One of the best things about being a mom is being able to guide our children on the right path by setting an example at an early age. One of the most simple things is to teach them to eat and enjoy healthful foods. I try to feed my girls pretty much the same things that we eat and introduce variety while they are still young enough to remain open to trying new foods.

My youngest child just turned one and eats almost anything at this point (she’s kind of like a goat…lol). When she very first started eating solids I would steam and puree her meals. Once she mastered the all important pincher grasp it was game on. So many options opened up for us and most take little to no prep! There is just something about watching baby expertly pick up a tiny piece of food and plop it into her mouth for the first time!

Here are 7 of my favorite healthy finger foods.

1. Cheerios

Babies love Cheerios! This has been a go to snack for moms for years.  Back in the day you pretty much had one option with Cheerios, plain. You know, the ones in the yellow box? Nowadays there are at least half a dozen different varieties including Multigrain Cheerios. They are the perfect size and texture for baby’s newly forming taste buds.

2. Strawberries

Strawberries give baby a bright pop of color and are packed with Vitamin C and anti-oxidants. We picked our own this year and what didn’t end up in our mouths or in jam was frozen for later. It makes me feel good to know that even in the winter months I can thaw out our delicious strawberries for an (almost) fresh summer snack!

3. Bananas

Your baby will love the sweetness and soft texture of bananas! This is a great food to stick in the diaper bag for an outing. Simply peel and eat. It doesn’t get much better than that. Plus, they are a great source of potassium, vitamin C and fiber!

4. Cooked Veggies

The options are endless here! As long as you steam them to get them nice and soft, your baby can eat just about any vegetable imaginable. Sweet potatoes, broccoli, and peas…oh my! The health benefits of veggies are so important for our babies. Did you know that a cup of peas has more protein that a full tablespoon of peanut butter? Sweet potatoes offer Vitamins A & E,  calcium, beta carotene and more! Oh, and did I mention that veggies are a great source of fiber? That’s a big one for baby!

5. Avocado

Avocado is a wonderful fruit to cut up for baby! Yup, avocados are a fruit. Who knew? They are rich in protein, fiber, niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, folic acid, and zinc. This makes them one of the healthiest fruits and some have even labeled them a “superfood”! The soft texture and mild flavor make them the perfect addition to baby’s diet.

6. Hard boiled Eggs

Now, I want to first say that this is one that you may want to run past your pediatrician first as there are many differing opinions about feeding eggs to babies under the age of one. Having said that, my children loved eating small bits of hard-boiled egg. They are a wonderful source of protein and are so easy to make. I always keep some on hand in the fridge that can be peeled and chopped for a quick and easy snack.

7. Poultry

Well-cooked soft pieces of chicken/turkey are super easy for baby to chew. Plus, they are an excellent source of protein! My youngest would eat and entire chicken if I let her!

I hope that these suggestions are helpful but always be sure to discuss any dietary decisions with your pediatrician to ensure that they are safe and age appropriate for your child. These are only my opinions and what have worked well for my girls. Only do what you are comfortable with and what works for your family.

What are your baby’s favorite finger foods?

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