Introducing finger foods
7th month, 3rd week
Once your baby learns to eat soft, pureed foods, they may be ready to
switch to finger foods at about 8 months. They have the dexterity to take food
and let it go or crush it, and will become more efficient and independent by
mastering the pinch grip at about 9 months. At this point, they will be able to
use their thumb and forefinger to pick up small pieces of food.
Your baby may grab anything off your plate, but follow these guidelines
for healthy and safe breastfeeding.
- Start with menu items such as soft cheese slices; small pieces of pasta or bread; finely chopped soft vegetables; and fruits such as bananas, avocados, and ripe peaches or nectarines. These foods should require minimal chewing, as your child may not have teeth yet. DO NOT let them eat hot dogs, raw vegetables, nuts, meats, hard candy, or sticky textures like nut butter, which increase the risk of choking during this stage.
- Introduce new foods one at a time if there are concerns about allergies.
- Cut all food into soft pieces no larger than 1.5 cm.
- Beware of choking hazard: Avoid round, hard foods such as carrots, grapes and hot dogs, as well as raw vegetables and peanuts. Raisins and popcorn are dangerous for children.
- Keep the formula or breastfeeding schedule, but as your baby eats more solids, he will naturally suckle less milk. At this point, your child should start eating more solid foods and drinking less milk to increase nutritional value.
Your baby's development this week
Your baby is getting stronger and can even move, whether he's sliding
backwards on his tummy, rolling on his back, or crawling forward. If you
haven't child-proofed your home yet, look no further!
You may notice these growing signs of motor development:
- Your child may now be able to sit up on his own for a few minutes without using his arms for support, and he may be able to assume a sitting position on his own.
- As long as you offer them support, they should be able to jump up and down and maybe even stand up.
- Their little hands are getting more and more nimble.
You may wonder about:
- Their vision. Your child should now be able to see almost as far as an adult and be
able to follow moving objects with their eyes.
- Stranger
anxiety. You can imagine: they can be afraid of new people and new situations.
So give them time to warm up and calm them down if they are upset.
- What
they can understand. Your child may understand more than you think, so
it's important to keep talking to him about everything you do and try to be
consistent in the words you use for familiar subjects.
Month 7 week 3 tips
- If food allergies run in the family, talk to your pediatrician about introducing highly allergenic foods like peanuts and eggs.
- Fried food is not the best choice for children. If you offer them, then do it rarely.
- Do not give your child juice unless it is freshly squeezed.
- By now, your child's diet should include grains, fruits, vegetables, and meats, and should eat two to three times a day.
- In addition to rice, barley, or oatmeal, you can introduce grain foods that your baby can catch, such as toast, crackers, and dry cereal. Avoid colored and sweet cereals.
- Place your child in a high chair while eating. If they eat finger foods while crawling, they are more likely to suffocate.
- You have not finished breastfeeding or bottle feeding. Your baby is starting to transition, but breast milk and formula are still needed.
- Vegetable puree or pureed vegetables will make it easier for your child to consume them when switching from a liquid diet to a solid one.