Final answer:
Small finger foods can be introduced to infants around six months of age when they begin to sit independently, have started teething, and show the ability to grab objects. As their pincer grasp develops around 10-12 months, they become more adept at handling finger foods.
Step-by-step explanation:
Offering small finger foods to infants can typically begin around six months of age. By this time, according to developmental milestones, infants have begun to develop the ability to grab objects and may also have deciduous teeth starting to come in which can facilitate chewing. Furthermore, these infants are beginning to sit up independently and can transfer items from hand to hand, demonstrating the fine motor skills needed to handle finger foods.
By the age of ten to twelve months, infants usually improve their pincer grasp, which involves picking up objects using the tips of the thumb and forefinger, and this skill is crucial for self-feeding. Additionally, the fact that children of this age are starting to stand with support and may have begun walking, indicates growing coordination and confidence in their motor abilities, suggesting they might be ready for the challenge of self-feeding with finger foods.