Best spoons for babies first feeding
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.
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.
90,000 best children's spoons for 2022Best children's spoons
- The best silicone children's spoon: silicone spoons Monee
- Best environmentally friendly children's spoon: tablespoons of stainless steel
- Best children's spoon for independent feeding : NumNum Pre-Spoon GOOtensils
- Baby's Best Heat Sensor Spoon: Munchkin White Hot Safety Spoons
- Best Baby Spoon Set: Munchkin Soft Tip Baby Spoons (12 pcs)
- Best Budget Baby Spoon: Take & Toss Freshman Baby Spoons (16 pcs)
- Best Baby Travel Spoon: OXO Tot On-the-Go Feeding Spoon
- Best Baby Spoon & Fork Set: Bumkins Silicone Chews
In no time, your milk-loving newborn will be ready to eat solid food - a huge milestone and especially exciting! nine0039
Watching your child try different flavors and textures is great fun. In the beginning, you can feed most of the food yourself by offering the puree from a spoon. Then, when your child is older, he will take over feeding duties and start scooping up his favorite food with a spoon.
However, with so many baby spoons on the market, the choice can be overwhelming. Here is a rundown of some of the most popular brands and types for different uses and budgets.
Do you need baby spoons? nine0003
When it comes to purees and solids, children eat with their hands and utensils. Their hand-eye coordination may not be the best, so they will probably need your help at first.
As they get older and enter childhood, learning to use spoons and other eating utensils becomes an important milestone in their development. So while you don't have to use a spoon from day one (especially if you're following weaning), it's a good idea to add one to your tricks kit. nine0039
When can I start using baby spoons?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children can start using spoons when they are ready to eat solid food. The current recommended age to start complementary foods is 6 months. At this age, it is appropriate to give babies food from a small spoon under supervision. .
You can also give your baby an easy-to-grip spoon to practice on their own or chew before teething. Again, you will need to keep an eye on what your little one is doing when he is eating or using tools like spoons. nine0039
When can children start eating on their own?
The CDC mentions that older children can start using spoons on their own when they are 10-12 months old. Of course, every child is unique, so be sure to check with your pediatrician to make sure these recommendations apply to your family.
How we chose the best baby spoons
The following baby spoons are highly regarded for quality, design and functionality. In addition, we also carefully reviewed customer feedback from parents and guardians to weigh the good, the bad, and the ugly. nine0039
All spoons (and other baby products) sold in the US must comply with certain safety regulations set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
These include things like no lead, phthalates or other potentially harmful materials. Likewise, they must be tested in CPSC labs before they can be sold and distributed.
Price guide
- $ = less than $1 per spoon
- $$ = $1-5 per spoon
- $$$ = over $5 per spoon
Pei-Pei
- Cost: $$
- Composition: silicone
Made entirely from platinum silicone, which is 100% BPA and phthalates free, these Monee baby spoons are gentle on baby's gums, making them a great spoon for beginners. nine0039
This spoon also doubles as a teether and has a textured, bulbous end that you can chew and nibble on when your baby starts teething. Its medium length handle allows parents to feed their baby or even suitable for weaning.
Some parents have commented that these spoons are very flexible and allow children to spread the puree all over the place. Others say silicone stains over time, especially with orange puree. nine0039
Pros
- Spoons are made of phthalate- and BPA-free silicone.
- They can be used as teethers.
- Spoons are soft, making them tender.
Cons
- Silicone may stain over time, especially if your child loves orange puree.
- Spoons are bent, which can cause food to fly all over the kitchen.
Best eco-friendly baby spoon
Avanchy stainless steel baby spoons
- Price: $ $ $
- Composition: stainless steel and silicone
These Avanchy spoons are made without plastic. Instead, they are made from durable stainless steel and silicone. They have a short and wide handle, which is great for older children and toddlers who are learning to eat on their own.
Reviewers like the size of the spoons and that they are deep and hold more food than other similarly sized spoons. nine0039
Pros
- Reviewers like the size of the spoon as it holds more food than others.
- The handle is great for babies who are learning to eat on their own.
- These are without plastic.
Cons
- They are more expensive than most of the other spoons on our list.
- Metal may be uncomfortable on sensitive or damp gums.
