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    • Easy Chicken Dinner Recipes -->This collection of easy chicken dinner recipes features some of our favorite family dishes, perfect for making a healthy, delicious home cooked meal on a busy night! Getting a healthy, home cooked meal on the table every night can be challenging. Particularly with the demands of work, school, activities and social obligations, well, it can be the last thing we want to do at the end of the day. So I’ve got tons of easy chicken recipes at my disposal that I turn to when I need to whip something up for us on one of those busy weeknights. (Or even busy weekends – dinners can be tough then, too!) And this collection of easy chicken dinner recipes has some that we make over and over again. It includes everything from skillet chicken dinners to slow cooker chicken recipes, one-pot chicken pastas, soups and salads with chicken, chicken burgers and meatballs, sheet pan chicken dinners and easy chicken casseroles. Are you looking for fast as well as easy? Me too. I’ve got collections of chicken recipes in under 30 minutes and, faster still, chicken recipes in under 15 minutes. Or if you want to browse them all, my quick chicken recipes…
      • Easy Chicken Recipes with Few IngredientsThese easy chicken recipes with few ingredients include some great healthy lunch and dinner options, all made with 5 or fewer ingredients! I am all about the EASY when it comes to cooking. I don’t like to fuss much over my food and I certainly don’t like to spend a ton of time in the kitchen at the end of a long day. Easy chicken dinner recipes and healthy lunch recipes with chicken are much more my style. (As are chicken recipes in under 30 minutes and, faster yet, chicken recipes in under 15 minutes. Cause life.) Speaking of life, a million trips to the grocery store also aren’t fun during a busy week. (Especially with little ones in tow!) So I’ve got these go-to easy chicken recipes with few ingredients that help me keep dinnertime simple. And my sanity intact. In fact, one of the first cookbooks I bought on my own, at a used bookstore in Washington, D.C., where I lived for a few years after college, was titled 3-ingredient recipes. I was pretty new to cooking and thought, I think I can handle that. My cooking skills have improved, but I still go for the simple chicken recipes…
      • Quick Chicken RecipesThis collection of quick chicken recipes features some of our favorite family dinners and go-to lunches, all ready in 30 minutes or less! From chicken skillet dinners to one-pot pastas, salads to burgers, you’re sure to find some new favorites! If you know me, you know I am ALL about the quick and easy recipes. I love making all of our homemade meals and home cooked dinners, but like you, I’ve also got a hundred other things to juggle and so keeping things simple in the kitchen is a must. And these quick chicken recipes include all of my chicken recipes in under 30 minutes and, even faster, chicken recipes in under 15 minutes. Sanity savers for sure. Busy weeknights have nothing on us! A few of our favorites from these quick chicken recipes: Healthy chicken Alfredo with broccoli Creamy chipotle chicken 20-minute chicken and tortellini soup with kale Skillet salsa chicken Easy creamy chicken This collection also has some healthy lunch recipes with chicken for mixing up your lunch routine. (It doesn’t include my slow cooker chicken recipes though, since those aren’t ready in 30 minutes. But they can be super quick to prep in the morning and then…
        • Chicken Recipes in Under 15 MinutesThese easy chicken recipes in under 15 minutes are perfect for dinner on a busy weeknight! From one-pot wonders to salads, chicken skillets to tacos, you’re sure to find some new fast favorites! You know those nights when you walk in the door and need dinner pronto?! Like, 5 minutes ago? That’s when I turn to these quick and easy chicken recipes in under 15 minutes. I can make a healthy, home cooked meal for my family and be sitting down to enjoy it in no time. Cause plenty of evenings, 15 minutes is often all the time I have – or want to spend – on dinner. I’m not alone on that, right?! You can browse below but I thought I’d highlight a couple that I make over and over again. A few of our favorite easy chicken recipes in under 15 minutes: 15-minute honey garlic chicken (gets rave reviews!) Southwest chicken skillet dinner (pile on your favorite toppings!) Quick chicken curry (perfect with rice and peas) One-pot low-carb leftover chicken recipe with spinach (my dad’s go-to recipe) This collection also includes some healthy lunch options that are quick to put together — like the Asian chicken mason jar…
