When can a baby use a spoon?

When a child can use a spoon is going to depend on where each child is developmentally. However, because babies can begin solids as young as 4 to 6 months old, many families begin using a spoon for their baby at this time. “Infants as young as 6 months can successfully move a ‘preloaded’ spoon to their mouth. However, it is not until closer to 15 or 18 months that infants start to be independent with the spoon, including getting food on the spoon and then moving the spoon to the mouth,” Dr. Anttila explains. Some families may see their child pick it up even earlier, as some babies start using a spoon around 10 to 12 months old. No matter when your little one picks up a spoon, it’s vital for parents and caregivers to be educated in CPR training. "I highly encourage all parents to become trained in infant CPR,” Dr. Scott says. “A choking infant or toddler is very frightening to witness, and you want to be equipped with what to do. These courses are offered through the Red Cross as well as YMCAs .”

Which utensil is best for baby-led weaning?

Dr. Agarwal says the best utensils for baby-led weaning are the ones that are unbreakable. “Spoon first for starting solids and then a fork later on—9 months and up depending on progression to small chunks of food—and the fork should be rounded, not sharp on the ends,” she says. If you’re just starting with baby-led weaning, many families choose not to use a utensil until later, Dr. Anttila says. “Many parents choose not to use a utensil early in baby-led weaning and allow their child to use their hands to bring food to their mouths to begin to explore pieces of food. However, having a smaller-sized utensil that a baby or toddler can grasp and use in soft foods (or try to!) is also great!” she explains. “Some products out there are more flexible versus harder material, or short versus long, or even have a piece around the middle of it to try to stop babies from putting it too far into their mouth or throat to avoid gagging. Keep in mind that gagging can be a very normal part of food introduction and exploration. Younger infants may be more successful in getting purees from spoons that have a shallow head (spoon bowl). Forks should have blunt prongs, so as not to cause injury as they are moved toward the face and mouth.”

Can my baby use a regular spoon?

In short, yes, you can use a regular spoon for your baby, but you’re going to want to make sure the spoon isn’t too big for their small mouth. For size comparison, Dr. Agarwal recommends using a “teaspoon over a tablespoon.” Dr. Anttila echoes Dr. Agarwal, saying regular spoons can be used for babies, but you want them to be the appropriate size for their small hands. “A larger spoon could also be a fun thing for [a] baby to explore, however it may take more coordination due to the longer length for [a] baby to get food into their mouth,” she explains. “Babies can use regular spoons that are smaller and appropriate for the size of their mouths and little hands to grab.”

The 9 Best Baby Spoons and Utensils

Watching your baby transition to solid foods is an exciting milestone. Children can begin solid foods as early as 4 months old, but many families find themselves starting solids after 6 months old. Whether you plan to gradually introduce solids or want to start with purees, you’re going to want to invest in some feeding essentials, like spoons and other utensils.

“Spoons are great to have baby play with at mealtime even if they are not using them for food. Infants can be introduced to a spoon earlier than we expect them to learn how to use the spoon,” Ashley Anttila, MD, of Nemours Children’s Health, Delaware, tells Verywell Family. “Giving an infant a spoon while seated in a high chair allows them to practice grasping objects and moving objects to their mouth. It allows them to explore the texture of the spoon and different ways it can be oriented as it moves to the mouth.”

Tiny hands need spoons and utensils that are easy to grab and use, so opt for forks and spoons sized just for babies and toddlers. Check for any age recommendations while making sure the material is easy to clean. We carefully considered design, age recommendations, material, ease of cleaning, ease of use, size, and value when reviewing products.

Here are the best baby spoons and utensils for any snack or meal.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Dr. Brown’s TempCheck Spoons at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Munchkin Soft-Tip Infant Spoons at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Beginners:

Olababy Silicone Training Spoon at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best with Choke Guard:

Grabease Self-Feeding Utensils at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Older Toddlers:

Munchkin Stainless Steel Utensil Set at Amazon

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Best Bamboo:

Avanchy Bamboo Baby Spoons Set at Amazon

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Best Eco-Friendly:

Re-Play Toddler Feeding Set at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Teething Babies:

NumNum Pre-Spoon Gootensils at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Stainless Steel:

Bumkins Utensils at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Spoons turn clear when food is too hot
Elevated spoon rest
Dishwasher/sterilizer safe

Cons

Scoop is shallow
Handle is heavy

The Dr. Brown’s TempCheck Spoons earn our top spot because these baby spoons take the stress out of wondering if your little one’s food is too hot. These spoons come in a variety of fun colors and turn clear when food is too hot or reaches temperatures over 105 F. Made from 100 percent silicone, the spoons are soft against teething gums yet durable enough to handle any tosses off the high chair.

