3 Best Toddler Utensils for Self Feeding in 2024

Toddler utensils are a great way for your child to start learning how to feed themselves. There are so many different utensils on the market, but what does your toddler actually need? In this post, I’m sharing my favorite 3 sets of the best toddler utensils for self-feeding!

When should toddlers start using utensils?

We start giving our kids utensils, especially a silicone spoon like this that works well for dipping, at 6 months old. But in general, a child should be practicing using utensils by the time they are eating solid foods. If you’re looking for more on the best baby-led weaning gear (including utensils!) check out this post.

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Even though they won’t be proficient in self-feeding with utensils until they are older, it can help babies learn hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills if you start early.

3 Best Toddler Utensils for Self Feeding

Adult silverware and utensils may be too challenging for your little one to hold and self-feed. You may find your toddler has an easier time with smaller-sized silverware. Here are my top 3 favorite toddler utensil sets.

1. Best Toddler Utensils Stainless Steel: Exzact Children’s Silverware

This is the set we use and love for our toddlers. It comes with 2 full sets of utensils (fork, knife, and spoon) that is exactly like an adult set which I love. If you are looking for utensils for an older toddler, like a 3-year-old, I definitely think it’s the set to choose, although we start our kids on it much younger than that (around 1 year old.)

2. OXO Tot Fork & Spoon Set

The handles on this set are a little bigger than the stainless steel set above which may make it easier for a younger toddler just learning to self-feed.

However, I do love that the fork is still made of stainless steel which makes it easier to actually pick things up with the fork. You can also buy it as a travel set, which is what we have and keep in our car.

3. Bumkins Utensils Silicone and Stainless Steel

I love that these are stainless steel with silicone handles to make it easier for grabbing and self-feeding. The suggested age for these is 18 months, but if you feel comfortable you could certainly start with self-feeding before that.

How to Choose the Best Toddler Utensils

Toddler utensils come in all shapes and sizes, with a variety of different functions. When choosing the best toddler utensils for your child, you’ll want to consider:

• The age of your child. – A 6-month-old baby may fair best with this flexible silicone spoon for dipping, although I certainly gave my kids regular spoons to play with at this age as well. However, a 3-year-old is going to want some sturdier silverware.)
• Material of the silverware. – I prefer to avoid plastic in general, but I especially find a plastic fork doesn’t work well. For toddlers, I prefer small stainless steel silverware which mimics normal sized silverware either with or without larger plastic/stainless steel handles. For young babies, I prefer soft silicone spoons for dipping and then phasing into stainless steel.
• The type of food your child is eating. – I think it goes without saying that you can’t eat yogurt with a fork very well.
• The size and shape of the Utensils. – Obviously, this can influence how they hold on to the utensils. Larger handles may be best for younger toddlers as they work to develop their self-feeding skills.

What utensils should a toddler use?

While having the best utensil for your toddler can certainly make it easier for them to self-feed, many toddlers enjoy playing with and using adult silverware (with appropriate supervision.) So, it’s really up to you and your child which silverware you choose. As long as they’re safe, have fun with it!

Can a 2-year-old use a fork?

A 2-year-old should be using toddler utensils like a fork and spoon to practice self-feeding. However, they may not be proficient until they are older (especially for a fork,) and they may continue to pick up food with their hands at this age.

What are the best utensils for a 1-year-old?

Again, it’s really up to you and your child’s abilities. Many parents prefer the OXO tot or Bumkins silverware for 1-year-olds, but I did let my kids use this Exzact stainless steel silverware set at age one.

What is the best baby cutlery or silverware?

If you are looking for the best baby utensils, be sure to check out my post on my favorite baby-led weaning essentials. However, in addition to the ola baby spoon I personally just simply started my babies out on the silverware mentioned above.

Other Helpful Resources on Toddler Feeding

10 Best Non Plastic Cups for Toddlers

My 3 FAVORITE Smoothie Cups for Kids

8 Best Snack Cups for Toddlers

Complete Guide to Healthy Snacks for Toddlers

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