Organix have put together an educational video explaining the importance finger food holds in helping children develop, take a look and tell us what you think.
Parenting on Female First
Organix have done research into the benefits of finger food and how it can help when trying to wean your child.
Dr Frankie Philips, a nutritionist specialising in child development, said, “Many of us are aware of the nutritional benefits our babies get from eating a variety of foods, however it’s not as widely known that giving your baby foods of varied shapes and textures can help the growth of areas such as hand and eye coordination, chewing skills, mouth muscles, essential gripping skills, and speech development.
“Exposing a baby to a wide range of finger foods at a suitable early age can get them on their way to start practising everyday skills, such as using their pincer grip with their thumb and forefinger, an essential life skill to pick up small objects.”
Child psychologist, Dr. Angharad Rudkin, added, “Parents tend to focus on their little one eating everything on their plate, or whether they’re walking or talking, leaving out an important area of development – social and emotional skills.
“Having a friendly interaction at mealtimes is just as important as getting them to eat all of their meal. The biggest thing parents want from their child is to be interested in what they eat and that they want to try new things.
“It’s this area of development that will come from enjoyable mealtimes enabling your baby to feel confident to try new tastes, shapes and textures.”
Are you trying finger food out with your child? Let us know how it’s going by commenting below or tweeting us @FemaleFirst_UK