Great Finger Foods

Around 9 to 10 months of age, a baby has developed enough motors skills to allow her to use the fingers to pick up food. This is a good time to start introducing finger foods. Kids usually have fun and enjoy developing their independence at this age, and this will work as a transition to eating with utensils at a later stage.

Fruits and vegetables make great finger foods. Variety will keep it fun and challenging for them!

As a rule of thumb, pieces should be small, soft and well cooked. It should melt in the mouth, at this stage they are not ready to eat chewy pieces for too long.

Good examples of fruits (raw or cooked): banana, apple, strawberry, mango, peach, plum and avocado

Vegetables (well cooked only): broccoli, carrots, zucchini, peas, green beans, asparagus and potatoes

Meats (well cooked only): little pieces of boneless chicken (breast or thigh), turkey breast

Processed carbs: whole grain cookies and cakes

For kids ages 4 and older, homemade granola bars are a great option for a nutritious snack. Try the recipe below:

• Fruit and Oat Granola Bar

-1 organic egg

-1 egg white

-3/4 cup light brown sugar

-1 tblspoon canola oil

-1 tblspoon cinnamon

-1/4 tblspoon salt

-1 tblspoon good quality vanilla extract

-1 1/2 cups toasted oats

-2/3 cup dried cranberries, chopped

-1/4 cup pecans, chopped

-1 tblspoon all-purpose flour

Preheat over to 350 degrees F. Spread oats on a baking sheet and bake, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 18 minutes, until lightly browned.

Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees F. Line and 8x11" pan with foil. Lightly oil or coat with nonstick spray.

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, brown sugar, oil, cinnamon, salt and vanilla extract. Stir in toasted oats, dried cranberries, pecans and flour.

Spread in prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Cool, cut into bars with a lightly oiled knife.

Preparation time: about 30 minutes

Nutritional value: (based on individual servings)
Calories: 130
Total Fat: 2 g
Cholesterol: 14 mg
Sodium: 50 mg
Carbohydrates: 24 g
Protein: 2 g

Source: Daily Green