Best baby spoon feeder
15 Best Baby Spoons For Self-Feeding In 2022
Spoons that are precisely designed for those adorable little hands to self-feed.
All products recommended on MomJunction are independently selected by our editorial team. If you make a purchase through any of these links, we may receive a commission. Learn more about our product selection process here.
If you want your little one to feed independently, we have created a list of the best spoons for babies to help you choose the right one. When you switch your child to self-feeding, you need colorful and interesting utensils to keep your child engaged for long. As they try pureed vegetables or solid food, they also need the right spoons to make the feeding process comfortable. These spoons are brightly colored and are made from baby-friendly materials for hassle-free eating. They are shallow compared to standard spoons, as babies can take in small quantities of food at a time. Designed with ergonomic handles, they can easily help your child grab the spoon. They can help your child transition to standard spoons.
However, choosing a baby spoon is not an easy task. Just like any other baby product, you have to be careful because the wrong spoon will make eating difficult and may also injure your child’s delicate mouth and gums. Such mishaps can make your baby disinterested in self-feeding. Available in multiple sizes, colors, shapes, and designs, our list has you covered. You can take a look at the products listed below to choose a spoon that fits your child’s needs. So, read on to learn more.
Our Top Picks
Best Spill-Free Self-Feed Baby Spoon: Beaba 360
Best Bulb Baby Spoon With Protective Cover: Boon Squirt
Best Gum-Safe Baby Spoon For Teething: Munchkin Baby Spoon
Best Gum-Safe Baby Spoon For Teething: SpuniBaby Spoons
Best Baby Spoon For Left-Handed Babies: Nuby Baby Spoons
Best Dishwasher-Safe Baby Spoon: BabyBjorn Baby Spoon
Best Stainless Steel Baby Spoon: Oxo Tot Feeding Spoon
Best Baby Spoon For Self-Feed Training: Chicco First Spoon
Best Flexible And Soft Baby Spoon: Olababy 100% Silicone Soft-Tip Training Spoon
Best Dual-End Baby Spoon For Teething: PrimaStella Silicone Rainbow Chew Spoon Set
15 Best Baby Spoons In 2021
Quality, colors, price – there is so much to consider when it comes to buying a spoon for your little one. Here are best baby spoons in the market today – each with its own unique USP!
1. Best Spill-Free Self-Feed: Beaba 360
Buy on Amazon
The Beaba 360 is a great spoon for when your baby is learning to self-feed. Its unique design ensures zero spillages. This spoon will help your little one transition to a regular spoon without any hassle. Free of lead, and phthalate, the spoons are 100% safe for your baby. Watch this video to understand how this spoon works.
Pros
- Suitable for on the go
- Curved design for better grip
- Comes with a protective case
- Goes gentle on the gums
Cons
- Some may find the spoon slippery
2. Best With Protective Cover: Boon Squirt
Buy on Amazon
Perfect for moms on the go! This spoon dispenses one bite at time. It comes with an easy to clean bulb that can hold up to 3 ounces of baby food. So, next time you’re going on a long ride, just pack some baby food in this ‘spoon with a bulb’ and you’ll be good to go! Don’t worry about cleaning the spoon in between feeds. The spoon comes with a protective cover that keeps the spoon clean. Before buying, have a look at this video for more details
Pros
- PVC-free
- Dispenses one bite at a time
- Food-grade silicone
- Phthalate-free
Cons
- Portion may be too small for older babies
- May generate vacuum when food is stored
Related: Best Toddler Forks
3. Best For Teething: Munchkin Baby Spoon
Buy on Amazon
A crowd favorite, Munchkin spoons are a safe bet. Made with BPA free products, the spoons come in a range of colors, making them perfect for fussy babies and toddlers. Munchkin baby spoons are gentle on the gums. So, you can easily use them as teethers too. Watch this video to know more about this spoon.
Pros
- rounded spoon bowls
- Dishwasher safe
- Comfortable to hold
- Ergonomically designed
Cons
- May not rest when placed in a bowl
- Some might find the spoons a bit heavy
4. Best Gum-Safe Baby Spoon For Teething: SpuniBaby Spoons
Buy on Amazon
If you are looking for something unique, Spuni will be the best bet! Its patented design makes feeding times non-messy and easy. Spuni spoons are BPA, BPS, Phthalates and PVC free. They come with an ergonomically designed handle that fits both adult and baby hands.
