13 Easy Finger Foods for Babies With No Teeth
Want to give your little one some extra nutrition, but worried about what he can chew? We've rounded up some of the best finger foods for babies with no teeth.
Experts recommend that babies start solids around 4-6 months of age, depending on readiness. Serving finger foods has many benefits for babies—such as better eye-hand coordination and exploration of new foods—but it can be tough to brainstorm meals for little ones without teeth.
It's important to choose soft items that can be squished between your fingers, since they'll be easier for your baby to gum. Avoid anything that could be a choking hazard (grapes, popcorn, hot dogs, etc.), and don't be afraid to include a wide range of sweet, savory, and bitter flavors. Babies exposed to a different tastes and textures might be less picky later on.
Here are 13 combination finger foods for baby with no teeth.
Sweet potato and apple. You can steam or bake sweet potatoes and apples for a sweet-tasting baby food combination. Sweet potatoes have plenty of protein, beta-carotene, and vitamin C—while apples are rich in fiber and vitamin C. Make sure to take off the skin before serving.
Banana and avocado. With their soft and velvety textures, avocados and bananas are popular finger foods for babies with no teeth. They're also easy to prepare—simply cut into small pieces. Your baby will get potassium and omega-3 fatty acids.
Roast chicken and apple. Roasted chicken provides Baby with much-needed protein. Make sure cut chicken into large strips (or grind in a food processor) before serving with softened apple.
- RELATED: 12 Healthy Finger Foods That Don't Come From a Box
Omelet or scrambled eggs. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that early exposure to eggs might help prevent food allergies in the future. Whip up a soft omelette or scrambled eggs that Baby can gum.
Elbow pasta with marinara sauce. Experts generally recommend introducing pasta around months five or six. Choose small noodles like macaroni, cook them well, and cover them in marinara sauce
Toast with spread. Since bread can be chewy, pop it in the toaster for a firmer texture that doesn't stick to the roof of your baby's mouth. You can also slather toast with peanut butter, hummus, avocado, or another spread.
Swiss cheese and apricots. Buy pre-sliced cheese slices, then serve them with apricots (either pureed or softened into small pieces). Tangy apricots are full of beta-carotene, which helps your baby's immune system and eye health.
Green beans and pears. Fiber-filled green beans, as well as mild-flavored pears, make excellent finger foods for babies with no teeth. As with other fruits and veggies, you can either puree them or chop them into soft, bite-sized pieces.
Butternut squash and peaches. Roasted butternut squash has a nutty flavor, and you can serve them with peaches to introduce Baby to new textures.
Peas and plums. Is your little one suffering from constipation? Feeding her plums might help! Add some more nutritional benefits with peas.
Carrots and apple. Some pediatricians advise against fresh carrots because they may contain nitrates. But if you get the go-ahead from your child's doctor, the orange veggie is a nutritional powerhouse when paired with apples! Make sure they're soft enough to squeeze between two fingers before serving.
- RELATED: The Best Finger Foods for Baby
Banana and cherries. Another finger food for baby with no teeth: cherries, which are rich in antioxidants. Their tartness contrasts nicely with the smooth taste of banana.
Fresh mozzarella and tomato. Introduce Baby to the taste of Italy with a makeshift caprese salad. Remember that little ones shouldn't have added salt, since their kidneys don't process it well.
Comments (1)