Do Babies Need Baby Utensils?
Babies have softer, more sensitive gums and small mouths. So, it makes sense to get them baby utensils that are designed to fit their mouths and keep their gums safe.
Baby spoons, forks, cups, plates, and bowls should be safe and free from toxic chemicals, including BPA (bisphenol-A), BPS (bisphenol-S), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), heavy metals (lead, cadmium, etc.), and phthalates.
Do Babies Need Special Spoons?
Yes. Big, stainless steel spoons might be too big and hard for their small mouths and sensitive gums.
Many baby spoons have a protective shield that prevents your little one from choking due to pushing the utensil too deep into their mouths.
Our Top 15 Picks For The Best Baby Feeding Utensils
Best Baby Plates
- Loulou Lollipop Silicone Suction Snack Plate – Silicone plate with cute animal prints and shapes
- EZPZ Mini Mat– All-in-one silicone plate and placemat
- Ahimsa Balanced Bites Stainless Steel Plates in Rainbow – Pediatrician-designed, stainless steel plate with a lifetime warranty
Best Baby Bowls
- Munchkin Stay Put Suction Bowls – Budget-friendly baby bowl with a large suction base
- SKIP HOP Easy-Grab Bowls – Unique comfort-grip handle and measurement markings in the bowl
Best Baby Utensil Sets
- Nuby Garden Fresh Mash N’ Feed – Entire set lets you prepare, store, and feed from the same bowl
- Avanchy Baby Bamboo Stay Put Suction Bowl + Spoon – Eco-friendly organic bamboo and silicone utensil set
- UpwardBaby Feeding Supplies For Toddlers – Complete feeding set that promotes BLW (baby-led weaning)
- BABYBJÖRN Baby Feeding Set – Elegant feeding set with plate design that helps make scooping easier
Best Baby Spoons
- NumNum Pre-Spoon GOOtensils – Dual-stage, flat-head pre-spoon set that doubles as teethers
- Bumkins Silicone Chewtensils – Training spoon with thick handles
- Munchkin Gentle Scoop Silicone Trainer Spoon – Budget-friendly training spoons with choke guards that double as a spoon rest
- Dr. Brown’s Silicone Starter Spoon – Cute turtle-designed spoon that doubles as a teether
- SKIP HOP Easy-Fold Travel Spoons – Travel-friendly spoons with built-in cases
Best Cups
- EZPZ Tiny Cup– Soft silicone, topple-resistant baby cup
Continue reading to learn more about these baby utensils.
Loulou Lollipop Silicone Suction Snack Plate
What Makes It Special
- Silicone plate with cute animal prints and shapes
- Available in these differently colored designs: lion (rust), rhinoceros (gray), alligator (green), elephant (blue), and bunny (peach)
- Suction base that sticks to most high chairs and tables to prevent spills and slippages
- Easy to clean and dishwasher safe (top rack only)
- Freezer safe
- Microwave safe
Key Features
- Material: Soft silicone
- Product Safety: Free from toxic chemicals such as lead, cadmium, PVC, and phthalates
- Certifications: ASTM 917 (American Society for Testing and Materials) safety regulations and CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) standards
- Warranty: Three months
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Some designs have lots of nooks and crannies that might eventually collect grime and food residues if not properly cleaned.
EZPZ Mini Mat
What Makes It Special
- All-in-one plate and placemat
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-porous surface that can help inhibit bacterial growth
- Smile design to help promote a positive mealtime experience
- Available in different colors: sage, blue, coral, gray, lime, blush, pewter, and aqua
- Features three compartments for different food types to encourage a well-balanced meal
- Fits most highchair trays
- Suction base to keep it in place and prevent tipping or slipping
- Stable base promotes self-feeding (such as in BLW) and develops fine motor skills
- Portable, compact, lightweight design
- Comes with a reusable bag that makes it easier to simply put the product in your diaper bag for dining out or traveling
- Dishwasher safe
- Microwave and oven safe (up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit)
- The brand claims that this product doesn’t wear, fade, or corrode.
Key Features
- Material: 100% food-grade silicone
- Product Safety: Free from toxic chemicals such as BPA, BPS, PVC, and phthalates
- Certifications: Silicone materials are 3rd-party quality tested (FDA approved and CPSC certified)
- Warranty: Three months (limited warranty)
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- The placemat base might be too large for some high chairs.