        • Chicken Recipes in Under 30 MinutesThese easy chicken recipes in under 30 minutes are perfect for dinner on a busy weeknight! From one-pan meals to burgers, one-pot pastas to healthy salads, you’re sure to find some new favorites! Quick, easy and mostly healthy is pretty much the name of the game for dinner at my house. I love a home cooked meal and we eat a ton of chicken, which means I’ve come up with and found a lot of easy chicken recipes over the years. And this collection highlights some of my easy chicken recipes in under 30 minutes, when you want something delicious but need it on the table pretty quickly. Is that every single night for you too? We’ve got everything from skillet chicken dishes to chicken pasta and from soups and salads with chicken to chicken meatballs and burgers. All the chicken love! Many of these recipes use boneless, skinless chicken breasts (though you could substitute chicken thighs if you prefer) while others use ground chicken and some rely on pre-cooked chicken, such as a rotisserie chicken you pick up at the store or some leftover grilled or baked chicken. Lots of these 30 minute chicken dinners are complete meals but…
      • Healthy One-Pot Chicken DinnersHealthy one-pot chicken dinners are such a help on busy days! This collection includes everything from one-pot pastas and skillets to easy slow cooker and sheet pan recipes to help you get an easy, healthy and delicious dinner on the table any night! I am ALL about quick and easy meals. I cook our dinner 99% of the time, including on days when work has blown up in my face, or the kids have decided to coordinate their melt-downs, or we’re all just wiped out and hungry. And even though I love to cook, I definitely have those days when I’m just not feeling it. Enter some quick and easy one-pot chicken dinners for the win! These are great to have in your back pocket for busy days, busy weeks or in case of a “kids-are-making-me-crazy” kinda moment. (My husband also loves these meals because he’s on clean-up duty and it’s nice not to have a huge pile of dishes staring you down after dinner!) Many of these dishes are complete meals on their own. Others are low-carb as written, but can easily be paired with some rice, pasta, bread or potatoes to bulk them up a bit. Here are…
      • Slow Cooker Chicken RecipesThese hands-off slow cooker chicken recipes will put your slow cooker to work and have you coming home to a delicious, healthy dinner that’s ready to go! Some days, you just need someone else to make you dinner. I’m not talking takeout or delivery or a restaurant dinner. I’m talking about your crock pot or slow cooker. I find it supremely satisfying to go about my day, knowing that a delicious home cooked dinner is cooking up at home for me. I can play with the kids, take them to practices, run errands or just relax with a book and breathe easy. These slow cooker chicken recipes mean there is just one less thing to do in the evening and that’s a great thing on a busy day! This collection includes slow cooker recipes for boneless, skinless chicken breasts as well as chicken thighs (though you can usually sub either one). And many of these take just minutes to prep in the morning! 👍 Here’s a few of our favorite slow cooker chicken recipes: Slow cooker balsamic chicken Slow cooker bistro chicken thighs Slow cooker apricot chicken Crock pot Mediterranean chicken Slow cooker teriyaki chicken And be sure to check…
    • Easy Vegetarian RecipesEasy vegetarian recipes include main-dish meals that are hearty and satisfying and can stand alone for lunch or dinner (with a few savory breakfast options as well). Everything from one-pot veggie pastas to stuffed squash to chili to veggie burgers and hearty grain bowls and salads, there are meatless options here for everyone! I am a veggie lover through and through. 💚💚💚 I adore getting in as many vegetables as I can, throughout the day really, and I often make easy vegetarian dinners a couple of times a week. (Hello meatless Monday, I’m looking at you!) So over the years, I’ve created tons of great veggie-based meals that can stand on their own for lunch or dinner and be hearty and satisfying. And that are also mostly quick and easy, because I work as a health and nutrition editor and we’ve got a busy family so cooking on a weeknight needs to be low-key. My one-pot vegetarian spaghetti has been a hugely popular recipe here on the blog and you guys can’t seem to get enough of my grain bowls and salads. I know the feeling. 😉 I wanted to round up some of these in an easy-to-browse category that features…