Baby's Best Self Feeding Spoon
NumNum Pre-Spoon GOOtensils
- Value: $ $ $
- Composition: silicone
These spoons may look a little quirky, but their unique design has a reason. First, the flat handle and head allow the child to hold it however they like without having to balance or scoop. And the manufacturer claims that they are recommended by a doctor for weaning a baby (aged 6 to 18 months).
Works with 1st and 2nd stage puree, as well as pre-loading cutlery. And rest assured, they are made from silicone that is 100% free of BPA, PVC and phthalates. nine0039
Reviewers love the one-piece construction of these spoons, which is easy to clean. However, they say they are smaller than most baby spoons and most children prefer to use them as teethers or toys. And a couple of people said the spoons fell apart over time, so they might not be the most durable for the price.
Pros
- Spoons are solid and easy to clean.
- Silicone free of BPA, PVC and phthalates.
- Your child can hold them however they like. nine0008
Cons
- They are smaller than most baby spoons.
- Some children prefer to use them as teethers rather than spoons.
Best Baby Spoon with Heat Sensor
Munchkin White Hot Safety Spoons
- Price: $$
- Composition: polypropylene plastic
- Spoons are heat sensitive and change color when food is heated to 110°F (43.3°C) or higher.
- Soft conical heads.
- They are dishwasher safe and therefore easy to clean.
- Spoon head is shallow and doesn't carry much food.
- They may become stained over time.
- Cost: $
- Composition: plastic
- Spoons are heat sensitive and change color when food is heated to 110°F (43.3°C) or higher.
- Soft conical heads.
- Spoons are inexpensive, less than $1 each.
- Spoons may not last as long if your child likes to bite on them.
- Cost: $
- Composition: plastic
- Spoons have a smooth tip.
- Has a handy handle that adults can use when feeding babies. nine0008
- Budget Spoons
- The head is on the small side and doesn't carry as much food.
- Price: $$
- Composition: silicone, stainless steel
- Travel spoon comes with a case. nine0008
- Narrow head, great for small children.
- This spoon is very small.
- Best with thick purees and not necessarily with stage 1 and 2 products.
- Cost: $
- Composition: silicone
- The rounded handle makes them easier for children to grab. nine0007
$ $ $ silicone up to 8 months What types of baby spoons are there?
You have probably seen a wide variety of children's tableware at your local large store or online. Of course, there are several options that have different shapes, materials and purposes. Here's what you might encounter:
- Long handled baby spoons. They are generally good for parents who want to feed their children. The length of the handle helps the food reach the baby and parents don't have to stretch their arms/wrists excessively. nine0008
- Children's spoons with short handle. They are usually easy to hold and are great for teaching kids how to use spoons on their own.
- Travel spoons. They can be folded or small enough to be easily stowed in a carry bag for on-the-go feeding sessions.
- Heat sensitive spoons. They change color as an added security measure. They show parents when food might be too hot to feed their babies. nine0008
- Organic or environmentally friendly baby spoons. They are made from natural materials that are better for the planet and may be safer for your child.
- Feeding spoon. They help even the youngest children get food into their mouths. Usually the spoons in the category have a unique design.
- Bendable or loadable baby spoons. Baby spoons that flex or allow you to load them with food might be worth a try if you are picky eaters or need extra help with your meal. nine0008
What to look for in a baby spoon
When choosing a baby spoon for your baby, consider the following:
- Material. Spoons come in a variety of materials, from plastic to silicone, metal, etc. If your baby likes to chew on everything during teething, you can choose a softer material. On the other hand, you may prefer eco-friendly material or traditional metal utensils.
- Construction. Some spoons are made from a single material, while others combine two or more materials, such as plastic and metal. Single piece spoons are easier to clean and less likely to break. nine0008
- Cost. You can get basic baby spoons very inexpensively. Those with special materials or extra features may cost more.
- Features added. Do you need a spoon to do double work? You can find spoons that work like teethers. Others, like folding spoons, are great if you're traveling or on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age do children start using spoons? nine0071
CDC recommends breastfeeding or formula feeding for the first 6 months. Parents can begin introducing solid foods around 6 months of age, although the CDC recommends that breastfeeding or formula feed continue even after solid foods are introduced.
