Finger Foods?

martini-time

Sorry in advance if this has been asked before.

So baby is doing really well with feeding himself Mum Mums and puffs, etc. It's gotten to the point where he pitches a fit if I don't let him feed himself something while he's in his high chair. However, me trying to sneak bites of "real" food into his mouth while he's shoving Mum Mums in there isn't working too well. Seems like by the time his patience with the high chair runs out, he hasn't really eaten a substantial amount of food. So I'm looking for something more filling and nutritious than puffs and the like, so he can feed himself and we can quit having meal times be a struggle. He's only got two teeth, and he's pretty good at chewing things with those, and gumming things around, but I'd like to stick with softer stuff for now.

Any ideas? Thanks ladies!

StellaZ

https://www.wholesomebabyfood.com/babyfingerfood.htm

I printed and posted them on my fridge when we were are your stage - very handy!

cmcmillan

Here are some things I always have on hand for W- bananas, diced mangos, peaches, pears, black/kidney/chili beans, pasta, boca type burgers. 

gina000

I keep cheddar cheese cubed very small in the fridge for a snack while waiting for dinner he loves it.

EllaB_04

Besides avocado, banana, and berries, I still steam most of W's fruits and veggies so they're nice and soft for her. I think this is a good way to start while your LO is learning to chew.

Zista

Cutting things into french fry shapes really helps LO get a grip.  I'd add to the list baked sweet potato fries.  He loves those and so nutritious!  Cut them about an inch wide since they shrink, and then brush them with olive oil and add whatever spices/herbs (sometimes we just do Rosemary and pepper, but he LOVE cumin, paprika, and cinnamon).  Bake in the oven at 425 for 20 minutes, turning once.  

Also toast with hummus or avocado, cut into about a 1.5 inch strip so he can hold it.  He devours those. 

Also try a flexible spoon and allow him to feed himself.  We are doing yogurt and berries right now.  They get the hang of it pretty quickly.  

But you know us... LO basically eats what we eat... everything that can be held in a baby fist with a bit poking out the top - steak, chicken, tortellini, eggs, bacon, etc. etc. etc.   

And remind yourself, "it's all fun until they're one!"  He doesn't need to fill up on solids, because most of his nutrition is still coming from BM or formula. 

ETA: by the spoon bit, I mean preload the spoon and let him hold it and bring it to his mouth. 

Seattle_JiLLn

Canned fruits and vegetables, strain liquid out of cannned soup and give him the solids, roasted cubes of sweet potatoes, avocados, bananas, any ripe fruit like peaches or pears, a frozen waffle with cream cheese or hummus on it, shredded cheese, toast, fruit and cereal bars (trader joes), dry cereal (life, cheerios, chex), veggie burgers, ravioli, Mac n cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches. (sorry for the lack of formatting I'm on my phone). My kids did very little pureed foods and Cooper really pretty much only fed himself. I love it! Baby food is such a nasty mess.

Seattle_JiLLn

Oh and beans. Black beans, cannelini beans, etc. And for bananas and avocados I rolled them in crushed up rice krispies to make them easier to pick up. And remember it's not about them eating a quantity of food. It's about learning to eat. So don't feel like you have to shovel some amount of food in.

mishquiche

We're on the new side in terms of finger foods, but so far B really enjoys waffles, pancakes, toast, shredded cheese, sweet potato fries, shredded chicken, and avocado slices.  I plan on trying pasta, grilled cheese, tofu and scarmbled egg yolks soon.