Pros
- Suitable for first-time feeding
- Patented design
- Imported material and design
- Top rack dishwasher-safe
Cons
- May be prone to damage if sanitized
- May not sterilizer-friendly
Related: Best Suction Bowls For Babies And Toddlers
5.
Best Baby Spoon For Left-Handed Babies: Nuby Baby SpoonsBuy on Amazon
Finally, a product that works for your left hander! Nuby baby spoons are perfect for both left and right handed babies. Beautiful colors and designs make them a favorite among young babies. These spoons are dishwasher safe and easy to clean – just what a busy mom needs.
Pros
- Soft edges
- Long grip handle
- Senses temperature
- Suitable for purees
Cons
- May be a little deep for six months old babies
- Colors may fade over time
[ Read : Nuby Squeeze Feeder Review ]
6. Best Dishwasher-Safe : BabyBjorn Baby Spoon
Buy on Amazon
These spoons are made especially for tiny hands! The BabyBjorn baby spoons help your baby master her fine motor skills. Dishwasher safe, these spoons are easy to clean and maintain. If you are a working mom, go ahead invest in some BabyBjorn spoons!
Pros
- Complies with safety standards
- Suitable for working moms
- Top rack dishwasher safe
- Imported
Cons
- Plastic may peel away over time
- May be prone to scratches
Related: Best Ice Cream Scoops
7. Best Stainless Steel: Oxo Tot Feeding Spoon
Buy on Amazon
These spoons are BPA, phthalate and PVC free. Easy on your baby’s gums, the Oxo Tot Feeding spoons are made of stainless steel, making them durable. The shape of the spoons is perfect for scooping out food. Not as exciting or colorful as the other products on this list, but with Oxo, you can be sure of quality.
Pros
- Comes with a protective covering
- Suitable for transitioning to solid food
- Scratch-proof design
- Sturdy construction
Cons
- May not be dishwasher safe
- Silicone may be prone to breakage
8.
Best Baby Spoon For Self-Feed Training: Chicco First SpoonBuy on Amazon
Chicco first spoon is the perfect spoon to teach your baby to self-feed. It is specially designed to make self-feeding easier and non-messy. A little on the costlier side? Yes, but the Chicco spoons are worth the investment!
Pros
- Angled tip
- Soft-touch design
- Ideal size
- Does not have sharp edges
Cons
- Might be a little shallow to hold enough food
- Not suitable for left-handed children
Related: Best Wooden Spoons
9. Best Flexible And Soft Baby Spoon: Olababy 100% Silicone Soft-Tip Training Spoon
Buy on Amazon
This spoon for babies also doubles up as a teether. The spoon is made from food-grade silicone and does not contain any harmful chemicals. It is also flexible and soft, which means it will not hurt or irritate the gums of the baby no matter how much they gnaw at it. The scoop of the spoon is designed to pick any baby food item.
Pros
- 100% toxin-free material
- Can be placed upright
- Free of sharp edges
- Ergonomically-designed
Cons
- May be prone to cracks upon usage
10. Best Dual-End Baby Spoon For Teething: PrimaStella Silicone Rainbow Chew Spoon Set
Buy on Amazon
The PrimaStella Rainbow Set is an excellent tool for introducing solids to your baby. The spoon comes with two ends, one for dipping and the other for scooping, and the texture is super-soft and flexible. Moreover, the spoons, made of 100% food-grade silicone, are easy on your little one’s gums and free of additives, lead, BPA, PVC, and phthalates.
Pros
- Lead-free
- Safety tested
- Textured end works for teething
- Suitable for baby-led weaning
Cons
- Spoon may be too deep
- Head might be a little thick
11.
Best Ergonomic: PandaEar Baby Silicone Soft SpoonsBuy on Amazon
These colorful, child-friendly spoons by PandaEar are made of food-grade silicone and are free of BPA, lead, phthalates, PVC, and other toxic chemicals. The spoons are available in a set of six and are ergonomically designed to scoop sufficient food for every bite with minimal effort.
