Introduction
Introducing utensils is an exciting milestone in your baby’s mealtime journey. It’s the stage where they begin to transition from curiosity to independence. But many parents wonder: When is the right time to start? And what types of utensils are safest and easiest for babies to learn with?
This blog will guide you through the ideal timing, signs of readiness, and the best utensils to start with.
When Do Babies Start Using Utensils?
Most babies can begin experimenting with utensils around 6–9 months old, often aligning with the beginning of Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) or the introduction of solids.
At this stage, the goal is not perfection, but exploration.
Signs Your Baby Is Ready
Your baby may be ready to try utensils if they:
- Sit upright with minimal support
- Show interest in your food
- Reach for your spoon or fork during meals
- Bring objects to their mouth independently
- Display the natural urge to self-feed
If these signs are present, you can gently introduce utensils into mealtimes.
Best Utensils to Start With
1. Silicone or Silicone-Tipped Spoons
Soft, flexible, and gentle on developing gums — ideal for early feeding.
2. Stainless Steel 18/8 & Silicone Easy-Grip Forks
The stainless steel provides durability, while the silicone handles make them easy for small hands to hold.
3. Wide, Short Handles
Baby hands work differently from adult hands. Wider and shorter handles improve control and reduce frustration.
Teaching Your Baby to Use Utensils
Step-by-Step Approach
| Stage | What It Looks Like | What You Do |
|---|---|---|
| Awareness | Baby watches you eat | Eat together at the table |
| Exploration | Baby holds or bangs spoon | Let them play and learn |
| Practice | Baby tries scooping food | Offer soft, easy-to-scoop foods |
| Coordination | Baby self-feeds small bites | Encourage without correcting too much |
Remember: It will be messy — and that’s normal.
So What Foods Should You Start With?
Choose foods that easily stick to the spoon, such as:
- Mashed sweet potato
- Thick yogurt
- Mashed avocado
- Oatmeal
- Minced banana
These help build success and confidence early.
Our Recommended Starter Sets
Our Bamboo & Silicone and Stainless Steel 18/8 & Silicone utensil sets are specifically designed for learning hands — lightweight, gently contoured, and safe for everyday use.
They’re created to support:
- Gum comfort
- Easy grip control
- Self-feeding confidence
- Long-term durability
They also pair perfectly with suction bowls and plates for mess-controlled practice.
Final Thoughts
Introducing utensils is not a race — it’s a developmental journey. By watching for readiness cues and offering the right tools, you can help your baby build confidence and independence at the table.
👉 Explore our Baby Utensil Learning Sets to make this milestone easier, safer, and more enjoyable.
