By now you've noticed that everything seems to make its way into your toddler's mouth. He has developed the motor skills needed to grasp small objects - and eating those little goodies is exactly what he'll try to do. His tiny teeth are ready to be put to good use, although he's only using them for cutting, not really chewing right now - but that doesn't mean your child is ready for just any food you offer. Even though it's now finger-food time in his life, you still must be careful about what foods he grabs with those little fingers.

Make the safe food choice

After 9 months, crackers and round toasted oat cereal are good choices, as well as cooked vegetables (such as halved peas or finely chopped cooked potatoes and carrots) and mashed fruits (such as applesauce or bananas). Not only are these healthy choices, they're also easy to transport for picnics, trips to the babysitter, or family-friendly restaurants.

Did you know?

Contaminating your toddler's food is easier than you think. Always serve small portions from your child's own bowl or plate, and throw away any leftovers. Never mix food back into the serving bowl or into a partially-used baby food jar.

Avoid choking hazards Some finger foods may seem safe, but because of their size they could actually pose a choking hazard. If your toddler only has front teeth, he can bite off a chunk of food, but can't actually chew it - which means he could try to swallow something much too large for his tiny throat. Here's a list of foods to avoid until your child has molars and can chew chunkier foods: Raw vegetables, such as carrot and celery sticks Grapes, cherries, and berries Raisins Hot dogs or other meat chunks Any nuts, such as peanuts, almonds, and cashews Popcorn Hard candy, including suckers

Tips for safe eating

Follow these guidelines to make finger foods safer at mealtime:

• Be there. Always stay close by when your child is eating finger foods. Some foods still may cause some difficulty and could pose a choking hazard. It's a good idea to learn how to intervene if your child is choking; your prenatal classes may have taught you a small lesson on choking, but ask your doctor to show you what to do. Or, sign up for a first-aid class at your local hospital or Red Cross where they offer specific training in emergency childcare and first aid.
  
  
• Make sure he doesn't bite off more than he can chew. Cut foods into small, toddler-sized pieces rather than offering a large piece.
  
  
• Size counts. Avoid feeding foods that could be swallowed whole, such as the ones listed above.
  
  
• No meals on wheels. Snack time shouldn't happen on the go, so avoid serving finger foods in the car.