No matter how you decide to start solids, these baby spoons feature a long handle that’s easy to hold and an elevated spoon rest to keep messes off the table. And you can easily clean these utensils by tossing them in the dishwasher or popping them in a sterilizer.

Price at time of publication: $6

^{Key Specs:
Material: Silicone | Age Recommendation: 4 months old and up | Dishwasher Safe: Yes}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Soft tips
Dishwasher safe
BPA-free

Cons

Handle is heavy
Scoop is deep

Designed for children 3 months old and up, these baby spoons from Munchkin feature a soft, rounded tip that’s easy on babies’ gums. The spoons are available in a variety of bright, fun colors and can be washed easily in the dishwasher. Thanks to the spoons’ long handles, the utensils are simple enough for babies to use themselves.

Price at time of publication: $10

^{Key Specs:
Material: Plastic | Age Recommendation: 3 months old and up | Dishwasher Safe: Yes}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Flexible silicone
Can be used for scooping, cutting, and slicing
Spoon base allows utensil to stay upright

Cons

Grooves can be difficult to clean

For little ones just starting out on solids, we think families will love the Olababy Silicone Training Spoon. This training spoon resembles the shape of a sprout, while the tip is like a leaf. Not only does the tip of the spoon scoop up food, but kiddos can also use it to practice cutting and slicing.

Made from 10 percent food-grade silicone, this baby spoon doubles as a teether thanks to its soft material. The base of the spoon is even wide enough for the utensil to stand upright on the table for less mess.

Price at time of publication: $15

^{Key Specs:
Material: Silicone | Age Recommendation: 6 months to 3 years old | Dishwasher Safe: Yes}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Choke barrier
Small, thick handles
Made of nontoxic materials

Cons

Best for smaller hands/babies
Spoon is shallow

These baby spoons and forks feature a choke guard, which helps prevent babies from putting them too deep into their mouths. While the choke guards on this fork and spoon set provide a little peace of mind for parents and caregivers, they also double as spoon rest by keeping the messy utensil off the table.

The Grabease plastic spoon and fork are made from 100 percent nontoxic materials and are top-rack dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. They can also be boiled for up to two minutes if you want to sanitize them further.

Price at time of publication: $15

^{Key Specs:
Material: Plastic | Age Recommendation: 6 months old and up | Dishwasher Safe: Yes}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Durable
Dishwasher safe
Knife edge isn’t too sharp for children

Cons

Hand-washing is recommended

We think families with older toddlers will love this stainless steel utensil set from Munchkin. Little ones will feel like grown-ups at the table as this set comes with a fork, spoon, and knife. All pieces are made from BPA-free stainless steel and are designed to fit comfortably in small hands. Plus, the knife isn’t sharp enough to cut hands, but it can slice through fruit with ease.

The company recommends hand-washing this set, but you can still clean them in the top rack of the dishwasher. Children 18 months old and up can safely use this set for meals or snacks.

Price at time of publication: $17

^{Key Specs:
Material: Stainless steel | Age Recommendation: 18 months old and up | Dishwasher Safe: Yes}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Large spoon head/shorter handle
Lightweight
Soft silicone tip

Cons

Hand-wash only
May be too big for some children's mouths

Lightweight, durable, and soft, these baby spoons from Avanchy can be used for any meal. The spoons are made from bamboo and silicone, and they feature a small handle and a large spoon scoop for easier feeding. The spoon tips are gentle on teething gums, and they’re safe for children 4 months old and up. As for cleaning, be sure to keep these spoons out of the dishwasher and go for a simple hand-wash instead, so you don’t compromise the integrity of the bamboo.

Price at time of publication: $21

^{Key Specs:
Material: Bamboo and silicone | Age Recommendation: 4 months old and up | Dishwasher Safe: No}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Made from recycled milk jugs
Dishwasher and microwave safe
Durable

Cons

Forks bend easily
Certain foods may stain utensils

Whether you’re using them for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or something in between, these utensils from Re-Play are much more than your average fork and spoon. These spoons and forks are an eco-friendly option for families because they’re made from 100 percent nontoxic recycled milk jugs. And when your kiddo graduates to larger utensils, you can recycle them again.

