Finger Feeding - For New Parents

finger feeding

spoon feeding

eating on their own

on-the-go snacks

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Self feeding begins with finger feeding, usually around 6 months of age. By this time children can use their hands to grasp small pieces of food and bring them to their mouths. Soon they will refine their skills and be able to grasp foods using their thumb and index finger.

At this stage, provide your child with soft, easy to grasp foods that are easy to swallow. Foods such as noodles, dry cereal and diced canned peaches are good options. Avoid foods such as grapes, nuts and whole hot dogs because these foods might cause choking.

By providing foods that are easy to grasp and safe to eat, you will help your child begin one of the many transitions that lead from babyhood to childhood — developing independent feeding skills!

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Tips from real parents:
My son is 9 months and he loves to feed himself finger foods. He gets so excited when its time to eat. One fingerfood I noticed he loves and it is easy to travel with is the prepackaged fruit cups.We love 'em.
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			Cheerios: an ideal finger food Pediatricians and generations of moms have trusted Cheerios® as an ideal finger food. Find out why Cheerios is good for your toddler. >Learn more We saw our daughter take her first steps to go get Cheerios® cereal. –Edie, Millersville, MD >Read more >Share your story