How to Start Toddlers on Finger or Table Foods
Safe and Healthy Ways for Little Ones to Transition to Solid Food
When a toddler first begins to eat finger foods, a whole new world opens up for both the child and the child's parents. The jars of baby food are suddenly pushed aside and the toddler is eating the same foods as his or her parents.
It's important, however, to understand how and what to feed your toddler – both for safety and for optimal nutrition. Following are some tips on transitioning a toddler to finger foods or table foods.
Start When Your Toddler is Ready
Toddlers will usually communicate when they are ready for something; eating finger foods or table foods is no different. When your child starts to refuse jarred or pureed foods, such as by pushing the spoon away or simply not eating, it may be time to move on to more solid foods.
Start Slowly
Transition your child to thicker foods slowly. If you switch from smooth purees to thicker or lumpier foods, he or she may gag or choke from the texture. Start slowly, with small bites, and consider mixing in a little water or milk the first few times so that he or she can get used to gradually thicker foods.
Vary His or Her Diet
Don't limit your child to just one type of food – vary his or her diet for optimal nutrition. Not only are fruits and vegetables important, but dairy and grains as well.
Keep Trying
Toddlers can be fussy eaters. A food that your child may like one day, may suddenly fall out of favor. Try, try again with a variety of foods for your child's nutritional needs and to keep him or her eating a well balanced diet.
Be Safe
Be sure to cut foods up into small pieces - but not too small. Pea sized foods are best. In addition, avoid large chunks of food, such as cut fruits or vegetables in too large pieces; small, hard foods like nuts and popcorn; sticky and soft foods, such as marshmallows, that can get stuck in your child's throat; and peanut butter, which can be difficult to swallow.
Also be sure that your child remains seated during meal time to avoid possible choking.
First Finger Foods to Try
Here are five healthy first finger foods for toddlers. Remember to cut things up small, or smash them, to reduce the risk of your child choking. Also keep a glass of water handy.
- Cooked or steamed vegetables are great first finger foods. Try sweet potatoes, carrots and peas, and cut them into small pieces.
- Corn on the cob – he or she can hold onto the cob of corn and take bites from it.
- Crackers and baby crackers are tasty treats for toddlers.
- Soft fresh fruits, such as bananas.
- Steamed or cooked fish, especially salmon or other low-mercury fish, such as cod or trout.
Starting on finger or table foods can be an exciting time for both toddlers and children alike. To make the transition as smooth as possible, be sure to talk to your pediatrician about healthy toddler finger foods and proper nutrition.
Related Article: Dining out with a Toddler
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