Pros
- Gum-friendly and soft
- Dishwasher-safe
- Shallow design to prevent choking hazards
- Travel-friendly
Cons
- May not be stain-resistant
- May have a peculiar taste
12. Best Eco-Friendly Silicone Baby Spoon: Tommee Tippee Explora Feeding Spoons
Buy on Amazon
These are designed with chunky handles that offer an easy grip, a wide spoon base to take an easy scoop and hold food rightly. Your baby can easily feed by herself using this spoon. They are microwave, dishwasher, and sterilizer safe, and are also BPA free. They are available as a set of five and are suitable for seven-month babies and above.
Pros
- Suitable for small hands
- Easy to wash
- Bright and fun colors
- Prevents spilling food on clothes
Cons
- Tip may be too wide
- Some may find the handle a bit short
13. Best Eco-Friendly Silicone Baby Spoon: Sperric First Stage Baby Infant Spoons
Buy on Amazon
These brightly colored spoons with a contoured handle are ergonomically designed for easy grip and encourage your little ones to self-feed. Furthermore, the spoons are made of eco-friendly silicone and help scoop food items such as purées and cereal.
Pros
- Teething-friendly
- Does not scrape the gums
- Flexible
- Colorful spoons
Cons
- May not be dishwasher safe
- Sanitizing the spoons in a steamer may make it prone to melting
14.
Best For Temperature Check: Dr. Brown’s Designed to Nourish TempCheck SpoonsBuy on Amazon
Available in a set of four, these colorful spoons ensure safe feeding by changing color when the food is too hot. The spoons turn clear if the temperature is higher than 105℉. They are made of 100% safe silicone and are soft and soothing for tender gums.
Pros
- Dishwasher- and sterilizer-safe
- Free of BPA
- Flexible and shallow scoop
- Long handle
- Elevated spoon rest to prevent mess
Cons
- May be difficult to scoop slightly hard food
- Spoon may fall out of the bowl at times
15. Best For Six-Month-Olds: NUK First Essentials Rest Easy Spoons
Buy on Amazon
NUK brings you these Rest Easy spoons designed to keep germs off the spoon and prevent messy tables. They feature a spatula edge that helps wipe food away from the baby’s mouth. This set includes six colorful spoons for easy feeding and is suitable for children aged six months and above,
Pros
- BPA-free
- Dishwasher-safe
- Soft tip is gentle on the teeth and gums
- Easy to hold
Cons
- May get stained easily
- May be a bit too deep for some children
One of the best things about having a baby is the shopping you get to do! All those cute baby products vying for attention is a dream come true for many women. But buying a good quality baby spoon is not just about splurging money; it is about teaching your baby the joy of eating. So, stock up on some cute spoons. They will surely add a dash of color to your kitchen!
Why Trust MomJunction?
We have curated a list of some of the best spoons available in the market for your baby after careful research and going through customer reviews. The article is written keeping in mind the needs and wants of mothers when they are looking forward to feeding their little ones using a baby spoon but do not know how to choose one that suits their little ones.
1. When should babies feed themselves with a baby spoon?
Babies around six months can swallow pureed food safely without choking. When they are around ten to 12 months, they feel comfortable using baby spoons by themselves (1).
2. How do I teach my baby to feed themselves using a baby spoon?
Load the bowl with their favorite puree or cereals. Give them the baby spoon that offers a good grip. Let them practice holding the spoon and feeding themselves.
3. What kind of spoon is best for a baby?
A spoon made from BPA-free material with no sharp edges and a good grip is ideal for your little one. Ensure that the handle is short enough for the baby to hold comfortably.
4. Is self-feeding good for babies?
Self-feeding helps your little one be independent, build fine motor skills, develop hand-eye coordination, and control the food that goes into their mouth (2). Self-feeding may be challenging at the initial stages, but with practice, your little one will start to enjoy self-feeding and the independence that comes with it.
