Healthy, safe (and yes, cheap) finger foods

Posted in Healthy eating, Kid-friendly products
by besttech

My daughter has mastered the art of picking up pieces of food (or non-food) and stuffing them in her mouth in less than a second. Because of this, I’ve been reduced to eating salads in my bedroom closet to avoid her snatching my Craisins and tomatoes.

I’ve found that providing her with a tray full of finger foods gives her enough of a distraction to let me down at least a bite or two. But with only two bottom teeth, I worry about her choking and reading the nutritional information on the back of prepackaged “baby finger foods” does not inspire confidence.

So I’ve been on a mission to find the most nutritious, and safe, finger foods. Here’s the best list that I’ve come across, from Lilsugar.com.

1. Cheerios: What toddler bag would be complete without them?

2. Avocado: High in fiber, potassium and vitamin E — easy to gum.

3. Pancakes: Cut up, of course, with fruit mixed in the batter.

4. Beans: Cooked kidney beans are especially good for cutting teeth.

5. Pasta: I’ve found that whole-grain rotini noodles are a hit.

6. Tofu: If you’re saying “ick,” remember that this might be a great time to introduce your baby’s taste buds to this healthy alternative.

7. Sweet potato fries: Go easy on the salt.

8. Bananas: High in potassium, but beware — some mommies claim too many ‘nanas lead to constipation.

9. Seedless watermelon: Bright pink, sweet, delicious.

10. Carrots: Slightly overcooked and diced.

My bonus pick: Soft cereal bars, ripped into bite-size pieces. My daughter is a fan of Earth’s Best Organic cherry bars.

—By Katie Powalski, OrlandoSentinel.com/momsatwork

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