Bite-size pieces of fruit are the perfect introduction to finger foods for babies from around eight months. Start with small chunks of soft fruits like ripe pear or banana slices.

Bite-size pieces of vegetables make great finger foods too. Try cooked potato, pumpkin, carrot, peas and corn kernels. Steam or microwave vegies, then let them cool.

Serve colourful salad vegetables, like cucumber and capsicum, cut into sticks. Leave the skin on. Some kids like to dunk vegie sticks in dips like hummus, guacamole or tzatziki.

Serve vegies with bite-size pieces of fish, chicken, meat or tofu. Or try mini meatballs made from lean mince, tuna or chickpeas.

Hard-boiled eggs go well with salad vegies. Bite-size pieces of egg roll go well with diced, steamed vegies. Turn egg roll into an omelette by filling it with grated pumpkin, peas and cheese.

Chunks of cheese and wholegrain pasta pieces – either plain or with sauces like bolognaise – are another option. Choose pasta pieces that are easy to hold, like penne, bow ties or shells.

Toast ‘soldiers’ are popular with toddlers. Serve them plain, spread with avocado and Vegemite, or even mashed banana.

Try sandwiches on multigrain or wholegrain bread. Fillings could be egg mashed with mayonnaise; avocado and Vegemite; mashed banana; grated apple and peanut butter; or mashed roasted sweet potato and cheese.

Homemade pikelets are a nice treat for toddlers. Cook them plain or add some fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter. Don’t forget to let them cool!