One of the best ways to encourage your baby to eat independently or wean them from breastfeeding is by giving them colorful and ergonomic spoons. These spoons listed here are designed for babies to make mealtime more comfortable and fun. They are also high-quality products made of durable and safe materials and are gentle on your little one’s gums. So, bring home a colorful spoon and make eating semi-solid or solid foods fun for your munchkin.
References:
MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
- Fingers Spoons Forks and Cups
https://www. cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/mealtime/fingers-spoons-forks-cups.html - Toddler development: Learning to feed themselves
https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/toddler-development-learning-to-feed-themselves
Recommended Articles:
- Best Baby Utensils
- Best Bibs For Baby Led Weaning
- Best Baby Bowls And Plates
- Best Baby Food Makers
The following two tabs change content below.
- Author
Vibha is a coder turned content writer. She holds a Masters degree in Computer Applications from Osmania University, Hyderabad and a certificate in 'Introduction To Child Psychology'. Her passion for writing fresh and informative content made her a full-time writer. Holding certifications in content writing and creative writing, she writes on electronics, baby and health products for MomJunction. Apart from...
View Profile ›
8 Best Baby Spoons for 2022
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.
Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:
- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.
Read more about our vetting process.- Best all-silicone baby spoon: Monee Silicone Spoons
- Best eco-friendly baby spoon: Avanchy Stainless Steel Spoons
- Best baby spoon for self-feeding: NumNum Pre-Spoon GOOtensils
- Best heat sensor baby spoon: Munchkin White Hot Safety Spoons
- Best baby spoon set: Munchkin Soft-Tip Infant Spoons (12-pack)
- Best budget-friendly baby spoon: The First Years Take & Toss Infant Spoons (16-pack)
- Best baby spoon for travel: OXO Tot On-the-Go Feeding Spoon
- Best baby spoon and fork set: Bumkins Silicone Chewtensils
In what can feel like the blink of an eye, your milk-loving newborn will be ready to eat solids — it’s a huge milestone and a particularly exciting one!
Watching your baby experience different tastes and textures is so much fun. You may choose to do most of the feeding yourself as you start out, offering purées in a spoon. Then, as your baby gets older, they’ll take feeding duties into their own hands and start scooping favorite foods into their mouth with a spoon.
With so many baby spoons on the market, though, the choices can be overwhelming. Here’s the lowdown on some of the most popular brands and types for different purposes and budgets.
When it comes to purées and solids, babies eat with their hands and utensils. Their hand-eye coordination may not be the best, so they’ll likely need your help at first.
As they get older and enter toddlerhood, learning to use spoons and other utensils is a developmental milestone. So, while you don’t necessarily have to use a spoon from day one (especially if you’re following baby-led weaning), it’s not a bad idea to add one to your bag of tricks.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), babies can start using spoons when they’re ready to eat solid foods. Currently, the recommended age for starting solids is 6 months old. At this age, it’s appropriate to give babies food from a small spoonwith supervision.
You can also give your baby an easy-to-grasp spoon to practice with on their own or to chew for teething. Again, you’ll always want to be watching what your little one is up to when they’re eating or using tools like spoons.
The CDC mentions that older babies can start to use spoons independently once they reach 10 to 12 months old. Of course, every baby is unique, so definitely consult with your pediatrician to make sure these guidelines apply to your family.
The following baby spoons are rated highly for their quality, design, and functionality. Beyond that, we also heavily considered customer reviews from parents are caregivers to weigh out the good, bad, and ugly.
All spoons (and other baby products) sold in the United States must meet certain safety guidelines put forth by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
These include things like not containing lead, phthalates, or other potentially harmful materials. Likewise, they must undergo testing at CPSC labs before they can be sold and distributed.
Price guide
- $ = under $1 per spoon
- $$ = $1–$5 per spoon
- $$$ = over $5 per spoon
Best all-silicone baby spoon
Monee Silicone Baby Spoons
- Price: $$
- Material: silicone
Made entirely from platinum silicone that’s 100 percent BPA and phthalates free, these Monee baby spoons are soft on baby’s gums, making for a great starter spoon.
This spoon even doubles as a teether and has a textured nubby end to chew and gnaw as your little one’s teeth start breaking through. Its medium-long handle allows parents to feed their child or even works for baby-led weaning.