    • Healthy Oatmeal RecipesA collection of healthy oatmeal recipes, including sweet and savory breakfast and brunch options as well as delicious, wholesome snacks and desserts. We are pretty much oatmeal fanatics in my house. ALL of us adore oatmeal and it’s a rare day that we’re not making or eating something with oats or oatmeal in it at some point during the day. And I mean all four of us – my husband, myself and our kids (currently ages 6 and 4). Our go-to 3-minute microwave oatmeal is a morning staple for my husband and a weekly staple for the kids and me. My kids eat overnight oatmeal jars at least twice a week for breakfast and we often have baked oatmeal another morning of the week. For school lunches or afternoon snack, we can be found munching on some no-bake cookie or energy balls with oats, oatmeal cookies of some variety or if they’ve asked nicely, I’ll make a batch of granola and we all just shovel handful after handful until it’s gone. Want to know some of our very favorites of the group below? OK, I’ll share! Our family’s favorite healthy oatmeal recipes: Healthy chocolate chip muffins Overnight oatmeal jars, 3…
    • Healthy Muffin RecipesA collection of easy, kid-friendly healthy muffin recipes for all times of day: breakfast, school lunch, snacking, dinner and dessert! We are BIG muffin lovers in this house, at all times of day! My kiddos love them for breakfast, brunch, school lunch, afternoon snack and sometimes even savory muffins at dinner. Muffins all the time! I’ve made thousands of healthy muffin recipes over the years and I love sharing them with you! There are plenty to browse below and plenty more I plan to add! (You can sign up for my newsletter so you never miss a recipe. You’ll also get my FREE e-book of easy weeknight dinners.) Wondering where to start? Spinach banana mini muffins and whole wheat pumpkin muffins are some of our constant favorites. Healthy peanut butter and jelly muffins are fun for lunch and easy cheesy cornbread muffins are great for a quick + easy dinner side, especially with soup or chili! And if you’re in the mood for a little chocolate (I know I always am!) you can’t go wrong with my healthy chocolate chip muffins. Hope you find some new favorite healthy muffin recipes! XO, Kathryn
    • Healthy DessertsThis collection of healthy desserts features everything from lightened up cookie bars and brownies to cakes, muffins and breads to no-bake energy bites. It’s the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth while staying on track with healthy choices! Healthy desserts are kind-of my jam. I like a dessert that gives back. One that has redeeming qualities. A sweet treat that’s going to treat me right. But of course, it also needs to be delicious so I actually satisfy those sweet cravings! The healthier dessert recipes you’ll find below are some of our go-to treats that are perfect for a healthier late-night option and many of which are great for offering kids a wholesome, but fun, treat for an after-school snack or tucked in their lunch box. Most of these recipes are whole grain and naturally sweetened, others are recipe makeovers that are lower in sugar and/or butter. A majority of them contain chocolate. 🍫❤️ And ALL are easy to make. (You can also check out my healthy muffin recipes and my entire category of sweets & desserts if you want more.) Here’s a few of our favorite healthy desserts: Healthy chocolate chip muffins Healthier no bake cookie bars No…
    • Healthy Fall BakingThese healthy fall baking favorites include everything from muffins and baked oatmeal to snacks to cookies and cakes. These fall recipes are whole grain and most are naturally sweetened for a wholesome, delicious treat at breakfast, snack, school lunch or dessert! Does anyone else get the baking bug when the cooler weather starts to roll in during autumn? I know I do! I get excited for all the apple baking projects, pumpkin baking projects and even getting ready for all the holiday baking to come! 🍎🎃 The spices, the warmth, the aroma of having something in the oven is just part of the season for me. Plus the love that comes from a homemade baked good – it just can’t be beat! ❤️ And y’all know my style is definitely a healthier version of baking. I use whole grains and most of my recipes are naturally sweetened. I try to lighten things up where possible and keep to mostly wholesome treats, maybe with a little indulgence here and there! 😉 Wondering where to start? Here are some of our healthy fall baking favorites: Chocolate chip apple cake Pumpkin baked oatmeal with chocolate chips Whole wheat pumpkin applesauce bread Easy healthy…
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Healthy baby finger foods & toddler finger foods

