One of the most exciting milestones in your baby’s first year or two is when they start eating, and then, feeding themselves. It’s a messy adventure for sure, but one of those steps towards independence that is immensely fun to watch and cheer them through.
It has become our family tradition to introduce food on our little one’s six-month birthday, but your family might be different. Some babies may not be ready for silverware until closer to nine months old--and thats okay!
No matter what the age your little one starts eating, bring on the mini-sized forks and baby spoons in bright colors and ergonomic designs, because toddler utensils are definitely one of the best kitchen accessories.
You might think that toddler silverware is all made the same, but that just is not the case. If you’re in the market for baby and toddler eating accessories, there is a wide variety of features, colors, and designs, so read on for Truly Mama’s round up of the best toddler silverware.
Best Baby Spoon
Over the years, I have had far too many baby spoons and have learned through trial and error that the design from Re-Play is hands down the best. The Re-Play baby spoons are perfect for first bites because the spoon bowl is small enough for little mouths while being curved enough to actually hold baby food puree. Stock up! You’ll want your drawer full of these once your baby starts eating.
Best Toddler Silverware for Self-Feeding
Mini hands deserve mini utensils and that is exactly what grabease has designed for babies who are just beginning to play and learn at meal time. This short-handled baby spoon and fork set are ideal for little ones six months and up who are excited to explore self-feeding. Dishwasher safe and designed with a “cloud” to prevent choking, you can’t go wrong starting your baby with this silverware set.
Best Eco-Friendly Toddler Silverware
Re-Play Recycled Toddler Silverware
Another winner from Re-Play! Made from recycled milk jugs, these toddler utensils provide a world of good when you stock your child’s silverware drawer. Available in 20 color combinations, each Re-Play pack comes with four spoons and four forks. You can also purchase coordinating plates, bowls, and cups from the line.
Best Budget Toddler Silverware
The Munchkin Raise two pack of toddler silverware comes with a spoon and fork. Each has a metal tip and a BPA-free plastic handle for easy scooping, piercing, and gripping. The base design helps keep the tip off surfaces and thus the silverware will hopefully stay cleaner and germ free. Stock up in bright blue, green, purple, and pink.
Best 2-in-1 Toddler Silverware
The company that created the amazing CutiePat pacifier now has a 2-in-1 spoon fork utensil made just for toddlers. With a spoon on one end and a fork on the other, little ones can switch back and forth without managing multiple utensils. Made from 100% food grade silicone, the Ryan & Rose Cutie Tensil is a great tool for promoting self-feeding at meals.
Best Silverware for Inducing Smiles
By toddlerhood, most little ones have made known their favorite cartoon character. So, why not induce some big-time meal smiles with silverware that features said character? The First Years brand offers Disney Pixar combos in toddler silverware that will make these forks and spoons the top pick at every meal. They offer a Buzz and Woody set, Cars set, Disney Princess set, Finding Nemo set, Mickey and Goofy set, and a Minnie Mouse set.
Best Toddler Silverware
Once toddlers and early preschoolers are beginning to show proficiency in their silverware use, you will sense some frustration with plastic-tipped forks and spoons. These growing kiddos want to be more efficient with their scoops and pokes! Enter Oneida. This brand has a darling set of silverware, Wildlife Buddies, that practically mirrors adult silverware in a smaller size. It even comes with a toddler-appropriate knife for them to really start practicing their table manners.
Best Silverware for Easy Gripping
Chewbeads Toddler Spoon and Fork
Chewbeads is well known for their nursing necklaces and silicone teethers, and now, they have silicone and stainless steel flatware. The large beaded handles of the Chewbeads spoon and fork allow for easing gripping and thus, easier feeding. Pair with another Chewbeads product for the perfect baby shower gift or practical stocking stuffer idea.
Baby’s First Chopsticks
Forks and spoons are not the only utensils little ones can practice feeding with; chopsticks are an essential too! Plum Garden offers a four-pack featuring a panda, elephant, giraffe, and flamingo that grow with your child through basic, intermediate, and skilled chopstick use stages. Geared towards children aged three to eight, aim to start young so your toddler can enjoy their favorite Asian cuisine with chopstick eloquence.
Best Silverware for On-the-Go
Sugarbooger Travel Toddler Silverware
Do not be caught at a restaurant without toddler-sized silverware—from experience I know that kids can create quite a mess when trying to manage the restaurant’s adult size options. But thanks to Sugarbooger’s silverware and travel case, you can easily toss your little one’s fork and spoon into your diaper bag and be ready to eat on-the-go. Plus, the prints—featuring mermaids, cacti, and more—just can’t be beat.
Best Baby Plates and Bowls
Bumkins Silicone Suction Plate
The silicone suction plates for babies and toddlers may just be the best invention ever–they allow your little one plenty of independence for self-feeding and yet stay put so you don’t have to worry about cleaning up yet another mess off the floor. (OK, maybe there’ll still be some mess, but you get my point.) They are deep enough to be used as both as baby plates or baby bowls and are dishwasher-safe on the top rack. They’ll also freezer and fridge-safe, so you can stash food until your little one is ready for mealtime.
Best Baby Placemat
If you want a multi-use baby plate, you can’t go wrong with the Busy Baby Mat. This thing is so versatile–you can serve snack in it, attach toys to it, or my personal favorite, use it as a placemat for baby bowls and plates so they won’t slide off the table or highchair. And best of all? It’s dishwasher safe, so you can toss the entire thing into the dishwasher. Genius, right?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my toddler to use silverware?
Silverware use is definitely one of those “practice makes progress” skills. Offer silverware with all snacks and meals that would call for them and encourage your child to watch how you use a spoon and fork. You can even say out loud what you are doing to help them understand better.
When should you stop spoon feeding your child?
You may be surprised to learn that you never have to start spoon feeding your child! It is a method of feeding called baby-led weaning. Baby-led weaning allows children to explore food at their own pace with soft, bite-size pieces of food.