Some parents note that these spoons are very bendy and tend to allow babies to fling purées all over the place. Others say the silicone stains over time, especially with orange purées.
Pros
- The spoons are made of phthalate- and BPA-free silicone.
- They can double as teethers.
- The spoons are soft, making them gentle.
Cons
- Silicone may stain over time, especially if your baby likes orange purees.
- The spoons are bendy, which may result in food all over the kitchen.
Shop now at Amazon
Best eco-friendly baby spoon
Avanchy Stainless Steel Baby Spoons
- Price: $$$
- Material: stainless steel and silicone
There isn’t any plastic in the construction of these spoons from Avanchy. Instead, they’re made from durable stainless steel and silicone. They have a short and wide handle that’s great for older babies and toddlers who are learning to self-feed.
Reviewers like the size of the spoons and that they’re deep and hold more food than others of similar size.
Pros
- Reviewers like the spoon’s size, as it holds more food than others.
- The handle is great for toddlers who are learning to feed themselves.
- These are plastic-free.
Cons
- These are pricier than most of the other spoons on our list.
- Metal may be uncomfortable on sensitive or raw gums.
Shop now at Amazon
Best baby spoon for self-feeding
NumNum Pre-Spoon GOOtensils
- Price: $$$
- Material: silicone
These spoons may look a little funky, but there’s a reason for their unique design. First off, the flat handle and head allow your baby to hold it any way they like without the need to balance or scoop. And the manufacturer claims that these are doctor recommended for baby-led weaning (ages 6 to 18 months).
They work with stage 1 and 2 purées and also with preloading of table food. And rest assured they’re made from silicone that is 100 percent free of BPA, PVC, and phthalates.
Reviewers like the one-piece, easy-to-clean construction of these spoons. They do say, though, that they’re smaller than most infant spoons and most babies prefer to use them as teethers or toys. And a couple people said the spoons fell apart with time, so they may not be the longest lasting for the price.
Pros
- The spoons are one piece for easy cleaning.
- The silicone is free of BPA, PVC, and phthalates.
- Your baby can hold these however they’d like.
Cons
- These are smaller than most infant spoons.
- Some babies prefer to use them as teethers, instead of spoons.
Shop now at Amazon
Best heat sensor baby spoon
Munchkin White Hot Safety Spoons
- Price: $$
- Material: polypropylene plastic
Munchkin’s heat-sensing spoons have been around for quite some time. They’re a popular choice among parents because the colorful tips turn white when food is at or above 110°F (43. 3°C).
The tapered heads of these brightly colored spoons are soft and made to fit into small mouths. Reviewers say these spoons are affordable and functional without frills, and like that they’re dishwasher safe (top rack).
A few people mention that the head of the spoon is quite shallow and doesn’t carry much food, which might be best suited for younger babies. Several say that the colorful tips stain and that the white hot feature tends to be quite sensitive (meaning foods that only seem warm to the touch may set it off).
Pros
- The spoons are heat sensing and change colors when food is at or above 110°F (43.3°C).
- The tapered heads are soft.
- They’re top-rack dishwasher safe, so cleaning is easy.
Cons
- Spoon head is shallow and doesn’t carry much food.
- They may be prone to staining over time.
Shop now at Amazon
Best baby spoon set
Munchkin Soft-Tip Infant Spoons (12-pack)
- Price: $
- Material: plastic
The thing is, you feed your baby a lot of meals. This means you’re constantly using, washing, and — of course — losing spoons. This set of 12 baby spoons by Munchkin comes out to around $.66 per spoon. They’re colorful and made from BPA-free plastic with a rounded tip. Reviewers say the spoons are well made and a good value.
These spoons have rave reviews from parents, but a few warn that if your baby likes to bite down on them, they’ll probably not last that long. And a few people say that the rounded tip of the spoon doesn’t have a soft edge, so it may be uncomfortable against tender gums.
Pros
- The spoons are heat sensing and change colors when food is at or above 110°F (43.3°C).
- The tapered heads are soft.
- The spoons are budget-friendly, at less than $1 each.
Cons
- The spoons may not last that long if your baby likes to bite down on them.
