Sandwiches and Snacks for Little Tummies    

Finger sandwiches are a perfect meal or snack, and they can be introduced to a child around 10 months of age.

When choosing bread, note that whole-grains are best. Multigrain, buckwheat, whole-wheat, barley, rye and oat breads are excellent choices and good sources of complex carbohydrates.

To make a finger sandwich, remove the crusts from the bread and cut the sandwich into small pieces. For fun, use cookie cutters to create sandwiches that look like hearts or spades or anything else that might amuse a child.

While peanut butter and jelly is an old standby, get creative with new fillings to keep taste buds inspired all year long! Keep in mind, nut butter and honey should be introduced after one year of age.

Here are some sandwich fillings to try:

• Grated carrot and cream cheese
• Refried beans and mashed avocado
• Almond butter and honey
• Cream cheese and strawberry preserves or honey
• Shredded Cheddar cheese and mashed avocado
• Mashed banana and maple syrup 

If you're looking for snack ideas for the under-10-month age groups, try some of these healthy options: 

• Cooked sweet potato chunks (or other vegetables)
• Grated or sliced apples and carrots
• Lightly cooked apple wedges
• Cooked noodles with butter
• Pancakes or waffles
• Small pieces of raw or cooked tofu
• Soft avocado pieces
• Unsweetened dry cereal
• Wedges of soft, ripe fruit