Suitable Finger Foods with Dairy Allergy?

[squeaky's mum]

Hi,

I wonder whether you can help me and dd, Sophie.

Sophie is nearly 9 months old and has started to be very reluctant to take mashed food off a spoon. She is happily feeding herself though with finger food. I guess this is just an independance thing and part of the weaning process.

However, my concern is this...

...she (or rather I am) is vegetarian and allergic to dairy products. Because she has this allergy the doctor/health visitor/dietician tell me she cannot have eggs/seeds until she is 1 and nuts until she is 3.

The carbohydrate she is getting through finger food is (and will be) cooked pasta, potatoes and rice cakes
Stemed veg and soft fruit are easy but I am really struggling to think of things I can give her that are high in fat (except avacado) and protein (how do they take to tofu as finger food?).

Your ideas and good finger food recipies would be very welcome.

Thanks

Claire and Sophie

[tylersmommy]

To do tofu as a finger food, just cut it into bite size chunks. If it's too slippery, you can always coat it. I liked to use dry baby cereal, wheat germ, or crushed cheerios. Wheat germ is also a good source of fat. If beans are okay for her to eat, those are a great source of protein and a good finger food too. Just make sure they're nice and soft and give them a squish so they're easier to pick up and chew.

If she's still taking formula or breastmilk fine, I wouldn't lose too much sleep about her fat and protein intake yet. Of course, it's important to offer healthy foods and strive for a balanced diet, but the bulk of her nutrition is still coming from formula or breastmilk for now. Once she's weaned from those, she should be old enough to start eggs and seeds, so a whole world of other foods will open up.

[squeaky's mum]

Thank you, that's reassuring.

She is still breastfed and I will keep it going until I am happy her solid food diet can support all her needs. I decided today to really let her feed herself. There just seems no point in trying to feed her with a spoon now as she is just not interested.