Finger Foods for 7 Month Olds

Once a baby is able to grasp things with his or her hands, you may wish to offer finger foods to introduce new tastes and textures. This typically occurs when the baby is around 6 to 9 months old. Many babies enjoy feeding themselves, and eating finger foods helps a baby to develop hand-to-mouth coordination. Here are helpful tips on introducing finger foods.

  1. The Basics

    • The best finger foods are soft enough for a baby to swallow, yet sturdy enough so that they do not fall apart before the baby gets it into the mouth. The finger food should also be small enough so as not to present a choking hazard. Be prepared for messes by spreading newspapers under the high chair for wayward foods that don't make it to the targeted destination.

    Introducing Finger Foods

    • Introduce finger foods one at a time. Wait 4 to 5 days before introducing another to see whether there are allergic reactions. Allergy symptoms typically include ashes on the skin, red bumps, diarrhea or gas. If reactions occur, stop feeding that food for a while. If no symptoms arise, try a new food.

    Good Choices

    • Good choices for finger foods include toast squares, unsalted crackers, small cubes of mild cheese, or tofu. Peeled soft fruits, such as banana, melon, peach, and pears, are excellent finger foods. Cooked vegetables such as green bean or carrot strips, sweet potatoes, zucchini and peas are other healthy options.

    Foods to Avoid

    • Do not give babies hot dogs, grapes, dried fruit or nuts, as they are considered choking hazards. Eggs, wheat, corn, citrus fruits and seafood, are more likely to cause allergic reactions, and should not be given to babies less than a year old. Never give babies raw honey or foods that include honey as an ingredient because they can get sick.

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