First spoons baby food
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.
Baby's first spoon | How to teach a child to eat with a spoon by himself
A spoon is an excellent exercise machine for developing fine motor skills. It's hard to eat with a spoon. You need to be able to hit the right end of the spoon first into the plate, then into the mouth, and even not drop the food. Most babies easily cope with this difficult task after a year.
That is why in many books the chapter on introducing the spoon begins with the phrase: "Your child is already a year old, it's time to teach him to eat on his own." Indeed, in a year a child will learn to use a spoon faster, but an earlier acquaintance with it will improve the coordination of the baby's hands. So why waste time? nine0003
Your baby will not be able to use a spoon before 7-8 months. First, the baby must learn to sit confidently so as not to stagger (do not swing, do not fall) from each wave of the hand. Secondly, it is more convenient to eat from a full plate, that is, a portion of complementary foods should be large enough.
The most convenient product for learning is a thick, viscous porridge. Such porridge can be brought to the mouth even with an inverted spoon. So, as soon as the baby gets used to eating 50-80 grams of porridge, give him a spoon in his hands. nine0003
The correct first spoon should be light, made of silicone or food-grade plastic, with a comfortable long handle.
You can also use an ordinary tea spoon or a silver spoon donated "for the first tooth", but always with a rounded handle, without sharp corners. A silver spoon must be made of table silver and have an appropriate quality certificate. Keep in mind that some babies don't like the feel of cold metal in their mouths, so it's best to opt for a special baby spoon.
For the first attempts, it is better to choose a small narrow spoon, it fits well in a small mouth. Such a spoon can be bought at any children's store, but the product must be certified. At the same time, in the economic department, get a large piece of oilcloth. nine0003
So, put a plate of porridge and give the baby a spoon. It’s good if the baby has managed to get a little hungry by this moment. First, help your child develop the skill correctly. Grab your baby's hand with your hand and together bring the spoon to your mouth. Part of the porridge will definitely end up on the floor, mother and walls. This is fine. The child can get into the plate with both hands and lick the porridge from his hands, lean towards the plate and eat directly from it.
Smart children fill the spoon with their free hand. Allow your child these experiments, in no case scold for carelessness! Now the baby is studying, do not interfere with him. After about five minutes, take the second spoon and feed your baby slowly. Each time, give the crumbs more and more time for independent food, so that in a few months he can eat a significant part of the portion himself. nine0003
When the child is used to using a spoon, seat him or her at a common table. Toddlers copy the movements of adults, their behavior at the table. So, on the example of the elders, the child will learn accuracy. At about two years old, a child will be able to eat his soup without spilling a drop. In the meantime, be patient.
Of course, it is faster and easier for an adult to feed a child. But if you postpone the process of accustoming to independence for a long time, the baby may refuse to pick up a spoon.
Why strain yourself, because mom or dad will help anyway!.. If this happens, and the child refuses to eat on his own, do not insist.
Just be distracted more often by household chores, leaving a plate (the food in it should not be hot!) And a spoon in front of the baby. At some point, a hungry child will not stand it and will take a spoon in his hands. And, of course, it will smear everything around - this is an obligatory stage of development. But the main thing is that the baby develops and learns independence. And the kitchen can be washed later. nine0003
The Spoon Ejection Reflex: Why Babies Spit Out Solid Food
Every parent welcomes a new stage in their child's development. The first laugh, the first steps - the baby grows and learns the world every day. The introduction of complementary foods into the baby's diet is one of such exciting moments. The spoon ejection reflex may be the reason why a child is not yet ready to eat solid food. Learn more about why and when to introduce complementary foods to your baby.
Your baby's development
For the first four to six months of life, a baby gets all the nutrients it needs from breast milk or formula.
As it develops (and with your pediatrician's permission), you can start giving your baby 4 to 6 month old solids, which are baby foods that are thicker than breast milk or formula. But the child can push pieces of food out of the mouth with the tongue. Is it picky?
Spoon ejection reflex
According to of the Union of Pediatricians of Russia , when a child pushes solid food out of the mouth with the tongue, this is called the “spoon ejection reflex”. This is one of the protective instincts of an infant. The baby's body develops, and the expulsion reflex protects him from choking or swallowing foreign objects in the first months of life. If something accidentally enters his mouth, the reflex causes him to push it back out. In addition, the swallowing mechanism of the baby is not yet sufficiently developed to cope with solid food. Thanks to this reflex, breast milk or milk formula is the only thing that enters his tummy. The reflex does not work when breastfeeding or bottle feeding, but may work when you offer solid food to your baby.
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Feeding basics
The timing of the introduction of solid foods into an infant's diet is determined individually, so it's a good idea to talk to your child's pediatrician first. The Union of Pediatricians of Russia advises to start introducing complementary foods to children at the age of 4-6 months. However, sometimes even after the permission of the doctor, the baby continues to push food out of the mouth. This suggests that the spoon ejection reflex has not yet disappeared. Wait a few days and try again. Gradually, the reflex will fade away and the child will be ready to take solid food. nine0003
Your baby's introduction to solid foods is the perfect time to reinforce your baby's regular oral care routine. Wipe your child's gums with clean gauze soaked in boiled water, or remove food particles with a soft toothbrush for children. Even if the baby has not yet erupted teeth, regular oral care is important for his health.