Available in a variety of colors, the utensils are freezer, dishwasher, and microwave safe. The spoons and forks will last for multiple meal uses, and they stack for easy storage.

Price at time of publication: $10

^{Key Specs:
Material: Plastic | Age Recommendation: Not listed | Dishwasher Safe: Yes}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

No scooping or balancing needed
Two spoon stages included
Soft material

Cons

Difficult to clean (small holes)
Small

Teething littles may love these utensils more than their grown-ups. The spoon doesn’t feature an actual scoop and instead allows babies to dip the soft, rigid spoon in their food and gather just a bit of it to learn self-feeding.

The rubber-like material on the end of the Stage 1 spoon is textured to help soothe sore gums from teething pain, while the Stage 2 spoon is designed for holding thicker solids. Plus, the contoured handle features a nonslip material to prevent the utensil from slipping out of your baby’s hand. The spoons are safe for children 6 months old and up and can be washed in the dishwasher for a quick clean.

Price at time of publication: $14

^{Key Specs:
Material: Plastic | Age Recommendation: 6 months old and up | Dishwasher Safe: Yes}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Easy to grip
No toxic chemicals
Fork designed with slight bend for easier piercing

Cons

Ridges in handle can be difficult to clean

If you’re looking to ditch plastic at the dinner table, you’ll love Bumkins Utensils. The stainless steel fork and spoon fit comfortably in a toddler’s hand and feature textured silicone on the handles for a secure grip. To help children pierce food more easily, the fork’s outer teeth are bent, while the spoon is deep enough to hold the right amount of food. The fork and spoon can be cleaned via hand-washing or the dishwasher, and they are safe for children 18 months old and up.

Price at time of publication: $16

^{Key Specs:
Material: Stainless steel and silicone | Age Recommendation: 18 months old and up | Dishwasher Safe: Yes}

Final Verdict

There are lots of options on the market that fit the bill for durability, but you can’t go wrong with Dr. Brown’s TempCheck Spoons. The spoons feature an elevated spoon rest to prevent messes and turn clear if food is too hot. If you have an older toddler, we recommend checking out the Munchkin Stainless Steel Utensil Set. The set includes a durable, stainless steel fork, knife, and spoon sized just right for small children yet resembles what the grown-ups use.

How We Selected the Best Baby Spoons and Utensils

We chose the baby spoons and utensils for this list by researching reviews from customers and competitors, and we studied the features of more than 20 products on the market. We considered design, ease of cleaning, age recommendations, material, and ease of use when deciding our picks. We also consulted with Ashley Anttila, MD, of Nemours Children’s Health, Delaware, Arunima Agarwal, MD, board-certified pediatrician of New York, and JustAnswer pediatrician Denise Scott, MD, for any considerations or product recommendations while reviewing guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on infant and toddler nutrition.

What to Look for in Baby Spoons and Utensils

Age Recommendation

To ensure your little one is safe at every mealtime, check for the manufacturer’s age recommendation. Some baby spoons and utensils are designed for children just beginning solids or around 4 months old and up. “You can feed baby solids with a spoon at around age 6 months, [and] talk to your doctor about a specific age,” Dr. Agarwal explains. “Cereals should be given by spoon at this age, not in the bottle.”

There are also utensil sets designed for older toddlers or children who have had more practice with self-feeding if you’re looking to advance their skills.

Material

Baby spoons and utensils are made from a variety of materials, such as silicone, bamboo, stainless steel, or plastic. Consider the different factors about each material and if they’ll work for your family’s lifestyle. For example, families looking for more eco-friendly materials may want bamboo or stainless steel, while other families may prefer plastic.

The material of baby spoons and utensils gives you an idea of how the material may hold up through any tosses from the table. Not all materials are safe for use in the dishwasher or sterilizer, so make sure the utensils are safe to use in those appliances to help them last as long as possible. Plus, you want the material to be soft against their tender gums.

