When should I introduce finger foods?

Personal & Social Skills

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Finger foods are foods your baby can pick up and eat by him or herself. Signs that a baby is ready for finger foods include a good pincer grasp (the ability to pick up small objects between the thumb and forefinger), the ability to sit upright independently and an interest in foods. Foods that are soft or dissolve easily are the best first finger foods. Go slow and allow baby to explore these new tastes and textures. Always supervise during eating to ensure the baby does not choke.

Candace Lindemann

Children's Author & Education Consultant

Candace Lindemann is a published children’s writer and educational consultant. She holds a B.A. from Yale University and an M.Ed. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. You can also find Candace blogging at http://NaturallyEducational.com. While Candace’s degrees prepared her for a career in education, she’s found that the best preparation for parenting is on-the-job training.