By about nine months, your baby will have the motor skills to grasp small objects and put them to her mouth. It's time for finger foods! The foods on the list below are nutritious and easy to eat. Remember, babies should always be supervised whenever they're eating or drinking.

Fine finger-food dining

• Crackers
• Rice cakes
• Tiny cheese cubes
• Fruit, such as ripe bananas, peeled apples and pears in small pieces, or halved or chopped grapes
• Cooked vegetables, such as peas and finely chopped squash, potatoes and carrots
• Well-cooked pasta bits
• Toasted oat cereal

Foods to avoid until after the first birthday

Your baby has so many food choices, so it's always a good idea to expand her horizons with new tastes and textures. But there are some foods your baby shouldn't try until after her first birthday:

• Chocolate
• Whole cow's milk
• Egg whites
• Honey
• Nuts
• Peanut butter
• Seafood
• Citrus and fruit juices

In general, avoid sweet and salty foods. Your baby's taste for these will come soon enough.

For more information on this topic, check our Q&A Section. If you don't find the information you're looking for, please feel free to Ask a Dietitian.