10 easy finger foods to start baby-led weaning

The best first finger foods are soft enough to squash between your finger and thumb, and cut into pieces about the size of your own finger so baby can grab them. Ten to keep on high rotation:

  1. Roasted kumara wedges
  2. Steamed broccoli and cauliflower florets (natural handles!)
  3. Ripe banana, cut on the diagonal
  4. Avocado wedges rolled in baby cereal for grip
  5. Soft-cooked carrot batons
  6. Steamed green beans
  7. Cucumber sticks (great for teething gums)
  8. Well-cooked pasta spirals
  9. Strips of omelette or scrambled egg
  10. Soft ripe pear or cooked apple

Introduce common allergens (egg, peanut, dairy, wheat) early and one at a time, unless your GP has advised otherwise. Every meal is a lesson — pop on a coverall bib, let the tray do the catching, and let them explore.

Always stay within arm's reach while your baby eats, and talk to your Plunket nurse or GP about starting solids around 6 months.

Back to blog