- The rounded tip of the spoon doesn’t have a soft edge, which could make it uncomfortable on baby’s gums.
Shop now at Amazon
Best budget-friendly baby spoon
The First Years Take & Toss Infant Spoons (16-pack)
- Price: $
- Material: plastic
At around 18 cents a spoon, the Take & Toss spoons by First Years are by far the cheapest option out there. They are made from BPA-free plastic and are durable enough to use time and time again, but inexpensive enough to make tossing OK if necessary.
Reviewers like these spoons for taking out to restaurants and say they have a smooth tip and handle that’s comfortable for both adults and babies.
These spoons are bare bones, so there’s no added functionality, like teething or folding or bending. Reviewers generally like these spoons, but several people mention the head is very small and doesn’t carry much food. Others share the spoons really aren’t easy for babies to use for self-feeding due to the long handle.
Pros
- The spoons have a smooth tip.
- They have a handle that’s comfortable for adults to use while feeding babies.
- The spoons are budget-friendly and come in large packs so you can dispose of them on the go, if necessary.
Cons
- The head is on the small side and doesn’t carry that much food.
- The longer handle could make these difficult for some babies to use for self-feeding.
Shop now at Amazon
Best baby spoon for travel
OXO Tot On-the-Go Feeding Spoon
- Price: $$
- Material: silicone, stainless steel, and plastic
Many spoons you’ll find come with travel cases, but the OXO Tot travel spoon is particularly compact and easy to toss into a diaper bag.
The tip is made from food-safe silicone and has a contoured handle that makes scooping and serving comfortable and easy at any angle. Reviewers like the narrow head of the spoon, especially for smaller infants.
A few parents say this spoon is a bit messier than others, noting that it is quite small, and that it’s better to use with thicker purées and not those that are stage 1 and stage 2.
Pros
- The spoon is made for travel and comes with a case.
- Its contoured handle makes scooping and serving easy.
- The narrow head is great for smaller infants.
Cons
- This spoon is quite small.
- It’s best with thick purées and not necessarily stage 1 and stage 2 foods.
Shop now at Amazon
Best baby spoon and fork set
Bumkins Silicone Chewtensils
- Price: $$$
- Material: silicone
This adorable and colorful silicone spoon and fork set is appropriate for use as soon as your baby starts eating solids.
The spoon has special sensory bumps on it to stimulate gums and both pieces are durable, one-piece construction, which makes for easy cleaning (they’re also top-rack dishwasher safe).
A few people say they’re fun to chew but that they’re a bit too chubby to use for actual eating. And one reviewer says the company gets an “A for effort” but that these utensils really aren’t useful for babies over 8 months old.
Pros
- The rounded handle could make these easier for babies to grasp.
- The spoon has sensory bumps to stimulate the gums.
- Cleaning is easy as these are top-rack dishwasher safe.
Cons
- The spoons aren’t great for babies over 8 months old.
- Some reviewers say these utensils are too chubby for some babies to eat off of.
Shop now at Amazon
Product | Price | Material | Age range |
Monee Silicone Spoons | $$ | silicone | 6 months and up |
Avanchy Stainless Steel Spoons | $$$ | stainless steel (silicone handle) | older babies |
NumNum Pre-Spoon GOOtensils | $$$ | silicone | 6 months and up |
Munchkin White Hot Safety Spoons | $$ | plastic | 3 months and up |
Munchkin Soft-Tip Infant Spoons | $ | plastic | 3 months and up |
The First Years Take & Toss Spoons | $ | plastic | not specified |
OXO Tot On-the-Go Feeding Spoon | $$ | silicone, stainless steel, plastic | 6 months and up |
Bumkins Silicone Chewtensils | $$$ | silicone | under 8 months |
You’ve probably seen a wide variety of baby utensils at your local big box store or online. There are certainly a number of choices that have different shapes, materials, and purposes. Here’s what you might encounter:
- Long-handled baby spoons. These tend to be good for parents looking to feed babies. The handle length helps the food reach the baby without parents having to overextend their arms/wrists.
- Short-handled baby spoons. These are usually easy to hold and make a good choice for teaching babies how to use spoons independently.
