When your baby reaches 8 months of age, he is most likely ready for finger foods. Finger foods are foods that babies can pick up and eat by themselves. Since finger foods are small/bite-sized foods that are soft and diced, your little one won’t need their teeth to chew them.
Your baby’s gums should be strong and have no trouble mashing the finger foods. However, it is important you look out for the signs that will tell you your little one is ready.
Look out for these 5 signs:
- Being able to ‘chew’ using the gums to mash foods
- Having a pretty good pincer grasp (ability to grab and hold objects between thumb and forefinger)
- Being able to sit up without assistance
- Making a chewing motion when eating thicker mashed foods
- Starting to lose interest in pureed/mashed foods
Introducing Finger Foods
Here are some finger foods your little one can try:
- Chopped raw soft fruits – melon, banana, or avocado
- Cooked grains – rice, noodles, or pasta
- Bread or toast (cut into strips)
- Cheese (cut into sticks)
- O-shaped cereal
- Teething crackers
Still Hungry? Here’s Some More
8-month-old babies can also start eating:
- Small bits of meat (well-cooked and boneless)
- Tofu
- Beans (well-cooked) – lentils, split peas, pintos, or black beans
- Mashed fruits – peaches or pears
- Cooked mashed vegetables – squash or sweet potato
- Iron-fortified cereals – barley, wheat, or oats
- Egg (well-cooked)
See more: Essential nutrition tips for 6-8 month olds | 10-12 month olds
This guide is for informational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose health conditions or make changes to medical treatments. Always consult with your healthcare professional for advice.
