The When and How of Introducing Utensils to Babies

Spoons, forks and knives, oh my!

April 21, 2022

Baby led weaning bib by Bibbrella

Spoons, forks, and knives, oh my! The introduction of utensils can feel daunting to both you and your little one. And that’s even before thinking about the mess that will ensue. However, learning how to use utensils can be a fun (and delicious) experience as long as you know what to expect. Continue reading to find out more about when and how to introduce your babe to utensils.  

At What Age Do Babies Start Using Utensils?

As with most skills a child will learn, when they start using utensils depends highly on their development. While many babies will be able to start sometime between the age of 6-8 months, a better cue is to keep an eye on your kid’s motor skills. Can your baby grip objects for an extended period of time? Is your child interested in using utensils? For instance, you may notice that your child can now hold a carrot stick longer than they used to or that they’ve started reaching for your fork while you eat. While these signs don’t mean that your baby can twirl spaghetti like a champ, they do indicate that spoons are an option worth having during mealtimes.  

What Kind of Utensils Should You Use?

Spoons are usually the first utensil introduced to babies, as they require less skill. Forks are generally introduced a couple of months later. When selecting utensils, look for these qualities:

Made with silicone: The soft surface of silicone helps protect sensitive gums and teeth.
Has a short handle: A short, stubby handle is easier to maneuver than a long one. The thickness of the handle also helps babies grip the spoon more firmly.
Is shaped like a normal spoon: While angled spoons may be easier in the short term, kids will get used to the shape and have to re-learn how to use a regular-shaped spoon when the time comes.
Has grooves: Until using a fork is a reality, spoons with grooves help food stay put until it reaches your baby’s mouth.

Should BLW Kids Use Utensils? 

Yes! Approach the introduction of utensils as you would approach feeding in baby led weaning–let your babe guide the way. And if they decide spoons are way more fun for drumming the table, so be it. If you feel hesitant about being lax with utensils, keep in mind that using fingers and hands still helps build motor skills and curiosity. More importantly, this means keeping mealtimes fun and positive. Grab a full-length bib and let your child explore the tasty and exciting world of eating!

How Do You Introduce Babies to Utensils? 

Since there’s no cut and dry answer for when an individual child will be ready to use utensils, it’s best to make the option available once you sense they’re ready. If you notice that your little one is able to grab and hold onto objects and is curious about your utensils, it may be time to have a spoon out and ready to use. 

Begin by placing the spoon next to their food, but don’t expect for a baby to know exactly how to use it right away. For some time, the spoon may just be played with, touched, or licked before being used properly. And in fact, even if a child can technically use a spoon, they may not really show interest in actively utilizing it until they’re 9-12 months old. This doesn’t mean you should put the spoon away, however. Provide it with every meal to help your babe get familiar with the association between utensils and eating and continue to demonstrate how to use utensils by eating together!

Introducing utensils to your baby is a fun but messy experience! Be prepared for mealtime storms with Bibbrella! Bibbrella is a full-coverage bib that will keep stray meatballs and ranch-dipped carrot sticks off your child’s clothes. We can’t guarantee that spoons and sauce won’t land on the kitchen floor, but at least Bibbrella can save you a round of laundry during the Great Spoon Experiment!