Published on March 21, 2018 Last Modified: January 27, 2021 By Kathryn Doherty

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Healthy baby finger foods and toddler finger foods — It’s a fun milestone for children to explore new foods and learn to feed themselves. But it can be stressful and intimidating, so this resource answers all your questions about when, how much and what to offer for finger foods, as well as what’s not safe and how to get your child started on a healthy eating path.Healthy baby finger foods and toddler finger foods -- A resource on when, how much and what to offer for finger foods, as well as what's not safe and how to get your child started on a healthy eating path. #fingerfoods #babyfood #toddlerfood

Today it’s ALL about healthy baby finger foods and toddler finger foods.

I’m going to break things down and try to answer ALL your questions about this fun transition.

(If you are looking for healthy toddler finger food ideas to serve, rather than general information, I’ve created a list of healthy toddler finger food ideas, organized by category. And a free printable too!)

Watching your baby or toddler start to feed themselves, seeing that joy and pride as they are able to do it themselves, it’s an important milestone.

It can also be stressful though.

Knowing what’s OK to feed your child, what’s not OK, and how to offer foods can be intimidating.

And I’m just gonna say, it’s scary when they occasionally gag on a food. It will happen – it’s totally normal and part of the process (and gagging is not the same as choking).

I also found meal-time became much more time-consuming when my kids were feeding themselves. And much messier.

(If you don’t have a dog, I’d suggest you get one. Soon. 😂)

Overhead image of colorful plates with a variety of healthy baby finger foods and toddler finger foods with a small hand reaching in

So don’t feel bad if you occasionally get frustrated with how long it takes your child to feed themselves or with how inept they can be at the beginning! Or how fun they think it is to throw their food. 🙄

It gets better. Hang in there.

And whether you are offering healthy finger foods for babies who are doing baby-led weaning, or just adding them along with some baby food purees, or whether you suddenly find yourself in need of sending toddler finger foods for day care, I hope this introduction and FAQ helps you get a handle on how to get started.

Let’s dive in.

Common questions about healthy baby finger foods and toddler finger foods

What are finger foods?

Finger foods are small pieces of soft food that a baby can pick up and feed itself.

Examples of common first finger foods are small pieces of cooked, soft sweet potato, pieces of ripe banana, strips of ripe avocado, thin soft cheese sticks or cubes and O-shaped cereal.

When should I introduce finger foods to my baby?

Babies can begin solids around 6 months of age. Some families will choose to use baby food purees (I did with my homemade baby food) and others will opt for baby-led weaning, or a combination of both.

Regardless, babies can begin practicing picking up some of their own food at 6 months and many will start by 8 months. By about 9 months of age, they will have the fine motor skills to better grasp and pick up their own food.

A baby learning to feed itself needs practice! It will be slow at first and they may struggle, but it’s important to let them keep trying without rushing the meal or jumping in to help every time. They’ll improve faster and also enjoy the confidence and independence that comes with self-feeding.

As always, consult your pediatrician with questions about feeding your child.

How do you serve baby and toddler finger foods?

Make sure each piece is bite size for your child. For some foods, cutting them into thin sticks will help them grasp it and get it to their mouths to take bites of (especially for children under 9 months old who may not have developed the pincer grasp yet).

Make sure foods are soft and able to be gummed or mushed easily. Veggies and pasta should be well-cooked so that they are soft enough. (Some harder foods like O cereal are flaky and will melt in the mouth, so they’re OK too.)

Young babies who have trouble with slippery foods might benefit from a little “dusting.” You can crush up some O cereal and roll the slippery food in it to help them be able to grip it better.

And then, just pile a variety of foods onto your baby’s plate or high-chair tray and see what they sample!

What baby finger foods and toddler finger foods are safe?

A large variety of finger foods are OK for babies and toddlers to eat. The key is to make sure the size is appropriate and that the food can be gummed easily in their mouths. This is especially true for babies who have few or no teeth and for beginning eaters. (Here’s my list of finger foods with some specifics in each of the food groups!)

Overhead image of colorful plates with a variety of healthy baby finger foods and toddler finger foods

What foods are not OK to serve a baby or toddler?