- Travel spoons. These may fold or be small enough to easily stow in a carry case for on-the-go feeding sessions.
- Temperature-sensitive spoons. These change color as an added safety feature. They show parents when foods might be too hot to feed to babies.
- Organic or eco-friendly baby spoons. These are made from natural materials that are better for the planet and may be safer for your baby.
- Baby-led weaning spoons. These help even the youngest babies get food to their mouths. Usually spoons in the category have a unique design.
- Bendable or loadable baby spoons. Baby spoons that bend or allow you to load them with food may be worth trying if you have a picky eater or need some extra help with mealtime.
When choosing a baby spoon for your little one, you’ll want to consider the following:
- Material. Spoons come in materials ranging from plastic to silicone to metal and more. If your baby likes to bite everything while teething, you may want to choose a softer material. On the other hand, you may prefer an eco-friendly material or a traditional metal utensil experience.
- Construction. Some spoons are made from one material while others combine two or more materials, for example plastic and metal. Spoons that are all one piece may be easier to clean and less likely to break.
- Cost. You can get basic baby spoons very inexpensively. Those that have special materials or added features may cost more.
- Added features. Do you need a spoon to do double-duty? You can find spoons that work as teethers. Others, like folding spoons, are good for if you travel or are otherwise on the go.
At what age do babies start using spoons?
The CDC recommends breastfeeding or formula feeding for the first 6 months. Parents can start to introduce solid foods around 6 months old, though the CDC encourages you to continue breastfeeding or formula feeding even as solid foods are introduced.
Follow your pediatrician’s guidance when it comes to introducing solid foods, as there are certain signs your baby may not be ready.
This question also gets at when babies might start to hold and use spoons themselves. The answer isn’t the same for every baby, but according to the CDC, babies usually get better at using utensils, starting with a spoon, when they’re 10 to 12 months old. Their coordination is still developing, though, so it may be messy.
Are silicone spoons good for babies?
Food-grade silicone is softer than other spoon materials, like stainless steel. This may make it a more appealing option for babies with sensitive gums or those who are teething. Silicone also doesn’t feel as cool to the touch as stainless, which may be something babies prefer.
Choosing the right spoon for your baby isn’t an exact science. But having something that you enjoy using as you feed them (and they like eating off of) will make mealtime a breeze. Regardless of what spoon you choose, relish the fact that your kiddo’s growing and ready to try solids or maybe even attempt eating on their own.
Best DIY bird feeder ideas
Alas, the warm sunny summer has come to an end, and soon the mild autumn days will be replaced by gloomy skies, rain and wind, and the first frosts will follow. Nature, as you know, does not have bad weather, but if we can hide in warm houses and, wrapping ourselves in a cozy blanket with the cat, look out the window for bad weather, then this time becomes a real test for the birds wintering in our area. Many of them simply do not have enough strength and food to survive the winter cold. So why don't we help these tiny creatures? And at the same time decorate your yard or window with an original feeder.
Cereal wreath
You can, for example, make a grain wreath. It looks very sophisticated, and even a child can handle its manufacture.
You will need:
- vegetable oil;
- baking dish;
- ½ cup warm water;
- sachet of gelatin;
- ¾ cup flour;
- 4 cups grain mixture;
- 3 spoons of sugar or corn syrup;
- ribbon.
First you need to prepare the bonding base. To do this, dissolve gelatin in water, and then add flour and syrup to them, mix everything well. A grain mixture can be added to the bonding base. It is important to remember that birds should never be treated with roasted seeds and nuts, almonds, peeled millet, and rice. But not roasted nuts, pumpkin, sunflower, melon and watermelon seeds, as well as unshelled millet, oats, rye and dried fruits are great.
Mix well with the base. Next, grease the mold with vegetable oil and put the finished mass into it. If you do not have a mold in the form of a ring, you can simply form a wreath from the mixture in a regular round shape.
Let the ring dry: this will take about a night. A dried out wreath should easily come out of the mold, if this does not happen, let it dry some more.
Thread a ribbon, braid or scarf into the finished wreath and hang it in a visible place for the delight of yourself and the birds. And, of course, the final look of the wreath depends only on your imagination.
