Age: 8 to 10 months
signs of readiness for solid and finger foods
• same as 6 to 8 months, plus
• picks up objects with thumb and forefinger (pincer grasp)
• can transfer items from one hand to the other
• puts everything in his mouth
• moves jaw in a chewing motion
what to feed
• breast milk or formula, plus
• small amounts of dairy (soft pasteurized cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese)
• iron-fortified cereals (rice, barley, wheat, oats, mixed cereals)
• mashed fruits and vegetables (bananas, peaches, pears, avocados, cooked carrots, squash, potatoes, sweet potatoes)
• finger foods (lightly toasted bagels, cut up; small pieces of ripe banana; well-cooked spiral pasta; teething crackers; low-sugar o-shaped cereal)
• small amounts of protein (egg yolk, pureed meats and poultry; tofu; well-cooked and mashed beans with soft skins like lentils, split peas, pintos, black beans)
• non-citrus juice (apple or pear) how much per day
• ¼ to 1/3 cup dairy (or ½ oz. Cheese)
• ¼ to ½ cup iron-fortified cereal
• ¼ to ½ cup fruit
• ¼ to ½ cup vegetables
• 1/8 to ¼ cup protein foods
• 3 to 4 oz. Non-citrus juices
feeding tip
• introduce new foods one at a time, with at least three days in between to make sure your baby's not allergic.
What are finger foods?
Just about any bite-size food that your baby can pick up and eat himself qualifies as a finger food. Finger foods are fun for your baby to play with and an important first step toward independence. And even though food play can get messy, don't be too quick with the cleaning rag: let your baby enjoy this important learning experience that helps develop fine motor skills.
When should I introduce finger foods?
Your baby will probably let you know when he's ready to move up to finger foods by grabbing the spoon you're feeding him with or snatching food off your plate, for example. This usually happens when your baby's between 7 and 9 months old. At first he may just rake food with his hand and bring it to his mouth, but eventually he'll use his thumb and forefinger (the so-called "pincer grasp") to pick up food.
How should I introduce them?
Scatter four or five pieces of finger food onto your baby's highchair tray or an unbreakable plate, and replace them as your baby eats them. Feed your baby in a highchair rather than in a car seat or in a stroller to reduce choking hazards and to teach him that the highchair is the place to eat.
Which foods make good finger foods?
Your baby may have a good appetite but not many teeth, so start with foods that he can gum or that will dissolve easily in his mouth. As he grows into a toddler you'll be able to give him bite-size pieces of whatever you're eating. Remember that your baby's also learning about texture, color, and aroma as he feeds himself, so try to offer a variety of foods. They should be easy for him to handle but not present a choking hazard. And be sure to choose fare that's appropriate for his age.
Here's a list of finger food favorites:
• o-shaped toasted oat cereal or other low-sugar cereal
• lightly toasted bread or bagels (spread with vegetable puree for extra vitamins)
• small chunks of banana or other very ripe, peeled fruit, like mango, plum, pear, peach, cantaloupe, seedless watermelon
• small cubes of tofu
• well-cooked pasta spirals, cut into pieces
• thin cheese strips or very small chunks of cheese
• chopped hard-boiled egg (after 12 months)
• cut-up raisins, apricots, stewed dried prunes
• cut-up grapes, cherries (pits and seeds removed), blueberries
• small pieces of cooked soft vegetables, like carrots, peas, zucchini, potato, sweet potato
• small or cut-up well-cooked broccoli and cauliflower "trees"
• small (pea-size) pieces of cooked chicken or other soft meat
• rice cakes broken into small pieces
kristin
