A common problem in homes with babies is that parents often don’t know what to feed their children when they transition to table foods (i.e. not pureed baby foods). Subsequently, the parents’ unhealthy eating habits become their children’s unhealthy eating habits and the childhood obesity epidemic continues. The prevalence of obesity among children aged 6 to 11 years increased from 6.5% in 1980 to 19.6% in 2008. The prevalence of obesity among adolescents aged 12 to 19 years increased from 5.0% to 18.1%. Children with disabilities are at an even greater risk for becoming obese (Centers of Disease Control and Prevention). The transition to table foods is the time when high-fat, high-sugar items like cookies and sweetened cereals tend to edge out good-for-you foods, especially fruits and vegetables (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics). In addition, parents are reluctant to feed their kids foods that they themselves don’t like. Experts say a toddler may have to try a food 8 to 15 times before he or she accepts it. Because of this, it is vital to start children early with healthy finger foods. It is the perfect way to introduce babies to the kinds of nutritious bits you’ll want them eating for life.

Whether you are a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or friend of someone who has a child, you can make a difference by being aware of the variety of wonderful foods a toddler can try. Below are some creative finger foods for toddlers:

Grains:

• Whole-grain couscous
• Pieces of whole-grain pancakes
• Brown rice
• Pieces of whole-grain toast with all-fruit spread
• Pieces of whole-grain waffle
• Bites of whole-grain muffin
• Cooked barley
• Whole wheat pasta

Fruits and Vegetables:

• Pieces of well-cooked diced carrots
• Pieces of banana
• Pieces of very ripe pear
• Small chunks of pineapple
• Grated or shaved apple
• Pieces of ripe mango
• Cut up cooked green beans
• Sliced grapes
• Small pieces of kiwi
• Small, well-cooked pieces of broccoli

Protein:

• Bite-sized pieces of cooked tofu
• Ground turkey
• Crumbled cheese
• Chopped hard-boiled egg (no egg whites before 12 months of age)

Most children are ready to try some finger foods by 9 months of age. Talk to the child’s pediatrician for specific advice. Always remember to avoid foods that are choking hazards for young children. These include hot dogs, popcorn, nuts, seeds, raisins, corn and hard, raw fruits and vegetables.