- Wash: wash hands, as well as strawberries and cucumber, thoroughly under running water.
- Prepare the strawberries: remove the green tops (stems) and, depending on their size, halve or quarter the strawberries so that the pieces are about 2–3 cm in edge length and easy for the child to pick up with thumb and forefinger.
- Prepare the cucumber: peel the cucumber if needed (the skin can stay on if it's thin), trim the ends and cut the cucumber lengthwise into sticks about 1 cm thick and 6–8 cm long. For very watery, large-seeded cucumbers, remove the seeds with a spoon so the sticks aren't too slippery.
- Plating: Scatter the strawberry pieces and cucumber sticks loosely on a plate or a small snack bowl. Ensure the pieces are not too small or too hard and allow the child to grab and explore themselves (baby-led weaning).
- Serving and supervision: Always supervise the child while eating; do not leave them unattended. Do not add salt, sugar, or hot spices. Offer only a few pieces at a time, especially the first time, and watch for signs of choking or intolerance.
- Introduction of new foods: If strawberries or cucumber are new, offer them separately from other new foods and observe for 2–3 days whether allergic reactions occur.
Summary
A simple, cold snack for toddlers from 10 months: soft strawberry pieces and slightly crunchy cucumber sticks for self-feeding within the framework of baby-led weaning. No additional seasonings necessary.
Storage
Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 24 hours; freshly cut strawberries quickly lose juice and firmness, so prepare as fresh as possible.
Allergies and side effects
Strawberries can cause skin reactions or gastrointestinal discomfort in some children. Always introduce new foods one at a time and watch for swelling, rash, or breathing difficulties. Seek medical help immediately at the first sign of severe reactions. Always supervise during meals to prevent choking.