As parents, you will come to a point where your baby needs to start eating solid foods. And by the time this comes, it pays to be prepared.
What does this mean? It means, you need to start investing in good eating utensils to make eating not just safe but also fun for your little one.There will be a lot to choose from, but ultimately you need to consider getting the good ones because these will be used daily.
Now the next question you might have would be, “What do we need to take note of when choosing the best utensils for our babies?” Well, you’ve come to the right place.
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How will you choose the right utensils for your baby?
There are a few main things you need to look for when shopping for your baby’s first eating essentials. Here are some of the things you would want to check:
Material
It’s very important to note that since it’s your baby’s first time to eat solid foods that you pick the right material for him. Here are some types of materials you can choose from:
- Silicone – this is the most common and most preferred material for baby utensils. Utensils made from this rubber-like material are not easily broken, easy to clean and because it’s soft, it is very gentle on babies’ sensitive gums.
- Steel – almost like the regular adult utensils, baby steel wares are much smaller in size. But bear in mind that this material is more suited for older ones because it’s much harder and not recommended for babies who are just starting with their solids.
- Plastic – make sure that when choosing plastic ones, it should be BPA Free. BPA or bisphenol A is a chemical that is commonly found in plastics which may cause serious health damage to infants. But don’t worry, a lot of the plastic utensils for babies are free from this. You just need to double check the label.
- Wood – there are also organic wooden utensils that you can use. These are safe for the environment and for babies as well. Bamboo is the most common toddler friendly material for this category.
Age Range
Don’t forget to take note of the age range where the material is most suitable for. Example, silicones are best for babies from 6-12 months while stainless steel is recommended for toddlers 13 months and above. Make sure that you choose the utensils appropriate for your baby’s age. The level of their gum sensitivity goes along with their age so this is very important.
Size
Small, medium or large? This is a pretty basic question to almost every decision involving various sizes. You must pick the right size for your baby. It’s obvious that for starters, you need to choose the smallest ones if you’re just about to start feeding your baby. Then gradually move to bigger sizes as you go along the solid food journey. Don’t take this one for granted. Size matters!
Cost
Value for money: you need to get your money’s worth. Is going for the most expensive ones always the best choice? Well, no. That’s why you need to include this in your checklist. You don’t necessarily need to choose the cheapest ones as well to save money because the quality of these may not be up to standard. There are baby utensils in the mid-range price point but are durable enough for long use. There are also those that come in bundles. Be wise and don’t just be fooled by the price!
Now, let’s get to the products, shall we? Once you dive into the solid food world, there are 3 main dining essentials that you need to have. Good thing you’re here because we’ve got it all covered.
Top 8 Best Spoons for Your Baby in 2021
Silicone
Olababy 100% Silicone Soft-Tip Training Spoon Teether for Baby Led Weaning 2pack
If you’re looking for your first baby spoon, the Olababy Training Spoon is one of your obvious choices. It’s unique design also makes it interesting for your little one to eat especially if he is just training to eat solid foods. This may also serve as your baby’s teether. It’s safe for the gums and since it’s made with silicone, it’s very flexible too and can double as a toy to keep your baby interested to self-feed.
BEABA First Stage Baby Feeding Spoon Set, THE ORIGINAL Soft Tip Silicone Spoons for Babies
Made from very soft silicone, BEABA First Stage Baby Feeding Spoon Set is also one of the most recommended ones for babies who are staring to seat solids. Their multi-colored cute design would make eating more fun and the soft edges of the spoons are safe for your baby’s sensitive gums. It’s also easy to grip so it won’t slip easily when you’re using it.
Boon Squirt Silicone Baby Food Dispensing Spoon,Green
Don’t be intimidated by the unique look of the Boon Squirt Silicone Baby Food Dispensing Spoon. This is perfect for serving puréed baby food. You don’t have to worry about scooping from time to time because you can load t with your baby’s food and just squeeze it for the food to come out. And yes, dishwasher safe, just in case you’re wondering.
