Meal times with a little one are so exciting once they can start self feeding. Which spoon is the best fit for their small mouth and chubby fingers? The best baby spoons offer an easy, comfortable grip as well as safe materials.
As a mom of three, I know that a quality spoon can make life easier for caregivers and babies alike. We searched for baby spoons that are non-toxic and safe as well as practical for everyday use. Learn how to pick the safest spoons for your baby, when your baby will need a spoon, and which ones are ideal for baby led weaning.
When Do Babies Start to Feed Themselves with a Spoon?
According to the CDC, babies usually learn to use a spoon between 10 and 12 months of age. Yet, most babies start solids at around 6 months of age. Most babies can eat from a spoon at this time.
In my experience, as soon as your baby can hold a spoon, they'll want to. As soon as my children started enjoying bites of food, I gave them a spoon to practice with. This also worked well as we incorporated baby led weaning into our meal times.
What Material Is Best for Baby Spoons?
The main materials used in baby spoons include silicone, stainless steel, and plastic. Each material offers advantages and disadvantages. While silicone and plastic are softer and easier on your baby's gums, stainless steel may be safer. Here's an overview:
Silicone Spoons
Silicone is a synthetic material similar to rubber and plastic. The material is generally safe and soft on your baby's gums.
High-quality silicones don't interact with food. One concern is that when heated at high temperatures, silicone utensils or cookware may leach chemicals into food.
If you buy silicone baby spoons, be sure to replace them as soon as there are signs of wear and tear. Some signs include whitening of the material and cracks. You may consider washing silicone baby spoons by hand to extend their life.
Plastic Spoons
Food-grade plastic is generally safe to use. Plastic spoons are soft on your baby's gums.
When choosing a plastic baby spoon, look for items that are phthalate and BPA-free. These chemicals may harm your baby's health.
Stainless Steel Spoons
Stainless steel is a popular material in the kitchen with good reason. Stainless steel is known for its safety and that it won't leech any chemicals into your food. On the other hand, stainless steel is hard and may be sharp.
Babies are still uncoordinated. Your little one may accidentally hurt their gums with a stainless steel spoon. That said, babies learn quickly. In my experience, using a stainless steel spoon with my babies was overall positive.
The Top 9 Best Baby Spoons
Discover our favorite baby spoons for starting solids, baby led weaning, and well into toddlerhood.
1. Best Baby Spoon Overall: BabyBjörn Baby Spoon - $19.99
Chunky and with smooth, rounded edges, BabyBjörn's spoons and forks are perfect for introducing solids. You can trust the high-quality plastic, which is BPA and PVC-free. Plus, it meets European and American safety standards. After meals, simply toss them in the dishwasher.
Features:
- 2 spoons, 2 forks
- Choose from 5 colors
- Made of high-quality, non-toxic plastic
- Ideal for babies and toddlers
2. Best Stainless Steel Baby Spoon: Munchkin® Polish™ Stainless Steel - $16.99
Help your toddler feel like a grown-up with this attractive stainless steel set. Your toddler can build fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination while learning to cut up their food using the butter knife.
This set features high-quality stainless steel, meaning you don't have to worry about toxins with this set. Although the set is advertised for toddlers, you can use the spoon as soon as your baby starts solids.
Features:
- 1 fork, 1 spoon, 1 knife
- Made of stainless steel
- Ideal for toddlers 18 months and up
3. Safest Plastic Baby Spoon: Mushie Dinnerware Fork and Spoon Set - $7.99
Introduce utensils with this adorable set. Mushie also sells matching plates, cups, and bowls, so you can get everything you need! Unlike many plastic sets, Mushie includes a fork with functional tines, providing a great introduction to this utensil. The spoon is an excellent option for younger toddlers and babies.
Features:
- 1 spoon, 1 fork
- Choose from 9 colors
- Made of high-quality, non-toxic plastic
- Ideal for toddlers
4. Best First Spoon and Fork: Ali+Oli Spoon & Fork Learning Set - $16.99
Get the best of both worlds with Ali + Oli's spoon and fork set made of stainless steel and food grade silicone. Your little one can enjoy a comfortable grip while also benefitting from a stainless steel sensory experience. Plus, you can rest assured your little one is safe with this non-toxic option.
These baby utensils also include a safety shield that prevents your baby from putting the spoon too far into their mouth. The fork is functional, making it easy for baby to pick up solid foods. The spoon is also ideal for every stage from spoon feeding to self-feeding.
Features:
- 1 spoon, 1 fork
- Choose from 3 colors
- Made of food grade silicone and stainless steel
- Ideal for babies and toddlers
5. Best Baby Led Weaning Spoon: Kiinde Lil’ Bites Soft Silicone Spoon Set - $14.90
Introduce spoons to your baby with this adorable and practical set. In addition to a traditional scooping spoon, this set also includes textured spoons. Soft foods stick to the textured spoons, making it easy for your little one to try it.
That makes these spoons an excellent option for baby led weaning. Occupational therapist, Olivia Powers recommends pre-loading your baby's spoon so they can pick up the spoon independently.
Looking for more baby led weaning tips? Powers shares her advice and experience here.
Features:
- 3 textured and traditional spoons
- Made of food grade silicone
- Ideal for babies
6. Best Baby Utensils: Lalo Utensils - $12.50
Offer your baby these adorable, yet practical utensils featuring stainless steel with a silicone handle. Your little one can practice picking up food with the fork and scooping up soup with the spoon.
Features:
- 1 fork, 1 spoon
- Choose from 7 colors
- Made of food grade silicone and stainless steel
- Ideal for toddlers
7. Best Spoon Set: Moonkie Silicone Feeding Spoons - $9.99
Soft and safe for baby's mouth, Moonkie's silicone spoons are ideal for starting solid foods. Made of safe, food-grade silicone, the set includes several sizes to introduce as your little one grows.
Features:
- 4 spoons of various sizes
- Choose from 3 color schemes
- Made of food grade silicone
- Ideal for babies
8. Most Sustainable Baby Spoon: Green Sprouts Cutlery Set - $7.99
Green Sprouts is committed to creating sustainable products, including their baby utensils set. Including a knife, this set helps your little one feel all grown up. Offering your toddler a full set of cutlery can build their confidence and skills.
Features:
- 1 fork, 1 spoon, 1 knife
- Choose from 4 colors
- Made of stainless steel and high-quality plastic
- Ideal for babies 12 months and up
9. Best Teether Spoons: Elle Belle Baby Silicone First Stage Feeding Spoons - $7.99
These spoons are not only unique and attractive, but they're also functional. Soft on your baby's mouth, these silicone spoons feature a tapered tip that makes it easy to scoop up food. Additionally, the handle offers an easy grip and excellent teether.
Features:
- 4 colorful
- Choose from 4 color schemes
- Made of food grade silicone
- Ideal for babies
The Best Baby Spoons for Your Baby
Any of these spoons will make an excellent addition to your kitchen and help your baby build their table skills. Which is your favorite?
Sources:
1. CDC
2. The Guardian
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