Exploring finger foods can work towards improving your little one’s sensory development, encouraging co-ordination and developing the skills necessary to bite, chew and self-feed. It also helps your baby get used to different food textures – how they look, smell, taste and feel in their hands and mouths.
At some point between the 6- and 9-month mark, your baby may start displaying signs of wanting to try food themselves. If they are reaching for their food while being fed, grabbing their objects using the ‘pincer grasp’ or reacting with interest while you are eating, they may be ready for finger foods. If you are unsure whether your little one is ready to eat independently, speak to a health professional or midwife.
We’ve put together 5 finger food recipes to make mealtime, while allowing your child to practice independent self-feeding.
Banana oat cookies
These breakfast cookies are wonderfully soft and chewy, perfect for when your baby is ready for this texture. They’re free from added sugar, eggs and milk and will keep well in the fridge or freezer. If bananas aren’t your little one’s cup of tea, you can substitute them for sweet potato or apples.
- In a bowl, mix together ½ tbsp of chia seeds with 1 tbsp of water. Leave to stand for 10-15 minutes until they form a gel.
- In another bowl, mash 125g of banana (approx. 1.5 medium bananas). Stir in the chia seed gel and ¼ tsp of vanilla extract.
- Add ½ cup of oats and ¼ cup plain flour and mix well. Quick oats work well here as they tend to be softer. You will be left with a moist, sticky cookie dough.
- Using a tablespoon, place around 10 dollops of dough onto a lined baking tray.
- Bake at 180 degrees or 25-30 minutes, then allow to cool.
Veggie sticks with bean dip
This mix of crunchy and creamy ingredients makes for a nutritious, easy-to-hold meal that simultaneously practices valuable hand-eye coordination. Suitable for 7 months onwards, your little one will be able to explore the dipping motion whilst experiencing the difference in texture of each vegetable.
This mix of crunchy and creamy ingredients makes for a nutritious, easy-to-hold meal that simultaneously practices valuable hand-eye coordination. Suitable for 7 months onwards, your little one will be able to explore the dipping motion whilst experiencing the difference in texture of each vegetable.
- Mash 2 tbsp of drained butter beans or kidney beans in a bowl.
- Stir in 1 tbsp of HiPP Organic Tomato and Vegetable sauce to create a creamy texture find it here.
- Cut up (and cook if necessary) your little one’s favourite vegetables (cooked carrots or broccoli spears, roasted peppers or cucumber) and bread crusts into bite-sized sticks. Start dipping!
Sweet potato puree with grain puffs
Sweet potatoes are a great first food while weaning as they can be mixed with your baby’s regular milk. Coupled with our 3 Grain Puffs, they’re the perfect meal for families on-the-go. Suitable for 7 months+.
- Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Place a sweet potato (250g) on a baking tray and roast for 45 minutes, until a fork easily inserts into the flesh.
- Allow to cool, then peel off the potato skin and place the rest in a food processor. Add a splash of baby’s milk and blitz until smooth.
- Fill a small Tupperware with your puree, freeze the rest, then serve with HiPP Organic 3 Grain Puffs or Wheaty Ringos.
Baby quesadillas
These cheesy bites are a sure-fire way to give your little one important nutrients and sneak in some vegetables. They’re quick to whip up and best for 9 months+.
- Chop up some soft vegetables such as avocado and tomato into small pieces.
- Heat a frying pan over medium heat and lightly toast one side of a tortilla wrap. Once toasted, flip over and spread with HiPP Organic Chicken puree.
- Sprinkle your chopped vegetables and a tablespoon of grated cheese on top.
- Once the cheese has melted, fold your tortilla wrap in half, then in half again.
- Cut your wrap into bite-sized slices so your toddler can feed themselves.
- The leftover HiPP sauce can be used to dip the quesadilla into!
Green pancakes
Looking for a way to play with finger food and eat some greens? These pea fritters for little ones aged 9 months and up are wonderfully versatile and work as a savoury breakfast, easy lunch on the go or as a healthy component of a larger meal.
- Boil 200g of frozen peas for 4 minutes, then drain.
- Add 90g of self-raising flour, 1 egg, ½ chopped spring onion and half of the peas to a food processor, then pulse until combined. Note: Add the rest of the peas and keep blitzing if your little one prefers a smoother texture without bits!
- Fold through the remaining peas along with 25g of crumbled feta cheese.
- Place a tablespoon of your mixture in a frying pan with a little oil. Fry for 2 minutes on each side until golden.
For more finger food ideas, visit our recipes page here.