Stainless Steel
Toddler Kids Spoons, E-far 6-Piece Stainless Steel Baby Child Metal Spoons
The E-far Stainless Toddler Spoon Set is great for training your toddler to self-feed. It comes in different sizes, which is perfect for transitioning. This type of spoon is best suited for toddlers who are 18 months and above. If you want to encourage them, make them feel like a grown up by allowing them to use a stainless pair of utensils. It will make your kid feel more responsible and in charge.
Munchkin 4 Piece Raise Toddler Fork and Spoon
Designed with a flat surface, this Munchkin 4 pc set makes it easier for your baby to pick up food. And in case it slips, the base helps the tip not to touch the table or the floor. So just in case the baby drops it, you don’t need to have a major panic attack! This is best for babies aged 12 months and above.
Plastic (BPA Free)
SPUNI Baby’s First Feeding Spoon
Want to make self-feeding more interesting for your little one? You might want to buy the Spuni baby spoon set. It comes in multiple colors so your baby can use a different color for each day. The size of the spoon is perfect for babies just starting to eat solid foods. The small tip allows your baby to pick up just the right amount of food to prevent choking or any other accidents. And just a bonus trivia, this was designed by MIT graduates for their babies! Now, wouldn’t this make a good choice for your baby?
Munchkin 6 Piece Lift Infant Spoons
if you’re into a sleeker design for a lift spoon, this one from Munchkin might interest you. Unlike the Munchkin 4 pc set that has a wide base, this one looks more like your regular spoon but comes in different colors too so your baby will still enjoy eating. It comes in 6 pcs so there’s almost one for each day. You just need to switch up the sequence of the colors every day and your baby won’t even notice!
Bamboo
Baby’s Feeding Spoons 6 Months and Up
The one that stands out under this category is the Bambu wooden spoon. This is great for starters and safe for babies who are 6 months old and above. If you’re also the type who also considers environment friendly products, this is the one. It’s made with USDA certified organic bamboo material so it’s safe to use for feeding and is a good alternative to plastic.
Top 8 Best Bowls for Your Baby
Silicone
2 Pack Baby Bowls
Worried about huge food chaos? This isn’t a problem with the Kingkam suction bowls. It has a super suction base that keeps the bowl in place so your baby can eat with ease.
Tip: it’s best to use this on a flat surface with a little water under the suction to hold it in place even better. Press the handles firmly to ensure that grip onto the surface and voila! You’re all set! And one extra thing, it comes with a spoon so you’re getting 2 items in one.
Olababy 100% Toxin-Free Silicone Steambowl Heat-Safe Baby Food Steamer Bowl
This Olababy Steambowl is the perfect choice when serving pureed food for your baby. You can heat up your puree in multiple ways. If you want to steam your baby puree, all you have to do is place the steambowl on a pot with water and cover it for a few minutes. Otherwise, this product is also microwave oven safe so that’s another alternative when heating up your baby’s food.
Tip: Heating/Steaming time varies depending on the type of food you want to serve. It’s best to steam your puree for 3 minutes but if you’re serving frozen puree, you might want to extend the steaming time to 4-5 minutes.
Stainless Steel
Avanchy – Stainless Steel Baby Bowl with Air Tight Lid and Spill Proof
The Avanchy Stainless Steel surely offers a number of benefits. For starters, it comes with a suction base so it stays in place when your baby’s eating. Another thing is it comes with an air tight lid so it’s perfect for bringing baby foods on family trips or outdoor activities. Lastly, this is an insulated bowl so it keeps the food hot inside but it’s cool enough outside for you to carry around. And yes, it comes with 3 cute pastel colors (Green, Blue and Pink) that are pleasing to the eyes!
Heavy 18/8 Stainless Steel Toddlers Bowls, HaWare 12 oz Feeding|Soup|Snacks Double Walled Bowls for Babies Kids
Although it’s made with stainless steel, the toddler bowls are safe for the little ones. It’s made with round edges to ensure that kids won’t get hurt when sipping their soup directly from the bowl. This also come in 4 pieces so you’re getting a good deal with this. Durability won’t be a problem too because this is unbreakable, it’s dishwasher safe and easy to bring for outdoor activities.