Toilet paper roll feeder
The toilet paper roll feeder looks just as pretty.
You will need:
- peanut butter or other adhesive base;
- grain mix;
- toilet paper roll;
- twine or other rope.
Take a sleeve and coat it with peanut butter.
Dip the oiled bushing into the grain mixture and roll it over the grains until the bushing is firmly covered with seeds.
The feeder is almost ready, it remains only to let it dry, thread the rope inside and hang it up. The feeder can also be simply put on a branch.
Feeders-toys
In fact, treats for birds can be given any shape, for example, to make stars.
You will need:
- grain mix;
- bonding compound;
- sunflower oil;
- cookie cutters;
- ribbons.
As with the wreath feeder, prepare the binder and grain mixes and mix them together. Now take a cookie cutter, grease it with oil and fill it tightly with the finished mixture. With a chopstick for Chinese food or any other, make a hole for the ribbon.
Let the decoration dry and thread the ribbons through the hole so they can be hung.
Apple feeders
You can also pamper your birds with fruits, such as apples, by making bird feeders out of them.
You will need:
- grain and binder mixtures;
- several apples;
- several screws;
- twine or other rope.
Cut the apples in half lengthwise. Use a knife or spoon to make an indentation in the center of each half. Place the finished grain mass tightly into the resulting hole. Put the resulting feeders in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours.
When the grain mixture has set, you can hang the treat outside. To do this, take the screws and screw them into each half.
An apple can be hung from the screw head.
And some more interesting and simple feeder ideas:
Tags: Design, Ideas, Bird Feeders, Crafts, Garden
Helping Birds. What feeders can you make with your own hands? | Construction and design | Dacha
Maria Yurasova
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
3146
AIF at Dacha No. 23. Lunar calendar 2019 04/12/2018Shutterstock.com
Hanging a bird feeder in your garden will help your feathered friends get through the winter, and they will help you fight insect pests next season. In addition, the feeder can become an original element of garden design, which is especially valuable in the cold season, when there are so few colors around. It is best to make it with your own hands and involve children in this. This will bring pleasure to the whole family and will help to instill in the kids a love of nature, teach them to take care of our smaller brothers.
Here, for example, is a feeder that anyone can make. And there are almost no costs: you only need an empty five-liter bottle, a skein of a simple rope and plastic spoons. It is necessary to cut out windows in the side walls of the bottle, tightly wrap the resulting frame with a rope (for fidelity, you can put it on glue) and glue the spoons on top, making a “tiled roof”. Simple and cute!
A charming feeder will come out of an unnecessary tea pair - a cup and saucer. A little glue, a strong rope - and the bird cafe is ready! And if you have a drill with a suitable drill (for working on ceramics), you can drill holes in the saucer for the rope: it will be more reliable.
Photo: Shutterstock.comYou can make an "automated" feeder out of an ordinary glass bottle. True, in this case, you have to tinker a little to make a wooden house with a holder. The bottle is filled to the top with bird food, turned over, and as the pichugs peck at the treat, new portions will pour out of the neck.
Anyone who loves to work with wood and prefers long-lasting "solid" things will certainly want to approach the matter more thoroughly. Making a spacious and comfortable bird dining room, of course, will be more difficult, but the result is worth it. Firstly, not only birds will like such a tower: it will attract the attention of all your guests. And secondly, in the process of its manufacture, you can teach children the skills of working with wood tools.
It will be interesting for little architects and builders to assemble a feeder from the details of a children's constructor. This is where the opportunity to show ingenuity and imagination will be presented! A multi-colored construction in the spirit of constructivism will be clearly visible from different parts of the garden, however, it is better to install it in a place protected from the wind.
But girls will most likely like a more cozy pastoral option. For the feeder, you can use any toy house, as long as it is not too heavy. And how to fix it on a pallet and hang it, let dad think - this is not a woman's business!
Alas, it may also happen that in the country house there are no suitable materials for building a feeder at hand. No problem! Then go to the store for oranges. The peel of these fruits will make excellent "bowls" that can be filled with seeds or grains. The birds will be surprised!
Congratulate your loved ones from the pages of the newspaper “AiF.