Follow your pediatrician's instructions when it comes to introducing solid foods, as there are certain signs that your child may not be ready.
This question also refers to when children can start using spoons themselves. The answer isn't the same for every baby, but according to the CDC, babies usually start to become better at using cutlery, starting with a spoon, between the ages of 10 and 12 months. However, their coordination is still developing, so it can get messy. nine0039
Are silicone spoons good for children?
Food grade silicone is softer than other spoon materials such as stainless steel. This may make it a more attractive option for children with sensitive gums or those who are teething. Silicone is also not as cold to the touch as stainless steel, which may be what kids prefer.
Conclusion
Choosing the right spoon for your child is not an exact science. But having something you like to use when you feed them (and they love to eat) will make meal times easy. No matter which spoon you choose, enjoy the fact that your child is growing up and ready to try solid food or even try to eat on his own. nine0039
How to choose dishes for feeding
Kizino Polina Alexandrovna
pediatrician, perinatal psychologist
Beautiful bright dishes for the first feeding - a whim of the parents or should the child have their own special spoon and plate? Do dishes really increase appetite and arouse interest in new foods in babies? And what about safety if small children strive to play with food, turn everything over or throw it on the floor? Pediatrician Polina Alexandrovna Kizino has her own experience in choosing the first children's dishes. How much this is a necessary and difficult task for parents, read below. nine0039
— Polina Alexandrovna, is it necessary to purchase separate dishes for feeding babies?
- Baby needs his own dishes - this is a factor that pushes him to eat at the table, and not just drink milk or formula in his mother's arms. It also eliminates contact with foreign microbes and reduces the risk of catching intestinal and other infections that are transmitted orally.
— Does baby utensils help establish complementary foods?
- It makes eating more interesting. Mom does not resort to games, does not distract the child, does not fix attention on a process other than eating, but at the same time, the meal for the baby becomes brighter and more attractive, which inclines him to eat from a plate and from a spoon. nine0039
Main types of children's tableware
Cutlery
Food tableware
Drinking tableware
— Thermal spoons, thermal plates change color if you put very hot food in them. There is no urgent need for such devices, because you can always independently check the temperature of the dish. But on the other hand, such additional informational assistance may be appropriate and will warn mother and baby against dangerous food. nine0039
HOW TO CHOOSE CHILDREN'S DISHES
— Can tableware cause allergies?
— Such situations are rare. Now manufacturers are trying to make dishes from permitted materials. But there are people with allergies even to plastic, dyes. Here, the reason for the reaction of the body will not be in low-quality materials, but in individual characteristics.
It is difficult to suspect an allergy to cookware materials. And, unfortunately, there is no separate marker - an allergy to a component in the dishes will manifest itself in the same way as a food allergy. The only thing that can be done is to compare the fact of feeding and the appearance of allergic symptoms. For example, they bought a new plate and did not give new products, and the child developed an allergic reaction (rash, stool thinning) - in this case, one can assume a reaction, including to the materials from which the dishes are made. nine0039
Read also
- Does watching cartoons or playing at the table affect the baby's proper nutrition and eating habits?
— How to choose baby food utensils?
— The choice of children's utensils for babies depends on the convenience of the parents and their capabilities. The feeding bowl should match the portions, because it makes no sense to spread five spoons of mashed potatoes on a large plate. It is desirable that the volume of food does not embarrass or frighten the baby. It is better to put small portions in small plates, focus on the child, how he eats, in what quantity. nine0039
Requirements for children's dishes
HOW TO CARE FOR CHILDREN'S DISHES
— How to wash children's dishes?
— When caring for children's dishes, it is important to choose products that are approved for use on babies. Aggressive household chemicals are not needed: there is a risk of not washing off the substances to the end, which can adversely affect children. Therefore, it is better to choose the most gentle cleaning products for washing dishes, toys, vegetables, fruits.
— Can children's dishes be washed in a dishwasher?
— Dishwasher compatible with labeled dishes. And here you also need to follow the choice of detergent. The same with heating in the microwave - information about whether the dishes are suitable for this is written on its packaging.
