As babies grow older, they want to learn how to feed themselves. Watching you eat, reaching for food during mealtime, and experimenting with utensils are all signs that your little one is interested in taking the next step toward independence. Finger foods are a great way for your baby to start feeding themselves. Make meals fun, safe, and healthy with these four best finger foods to feed to your baby.

What To Look For in Early Solid Foods

You don’t have to be a master chef to give your little one colorful and nutritious meals. Just keep a few key tips in mind when choosing foods for your growing baby. Safety is the most important factor. Avoid choking hazards by starting with small pieces of soft, easily dissolvable foods.

Steer clear of super salty foods, too—especially when finding snacks for your baby. This might mean that the food you give your baby tastes bland to you, but that’s okay! Foods with little or no salt are healthier and tastier for your baby’s growing palate.

Now that you know a few key things to look for when choosing your baby’s first solid foods, you can get started with these best finger foods to feed your baby.

Eggs

Let your baby join in on a breakfast classic with scrambled or hard-boiled eggs. Unsalted eggs cut into little pieces are a great food that’s easy to pick up with little, uncoordinated hands. Eggs are also super soft, making them perfect for your baby to practice chewing.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Cooked vegetables are a wonderfully mushy option for your baby to delve into. How do you get little ones to like vegetables early on? The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes makes them more desirable to little taste buds. Steam or bake your sweet potatoes before mashing them to help them keep the most nutrients possible.

Bananas

Any soft fruit is great for your little one, but bananas are a universally beloved option. The sweet taste will make your baby happy while the soft texture will help them eat safely. Cut the banana into small pieces to make it easier for your baby to handle.

Chicken

As your baby starts to master soft foods, you can move on to heartier next-stage finger foods. This is when many parents introduce more meat for a little protein. Grilled chicken shredded into small pieces is a great choice for your baby.

At Avanchy, we’re dedicated to providing the best products for you and your little one. Our suction cup baby plates make mealtime—and the cleanup that follows—a lot easier. Give your baby a safe, stable, and durable surface to explore finger foods and venture into the world of independent eating.