How to Make Finger Foods for Toddlers

Great ideas for making toddler finger foods for busy moms and dads. These easy toddler food recipes will make on the go feeding for your little one quick and simple.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bread
• Tortillas
• Flatbreads
• Crackers
• Chicken
• Ham
• Tuna
• Cheese Slices
• Eggs, hard boiled
• Fresh Fruits
• Steamed Vegetables
• Pasta
• Cereal
• Peanut Butter
• Yogurt
• Dried Fruit, such as raisins, cranberries, or prunes

1. Feeding your demanding toddler can be a difficult at times. They never seem to sit still for any length of time and they are constantly needing snacks. However, parents have to remember that not all foods are suitable finger foods for toddlers due to choking risk, sugar content and the messiness factor. A good combination is that of a complex carbohydrate, such as whole grain bagels with a protein source, such as cheese or ham. Then, offer a tasty, but healthy snack like yogurt or fresh fruit to make the meal complete. Here are a few easy steps and some simple ideas for making toddler finger foods at home:

2. 
    
   Use whole grain bread

   Start off by using a simple whole grain bread as a base. You can also substitute whole grain crackers, tortillas, bagels, flatbreads or even whole grain waffles. Pick something that your little one likes, but don't be afraid to introduce them to different tastes, shapes, and textures. You want them to become an open minded eater, not a picky one.

3. 
    
   Peanut butter is an excellent protein source

   Next, choose a protein source for the finger food. Protein sources can include lean meats, peanut butter, tuna, or cheese. Lean meats include turkey, ham, and chicken. Tuna is good as an occasional addition to your toddlers diet. Just remember tuna can be a source of mercury in the diet, so don't overdo it. Different varieties of cheese, like Cheddar, Colby Jack, Swiss, and Provolone, make excellent additions to a toddlers snack or meal.

4. 
    
   Give them a Sandwich

   Then, combine the complex carbohydrate foods with the lean protein foods and make finger sandwiches, tortilla wraps, or topped crackers. Use your imagination and be creative. There are endless possibilities and food combinations for your little one to try.

5. 
    
   Fresh fruit is a great toddler finger food

   Finally, offer your toddler fresh apple slices with yogurt or cream cheese. Or choose from any of these toddler food ideas as a healthy alternative.
   
   Whole Grain Dry Cereals, sweetened or unsweetened
   
   Steamed vegetables, like baby carrots, sweet potato, or green beans
   
   Cooked pasta, lightly buttered
   
   Fresh, peeled fruits, like bananas, pears, peaches, oranges, apricots, and melon
   
   Hard boiled eggs, peeled and sliced thin
   
   Dry fruits, like raisins, dried cranberries, prunes, dried blueberries, dried figs, and dates

Tips & Warnings

• Always think about the risk of choking when choosing foods for your toddler. Never feed them round foods, like hot dogs, grapes, or popcorn. These foods must be chopped or mashed before feeding.
• Also avoid hard candies, nuts, celery or anything that may be too hard for your toddler to chew.