Nearly every toddler can occasionally be seen holding one of these:
The Snack Trap.
This thing is great because it provides an easy way for babies to self-feed finger foods either at home or on-the-go.
Now, I don’t think babies or kids should be snacking all the time, or be given food whenever they’re fussy. But since babies are so active and have such tiny bellies, they usually do need a little something between meals.
It’s very easy to find processed snacky finger foods in the baby section of the grocery store, but if you prefer to offer real food instead packaged, here are some healthy baby finger foods to try:
Cooked Peas
Blueberries
Freeze-dried veggies (peas, corn, tomato pieces)
Freeze-dried fruits (raspberries, blueberries, mango or pineapple pieces)
Tiny tomatoes — Lucy’s favorite! (these are literally the size of a pea/blueberry. If you can’t find these, cut grape tomatoes in quarters or halves)
Puffed Rice or Puffed Kamut cereal
Tiny cubes of cheese – mozzarella is nice and soft
Small cubes of soft whole grain bread
Black or white beans, rinsed and drained
Anything else your toddler likes?
Note: I do occasionally give Lucy puffs, yogurt melts, crackers, etc. and am glad these choices exist. I just prefer to offer her real, whole foods most of the time, and save these other types of snacks for special treats.
Another important note: not all of these choices are appropriate for all babies. These suggestions are best for babies over 1 year who have teeth, know how to chew or gum food, and are capable of pulling out a piece or two of food at a time with their pincer grasp. If you have questions about whether your baby can eat finger food, ask your pediatrician.
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