Tip: This isn’t suited for microwaves so just make sure that if you’re serving pureed food, heat it up first before putting it in this bowl. Make sure to place this on a flat surface too to avoid tilting and spilling food all over the place. You want to keep the eating experience mess free as much as possible, right?
Plastic (BPA Free)
OXO Tot Stick & Stay Suction Bowl
The OXO Tot Stick & Stay Suction bowl is a great choice when it comes to training your baby to self-feed. This plastic bowl is BPA free and is safe for kids. It’s base also keeps it in place making it difficult for your baby to toss it or even move it from where you placed it. The minimal but futuristic design also makes it look expensive but you’re technically getting it for a good US$10. OXO also says that their bowls are “Tantrum-Proof.” Isn’t this clever?
Tip: Use this bowl to serve solid foods such as cereals or fruits and allow your baby to eat with his bare hands to make self-feeding a fun experience for him.
NUK First Essentials Bunch-a-Bowls
NUK First Essentials Bunch-a-Bowls come in a 2-piece or 4-piece set at a good price point. The 2-piece set comes with a suction while the 4-piece set comes with the regular bowls. This is ideal for storing food because it also comes with a lid so you can bring this on road trips or even when you just want to pre-make some food at home and store them. It always pays to have a good design and color range to make it interesting for the little ones.
Bamboo
Bobo&Boo Bamboo Kids Bowls
Feed your kid and save the environment. Yes, that is possible! Bobo & Boo offers a variety of bamboo bowls perfect for your baby. Founded by two parents who are very invested in making products that are safe for babies and environment friendly, comes this 4-piece set. It is on the higher range in terms of price, but you will surely get your value for money on this one. These stylish bowls also make a perfect design to your kitchen. They’re easy to stack and store so taking up space won’t be a problem.
WEESPROUT Bamboo Toddler Bowls
Want to make your little one feel a little more in charge on the dining table? With the sleek design of the WeeSprout Bamboo Bowls, you can achieve this. Serve the food and tell your kid that this is an reward for him because of his good table manners.
All materials used on this product are non-toxic and safe for children. It’s also crack resistant and dishwasher safe making it easy to clean especially for parents who are always on the go.
Top 8 Best Plates for Your Baby – Reviews
Silicone
PandaEar Divided Unbreakable Silicone Baby and Toddler Plates
Your toddler is now ready for the next big thing: plates! This means that he can consume more so choosing the best plate to use is vital to this process. The PandaEar Silicone Plates is one of the best ones out there. Made with silicone that is both microwave and dishwasher safe, it’s easier to serve food using this.
The division of the plate is also in accordance with the right amount of food for your baby. This is heat and cold resistant. Plus, it comes with its own set of spoon and fork.
Baby Placemat, SILIVO Silicone Child Feeding Plate with Suction Cup Fits Most Highchair Trays Blue
What could be better than a regular divided silicone plate? An elephant shaped one! Yes, you read it right. Silivo has an elephant shaped silicone plate that takes eating solids for your baby to the next level. Who wouldn’t love to eat on this animal shaped plate? Not only that, it comes with a placemat and suction cup too, making it less messier to eat and securing it in place.
Tip: Since this is lightweight and easy to carry, you can bring this around and transfer your baby’s food here rather than the regular bowl. The suction cup works best on smooth surfaces so if you’re outdoors, find a smooth area to place this on. Lock it and you’re set. Make the experience fun and exciting for your little one!
Stainless Steel
Innobaby Din Din Smart Stainless Divided Platter with Sectional Lid
Who says buses are just for public transportation? They’re now also baby plates!
