meal times.  I think sitting down as a family and enjoying a meal together is so important to creating healthy eating habits.  

Anytime a friend asks for tips about getting their little one to eat better, I usually give the same advise.  Keep introducing and reintroducing!  Kids go through so many phases and their taste buds constantly change.  Anna loved avocado when I first introduced it, and then she wouldn't eat it for awhile and now she likes it again. Keep offering and they will come back around.  I also tell people to spice it up!  Kids love flavor.  Traditional baby food is so bland.  My kids both love garlic and onion, you can try fresh herbs and spices or powdered, both do the job!  My last piece of advise is to order the book Super Baby Food by Ruth Yaron.  I used this book with both girls.  It gives great suggestions on foods to introduce based on age. It was my baby food bible! 

I created this list of my girls favorite finger foods.  I would love to hear comments on anything your kiddo's love. I am always looking for new ideas. This list is based on a baby between 7-8 months old, which is when  I started introducing finger foods.  Anna was an early crawler and was able to sit up on her own so make sure you baby is ready, there is no rush! 

Ella and Anna's Favorite Finger Foods:

*Roasted Butternut Squash with olive oil, salt and pepper

*Cheese (any kind!)

*Bread with hummus

*Avocado with hummus

*Cottage Cheese

*Black Beans

*Chickpeas

*Roasted Broccoli (cut small)

*Scrambled Eggs

*Blueberries (cut in half)]

*Applesauce (homemade in a crackpot with cinnamon and maple syrup)

*Roasted Carrots with maple syrup 

*Crackers with peanut butter

*Avocado Toast

*Peas (smashed) 

*Cucumber Sticks (around 10 months)

*Ripe melon cut into small pieces (honeydew is a big hit!)

*Peeled apple (around 10 months) I give Anna the whole apple and loves it