Here’s a list of foods that are not safe for babies and toddlers to eat because they can pose a choking hazard:

  • Hot dogs
  • Popcorn
  • Whole grapes or whole cherry tomatoes (cut in quarters)
  • Chunks of peanut butter (it’s OK to spread on toast but don’t give clumps of peanut butter)
  • Nuts, including peanuts
  • Seeds, such as pumpkin seeds
  • Raisins and hard dried fruits
  • Raw cherries with pits
  • Hard candies, including jelly beans
  • Marshmallows
  • Gum

How much food should I feed my baby?

The answer here depends on the age of the child.

Food for babies under age 1 is “just for fun,” as my pediatrician told us. Before age 1, babies are getting all of the nutrition they need from breast milk or formula, so food is just a bonus for them to be exposed to new flavors and textures and develop some healthy eating habits.

So if your baby doesn’t want or eat much, don’t fret. Just keep offering small amounts to let them practice and adjust to feeding themselves.

I happened to have BIG eaters with both of my children and I would offer several foods at each “meal” of their day. I started with just a couple of tablespoons of each food — I didn’t want to waste it if they were only going to have a small bite — and then moved up to about 1/4 cup of each food as they wanted more.

Check out this sample menu for a one-year-old from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

How much food should I feed my toddler?

Toddlers need between 1,000 and 1,400 calories a day. It varies a little depending on their age, size and activity level (though pretty much every toddler is very active!) These calories should come from healthy foods in every category: protein, grains, fruits, vegetables, some healthy fats, and milk and dairy.

Toddlers should be eating 3 meals a day and 1-2 snacks per day.

The daily serving recommendations for 12- to 24-month-olds are about 3 servings of grains (preferably whole grains), 1 serving of fruit, 1 serving of vegetables, 2 servings or protein and 2 servings of milk/dairy.

For a child that’s between 2 and 3 years old, the servings increase slightly to 5 servings of grains, 1 1/2 servings of fruit, 1 1/2 servings of vegetables, 2-4 servings or protein and 2 servings of milk/dairy.

Check out this sample menu for a two-year-old from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Finally, 7 tips for introducing finger foods:

  1. Make mealtimes relaxed. Let your baby or toddler decide what and how much to eat. Don’t make mealtimes a battle and try not to use food as a bribe or reward or require your child to finish everything.
  2. You want to set the stage for a healthy relationship with food and a positive view of mealtime. Sit together as a family when you can and focus on being together and conversation rather than the food on the table.
  3. Don’t worry if your child refuses certain foods or doesn’t eat as much fruit and veggies as you would like. Try not to scrutinize what they have in a given day but rather look at a week or two at a time and determine if they’re getting enough of all the food groups and getting a good variety of healthy foods.
  4. Also don’t be concerned if they don’t seem to eat very much at any given meal. Young children are very good at listening to their hunger and fullness cues and they can regulate how much they eat. They may go through stages where they are chowing down on everything in sight and other times where they seem to barely pick at their food for days. It usually balances out.
  5. It can take dozens of times offering a food before a child will even try it. Yes, before they will even taste the food. And many more times in some cases before they develop a taste for it. So be patient, keep offering and hang in there.
  6. It can help to offer new foods with old favorites, particularly for older toddlers with more experience. They can be more willing to try something new if they see they have other foods on their plate that they are familiar with and enjoy.
  7. Check out all my other tips for raising healthy eaters (includes input from professionals!)

There you go my friends! All about baby and toddler finger foods and the fun journey that begins when your child gains that bit of independence and control.

And don’t forget to check out my list of healthy toddler finger food ideas! Also, in case your little one struggles with teething – don’t they all? – check out these homemade teething biscuits. They store great in the freezer, too.

It’s got tons of fruits, veggies, grains, proteins and dairy choices you can offer your little one and a free printable that you can have on hand so you don’t get stuck in a rut with the same foods. 👍

Finally, please let me know in the comments below if you have other questions – I’m happy to help!

XO,

Kathryn

 

Healthy baby finger foods and toddler finger foods -- A resource on when, how much and what to offer for finger foods, as well as what's not safe and how to get your child started on a healthy eating path. #fingerfoods #babyfood #toddlerfood

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Hi there! I’m Kathryn Doherty, a cookbook author, mom of two kids, and devoted food and home cooking nut. I’ve got lots of easy recipes and resources to help you get delicious food on the table for your family! More about me

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