The Innobaby DinDin Smart Bus Platter is one of the most uniquely designed baby plates to make eating an enjoyable experience for babies. This also comes with a sectional lid that also serves as a secondary tray. Just like the spacious buses on the road, this plate has more divisions than the normal 3-sectioned ones allowing more variety of food to be served. There are also 8 colors to choose from so for sure there’s one or two that your toddler would like!
Avanchy Stainless Steel Toddler Feeding Divided Plate + Silicone Suction
Hold your plate in place with the Avanchy Stainless Steel Toddler Feeding Divided Plate that comes with a silicone suction. With this, you can simultaneously do other chores without the worry of your child spilling food all over the place. This is unbreakable and scratch resistant so you can use this product for a long time. No need to think of switching or buying new ones from time to time.
Plastic (BPA Free)
John Deere’s Johnny Tractor and Friends Feeding 4 Piece Set
Care to make feeding your baby more fun? Choose a plate with character. Well in this case, with “characters.” The John Deere’s Johnny Tractor and Friends Feeding 4 Piece Set is your all in one choice. With the colorful characters on the plate, eating can be a lot more fun for your baby. It also comes with a bowl and spoon and fork! This is a complete package. The plate is properly sectioned for equal amount of food while the bowl is made deep enough to make scooping easier for your child. The stainless spoon and fork that come with the package have an easy grip handle that prevents it from slipping easily on the hands when used.
Re-Play Made in USA 3pk Plates with Deep Sides for Baby
The Re-play plastic plates comes in different colors in sets of 3. It is also made with products that are free from BPA, BPS, PVC, lead and all the other chemicals that may harm your baby’s health. It is also designed to have deep sides to make scooping a lot easier for babies who are just getting used to eating by themselves.
Natural Bamboo
Avanchy – Baby Feeding Plate and Spoon Set
The eco-friendly Avancy Baby Feeding Plate and Spoon set offers 2 items in one. It comes with the divided bamboo plate with suction and a bamboo and silicone spoon for easier eating. It is made from sustainable materials, so this is the perfect alternative to plasticwares. It comes in 7 colors – pastel Blue, pastel Green, Maroon, Orange, Yellow, Pink and Gray so there’s a lot to choose from. With it’s cute design, it will definitely make eating easier for your baby.
Suction Baby Plate – Toddler Fox Cub Suction Plates
Isn’t this just the cutest bamboo plate? This plate also comes with a very durable suction plate to secure it in place whether it’s your dining table or your baby’s highchair table. It just doesn’t come in different colors but in different animal shapes, too! They have 5 different designs that you can choose from – there’s the fox plate, then there’s also a bunny one, a divided plate almost shaped like a clover leaf, a lamb plate and a dish plate which has no dividers.
Tips and Tricks to Make Your Babies Eat Well and Behaved while Eating
- Be calm and patient. Remember, babies generally have short attention span and sometimes even picky when eating. This is normal, there’s no need to panic.
- Make sure that your baby is sitting comfortably on his highchair.
- Ensure that there are no other distractions around you when it’s time to eat. This way, your baby can focus on eating.
- Start with very small servings especially when it’s your baby’s first time. Increase the serving gradually as you go along. But he needs to get used to eating solids first so start small.
- Allow your baby to make a mess. It’s part of the process. Make it a fun activity for him.
- Don’t keep changing meals right away. Wait until your baby gets used to the food you’re giving him before introducing a new one.
- Use utensils that are pleasing to the eyes like the colorful ones or bowls or plates that come in different designs.
Conclusion
Choosing the right utensils for your baby really takes some effort but it’s always worth it. More and more companies are also trying to think of innovative ways to make training babies to self-feed easier and a fun experience.
Don’t be afraid to invest on good materials. You can always refer to our list and do a little more research if you like. Make this milestone a memorable one for your family!
References:
https://www.wikipedia.org/
https://www.babyadvisor.org/category/feeding/
https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/week-45/time-to-eat.aspx
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/eating-tips-for-babies
https://www.babycenter.com/0_how-to-buy-feeding-supplies_10310518.bc
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