I would like to draw your attention: if the child has not finished his meal, it is better not to put the leftovers in the refrigerator. Here everything is the same as with the mixture in bottles: if there was contact with saliva and microbes - a spoon into a plate, then into the mouth, then back into the plate - then food remains are not stored. nine0039
If possible, it is better not to refuse children's dishes. It will diversify the process of eating for your child. A spoon, a plate, a bowl of bright colors and a convenient shape will arouse children's interest, the desire to try something new, and feeding an interesting and tasty discovery.
* Breast milk is the best food for babies. WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of a child's life and continued breastfeeding after complementary foods are introduced until the age of 2 years. Before introducing new products into the baby's diet, you should consult with a specialist. The material is for informational purposes and cannot replace the advice of a healthcare professional. For feeding children from birth. nine0660
#Complementary food
See also
When to start complementary foods. First food
#Food #first food #organic cereal buckwheat #organic porridge rice #set first lure #buckwheat #corn #rice
Shcherbakova Alla Anatolyevna
candidate of medical sciences, pediatrician, gastroenterologist
How to arrange food for a baby while traveling
#Advice for Mom
Bulavina Ekaterina Borisovna
pediatrician of the 1st category
Complementary feeding
#Complementary food
Kiseleva Elena Sergeevna
Candidate of Medical Sciences, Scientific Advisor MAMAKO ®
See all
View all
How to arrange food for a baby while traveling
# Tips for mom
Bulavina Ekaterina Borisovna
pediatrician of the 1st category
See all
When to start complementary foods.
heat spoons have been around for quite some time. This is a popular choice among parents because the colored tips turn white when the food temperature reaches or exceeds 110°F (43. 3°C). nine0039
The conical heads of these colorful spoons are soft and suitable for small mouths. Reviewers say these spoons are affordable and functional with no frills, and are dishwasher safe (top shelf).
Some people mention that the head of the spoon is quite shallow and doesn't carry much food, which may be best for younger children. Some say the colored tips stain and the white hot feature tends to be quite sensitive (meaning foods that only feel warm to the touch can cause it). nine0039
Pros
Cons
Best Baby Spoon Set
Munchkin Soft Spoons (12 pcs)
The fact is that you often feed your child. This means that you are constantly using, washing and, of course, losing spoons. This set of 12 baby spoons from Munchkin costs about $66 per spoon. They are colorful and made of BPA-free plastic with a rounded end. Reviewers say the spoons are well made and inexpensive.
These spoons have rave reviews from parents, but some warn that if your child likes to bite on them, they probably won't last long. And some people say that the rounded tip of the spoon doesn't have a soft edge, so it can be uncomfortable for delicate gums. nine0039
Pros
Cons
Best Budget Baby Spoon
Take & Toss Freshman Baby Spoons (16 pcs)
Take & Toss spoons from First Years cost about 18 cents a spoon and are by far the cheapest option. They are made from BPA-free plastic and are durable enough to be used over and over again, yet inexpensive enough to be thrown away if needed.
Reviewers love these take-out spoons and say they have a smooth tip and handle that's comfortable for adults and kids alike. nine0039
These spoons are bare bones and do not have any additional functions such as teething, folding or bending. Reviewers generally like these spoons, but some people note that the head is very small and doesn't carry much food. Others share spoons that are really inconvenient for feeding babies due to the long handle.
Pros
Cons
Best Baby Travel Spoon
OXO Tot On-the-Go Feeding Spoon
The handpiece is made from food-safe silicone and features a contoured handle that makes scooping and feeding comfortable and easy from any angle. Reviewers love the narrow head of the spoon, especially for small children.
Some parents report that this spoon is slightly dirtier than the others, noting that it is rather small and that it is better to use it with thicker purees rather than stage 1 and 2 purees.
Pros
Cons
The best set of children's spoons and forks
Silicone chewing gum BUMKINS
This charming and colorful set of silicone spoons and forks is suitable for use, as soon as it is suitable for use, as soon as your baby will start eating solid food. nine0039
The spoon has special sensory protrusions for gum stimulation and both parts have a strong one-piece design for easy cleaning (they are also dishwasher safe).
Some people say they are fun to chew but are too plump to eat. And one reviewer says the company gets an A for the effort, but this cookware is really useless for babies over 8 months old.