“Babies can begin trying to use a spoon at 6 to 9 months, but expect the spoon to be empty by the time it makes it to their mouth! It is best to begin with an infant spoon that is silicone, plastic, or rubberized to make it gentle on their teeth as well as soft, as it is likely to hit their face or head at some point,” explains Dr. Scott. “It is best to wait on a regular spoon until they have mastered the use and won't be flailing it about, usually after 18 to 24 months. The same applies to forks; an infant/toddler fork has soft, dull prongs that aren't likely to poke them. Forks may be easier for them to use than a spoon since the food is more likely to stay in place.”

Additionally, you want your baby’s utensils and other feeding essentials to be easy to clean. “Even if your baby can't manage to throw their plate, they still like to play the ‘drop game’ with their food, so unless you have a dog, a plastic mat beneath the high chair can make cleanup easier,” Dr. Scott says. “Because mealtime will be messy, make it easy on yourself. You can use large bibs, bibs with pockets at the bottom to catch the food, even bibs with sleeves, or just strip them to their diaper for meal time. Make sure that whatever you use is easy to wash.”

Size

The size of baby utensils is noticeably different from adults. They should be sized just right for your baby’s hands, providing them with a comfortable and secure fit. Look for utensils that are small enough for your child’s hands if you plan to have them self-feed.

“The size [of baby utensils] should be small, fit in their little hands, and with a stubby handle so they can hold it well,” Dr. Scott recommends. “Also, look for a shorter length, making it less likely for them to push it to the back of their throat.” But if you plan to spoon-feed your baby in the beginning, spoons with longer handles may fit better in an adult’s hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can a baby use a spoon?

When a child can use a spoon is going to depend on where each child is developmentally. However, because babies can begin solids as young as 4 to 6 months old, many families begin using a spoon for their baby at this time. “Infants as young as 6 months can successfully move a ‘preloaded’ spoon to their mouth. However, it is not until closer to 15 or 18 months that infants start to be independent with the spoon, including getting food on the spoon and then moving the spoon to the mouth,” Dr. Anttila explains. Some families may see their child pick it up even earlier, as some babies start using a spoon around 10 to 12 months old.
No matter when your little one picks up a spoon, it’s vital for parents and caregivers to be educated in CPR training. "I highly encourage all parents to become trained in infant CPR,” Dr. Scott says. “A choking infant or toddler is very frightening to witness, and you want to be equipped with what to do. These courses are offered through the Red Cross as well as YMCAs.”
Which utensil is best for baby-led weaning?

Dr. Agarwal says the best utensils for baby-led weaning are the ones that are unbreakable. “Spoon first for starting solids and then a fork later on—9 months and up depending on progression to small chunks of food—and the fork should be rounded, not sharp on the ends,” she says.
If you’re just starting with baby-led weaning, many families choose not to use a utensil until later, Dr. Anttila says. “Many parents choose not to use a utensil early in baby-led weaning and allow their child to use their hands to bring food to their mouths to begin to explore pieces of food. However, having a smaller-sized utensil that a baby or toddler can grasp and use in soft foods (or try to!) is also great!” she explains. “Some products out there are more flexible versus harder material, or short versus long, or even have a piece around the middle of it to try to stop babies from putting it too far into their mouth or throat to avoid gagging. Keep in mind that gagging can be a very normal part of food introduction and exploration. Younger infants may be more successful in getting purees from spoons that have a shallow head (spoon bowl). Forks should have blunt prongs, so as not to cause injury as they are moved toward the face and mouth.”
Can my baby use a regular spoon?

In short, yes, you can use a regular spoon for your baby, but you’re going to want to make sure the spoon isn’t too big for their small mouth. For size comparison, Dr. Agarwal recommends using a “teaspoon over a tablespoon.”
Dr. Anttila echoes Dr. Agarwal, saying regular spoons can be used for babies, but you want them to be the appropriate size for their small hands. “A larger spoon could also be a fun thing for [a] baby to explore, however it may take more coordination due to the longer length for [a] baby to get food into their mouth,” she explains. “Babies can use regular spoons that are smaller and appropriate for the size of their mouths and little hands to grab.”

Why Trust Verywell Family

Katrina Cossey has been a digital content producer and news and feature writer for more than six years. She has covered local and national news, as well as parenting content. Katrina is a parent herself and used a spoon with a choke guard for her son when he first started eating solids. Once her son was a bit older, she switched to the Munchkin Stainless Steel Utensil Set.