Encouraging Independence During Meal Time
From the start of a infant’s journey with food, it is important to empower them with the tools they need to listen to their body’s cues. Part of this is encouraging a child to take charge of feeding themselves.
When a child begins to display signs of readiness, such as being able to sit up and hold their neck up as well as bringing items to their mouth, it is an ideal time to introduce finger foods.
Studies show that introduction to a variety of textures, spices, and flavors early on reduces pickiness later in a child’s food journey.
30 Ideas to Get You Started
- Avocado – cubed or sliced
- Blueberries – soft and halved
- Beans – cooked until very soft or refried
- Broccoli – steamed
- Cheerios
- Cheese – crumbled goat cheese or thick shredded cheese
- Chicken – ground or in strips the size of your pinky finger.
- Cous cous
- Eggs – scrambled
- Green beans – steamed
- Grilled Cheese – cut into strips
- Ground beef – cooked without salt
- Hummus and Crackers
- Pasta
- Peaches – ripe, peeled, and cubed
- Pear – ripe, peeled, and cubed
- Peas
- Pita bread – with a spread
- Potatoes – peeled and cut into strips the size of your pinky.
- Quesadillas
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sweet Potatoes – peeled and cut into strips the size of your pinky
- Toast – with a spread
- Tofu – cubed
- Tomatoes – peeled and cubed
- Zucchini – steamed and cut into strips the size of your pinky
- Watermelon – seedless and cubed
- Waffles or Pancakes – with a spread
- Yogurt with cheerios or fruit