1. Wash your hands and clean the work surface. Rinse the strawberries under cold running water and pat dry with a clean towel.
2. Peel the papaya with a vegetable peeler or sharp knife. Cut the papaya in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Remove any stringy bits from the cavity.
3. Cut the papaya into batons approximately 5–7 cm long and 1–1.5 cm thick (about the thickness of an adult finger). These batons should be large enough for a baby to hold but soft enough to gum and bite off pieces.
4. Hull the strawberries (remove the green top). For small strawberries cut each in half lengthwise; for medium/large strawberries cut into quarters lengthwise so each piece has a flat side for a secure grip and a soft edge for gumming.
5. Arrange 2–3 papaya batons and 2–4 strawberry wedges on a small plate. Serve cold from the fridge or at room temperature — no cooking, no added sugar, salt or honey.
6. Present one or two pieces at a time and sit with your child while they eat. Encourage self-feeding but stay within arm’s reach and watch for signs of choking. Offer only these soft fruit pieces until you’re confident the baby manages textures well.

Summary

This simple, cold finger-food snack is tailored for baby-led weaning from 10 months+: ripe papaya cut into batons and strawberries cut into wedges. It’s soft, easy to grasp, and encourages chewing and self-feeding without pureeing or cooking.

Storing

Prepared, cut fruit can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours; best eaten the same day. Keep whole, uncut papaya and strawberries refrigerated and use within a few days. Do not leave cut fruit at room temperature for extended periods.

Allergies & Side effects

Introduce new foods one at a time and wait 2–3 days to watch for allergic reactions (rash, vomiting, swelling, breathing difficulty). Strawberries can cause mild reactions in some infants; papaya contains the enzyme papain which rarely causes sensitivity. Always supervise your baby while eating; ensure pieces are the right size and soft to reduce choking risk. If you have family history of food allergies or concerns, consult your paediatrician before introducing new foods.