Inside: These finger food recipes are perfect for babies 9-12 months. Each recipe can be made in advance and is freezer-friendly.
Hey mama, you’re absolutely going to LOVE the roundup I have for you today.
Each of these finger food recipes are:
- Easy to make
- Nutritious
- Make-ahead
- Freezer-friendly
- Baby and toddler-friendly
And, most of the recipes only require 4 simple ingredients.
Yes, you read that right. 4 ingredients.
Feeding a 9-12 Month Old Baby
By 9 months, most babies should be comfortable with eating a good variety of foods – and you may even find that your own anxiety about their eating has lessened (and if not, that’s totally normal as well).
At this point, your baby is likely better at manipulating foods with their fingers, which is why by 9 months old, most babies are ready for “finger foods”.
I say ‘most’ because all babies are different.
Generally, your pediatrician will advise you on the best timeline for solids with your baby depending on their individual development and needs.
Read: 9 Month Old Feeding Schedule & Meal Ideas
Now, whether you started solids by using the baby-led weaning method or with traditional purees, by 9 months old, most babies will have moved on to using their pincer grasp (thumb & forefinger) – think: picking up a puff or a blueberry – which is a great time to try finger foods.
If you started with baby-led weaning (stick shape or handheld foods), now is a good time to transition to foods your baby can practice their pincer grasp with.
What should babies eat at 9-12 months?
Just as with any age, babies benefit from eating a wide variety of foods.
Remember that certain foods such as honey, cow’s milk, deli meat, and undercooked foods are not allowed and can be dangerous if consumed.
Some of my girls’ favorite foods between 9-12 months have been:
- Whole milk yogurt
- Raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries
- Scrambled eggs
- Roasted broccoli
- Fish sticks
- Hummus
- Shredded cheese
These ideas also help answer that all-important question of “what finger foods can you give a baby?” – raspberries, broccoli trees, and scrambled eggs are good examples of finger foods that will help your baby practice their pincer grasp (as seen above).
Read: Best Foods for Baby-Led Weaning 6-11 months
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Freezer-Friendly Finger Food Recipes for Babies 9-12 Months
My favorite part about each of these recipes is that they’re simple, make-ahead friendly, and not only great for babies, but toddlers (and moms!) as well.
If you’ve ever wondered if you can freeze baby finger foods, the answer is YES and it will make your life so much easier.
3 Ingredient Spinach & Banana Yogurt Melts
This is one of my OG blog recipes that has been shared all over the internet, which makes me very happy, because it’s SO easy to make and babies absolutely love them.
All you need is a blender + some spinach, banana, and yogurt!
Coconut Mango Yogurt Melts
A fun twist on my spinach & banana yogurt melts – these are just as easy to make in a blender – plus they taste amazing.
4 Ingredient Easy Cheesy Broccoli Bites
These are so addictive that when I make them, I end up eating most of them myself. The blog post has full instructions for how to freeze them, and you can easily reheat in the microwave, toaster, or air fryer.
My girls also loved these broccoli bites when they were toddlers as well.
4 Ingredient Mini Waffle Maker Omelets
Omelets in a waffle maker? Yes! Have you ever tried this? It’s unbelievably easy, they cook super fast, and you can meal prep a bunch at a time and load up the freezer with easy breakfasts for baby.
Mini Banana Oat Muffins
Soft and spongy, these mini oatmeal muffins are perfect for babies! You can cut them in half or serve whole and allow them to eat from their little fists. Serve with yogurt and fruit for an easy breakfast. This recipe makes a ton for the freezer.
Which of these finger food recipes would you try first?
Follow Marla on Instagram for more helpful baby feeding tips + meal ideas
What to Read Next:
- 1 Year Old Meal Ideas & Feeding Schedule
- Best Gluten-Free Foods for Baby-Led Weaning
- My 1 Year Old’s Daily Routine
- Baby-Led Weaning Breakfast Ideas
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Time-Saving Toddler Meals$10.00
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Feeding Toddlers Guide$10.00
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Everyday Baby-Led Weaning$10.00