Finger Foods Are Fun
Being able to bring that tasty morsel straight to his mouth -- one oaty "O" or precious pea at a time -- is quite an accomplishment for a toddler.
Allow your small child plenty of time to enjoy his finger food, but for safety's sake, pieces should be no more than one-half inch in any direction. And always keep an eye on children under 4 when they're eating, and make sure they're sitting upright.
Not sure if finger foods are small enough? Forget finding a ruler; err on the small side and cut morsels in half. (Cut meat across the grain.) Here are some nourishing finger foods for your child to have fun with:
- Carrots, cut lengthwise -- not in circles -- and cooked until soft
- Wheat toast with crusts removed
- Scrambled eggs
- O-shaped cereals
- Peas, cooked until soft (no pods)
- Avocado bits
- Pasta pieces, cooked until soft
- Bananas and pear pieces, ripe and soft
Giving a young child small pieces of finger foods is a terrific way to introduce him to a range of tastes. And enjoying a variety of foods of different colors and textures will help your child avoid a number of health problems later in life.