- Some parents complain about this product retaining the scent and taste of dishwashing soap.
Ahimsa Purposeful Plates
What Makes It Special
- Pediatrician-designed plate
- Non-porous and inert to help prevent the growth of bacteria and other pathogens
- Unbreakable
- 9-inch stainless steel plates that your child can use as they grow
- Universal plate design for everyone in the family
- Available in three different colors: classic, rainbow, and iridescent blue
- Dishwasher safe
- Lifetime warranty
Key Features
- Material: Stainless steel
- Product Safety: Free from PVC, BPA (and all bisphenols), phthalates, melamine, and lead
- Warranty: Lifetime
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Unlike the other baby plates on our list, this doesn’t have a suction base.
Munchkin Stay Put Suction Bowls
What Makes It Special
- Budget-friendly baby bowl
- Suction base keeps it in place on your baby’s high chair tray
- Large suction base, nearly as wide as the bowl for stability
- Comes in a pack of three differently sized, differently colored bowls: purple, green, and blue
- Microwave safe
- Dishwasher safe (top rack only)
Key Features
- Material: BPA-free plastic
- Product Safety: Free from BPA and phthalates
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Some parents complain about the base’s poor suction capacity.
SKIP HOP Easy-Grab Bowls
What Makes It Special
- Set includes two bowls and two lids
- Ergonomic and unique comfort-grip handle for parents to hold the bowl during feeding easily
- Space-saving stackable design
- Available in combinations of teal and gray or coral and gray
- Features standard and metric measurement markings for estimating the amount of food your baby eats
- Microwave safe but don’t microwave with the lid on
- Freezer safe
- Dishwasher safe (top rack only)
- Can match or coordinate with other SKIP HOP baby utensils
Key Features
- Material: BPA-free plastic
- Product Safety: Free from BPA and phthalates
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Some parents complain about food residue easily getting stuck inside the bowl.
Nuby Garden Fresh Mash N’ Feed Set
What Makes It Special
- Includes a food masher, bowl with lid, and spoon so that you can prepare, mash, store, and feed from the same bowl
- Textured bowl interior to help with efficient mashed purée preparation
- Non-slip base
- Available in different combinations: white and blue, red and green, white and green, orange and green, or teal and green
- Microwave sterilization safe
- Dishwasher safe (top rack only)
Key Features
- Material: BPA-free plastic
- Product Safety: Free from BPA
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Some parents complain that the food masher and textured bowl are difficult to clean and are prone to getting food residues stuck to the holes or ridges.
Avanchy Baby Bamboo Stay Put Suction Bowl + Spoon
What Makes It Special
- Plastic-free baby utensil set
- Hypoallergenic and non-toxic
- Organic bamboo handle with a silicone tip for the spoon
- Organic bamboo with a silicone suction ring for the bowl
- Removable non-slip silicone ring for interchanging with stainless-steel Avanchy baby bowls
- Ergonomically designed handle
- Transition-friendly silicone spoon that’s gentle on your baby’s mouth and gums
- Suitable for baby-led weaning, infant feeding, or toddler self-feeding
- Fits most high chair trays
Key Features
- Material: Eco-friendly organic bamboo and silicone
- Product Safety: Free from BPA, BPS, lead, and phthalates
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Handwashing only; not dishwasher safe
- Some parents complain that the bamboo bowl is prone to cracking and the ring base doesn’t have good suction strength.
UpwardBaby BLW Feeding Supplies For Toddlers
What Makes It Special
- Baby utensil set that comes with a silicone suction bowl, three food-catcher bibs, an anti-spill cup, and three shallow spoons
- Unbreakable silicone cup
- Waterproof bibs with pouches for catching crumbs, spills, and messes
- Safety spoons have anti-choking cross-handle shields and fat handles to fit your baby’s hand
- Soft silicone teething spoons
- Dishwasher safe
- Microwave safe
- Freezer safe
- The brand claims that its silicone products won’t stain.
Key Features
- Material: 100% safe silicone
- Product Safety: Free from BPA, lead, and phthalates
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Some parents complain that the bib doesn’t stay in place due to faulty buttons and has pouches that don’t stay open to catch messes.
BABYBJÖRN Baby Feeding Set
What Makes It Special
- Stylish set that includes a plate, spoon, fork, and cup
- Sturdy plate with a trefoil design that can make scooping food easier for your baby
- Easy-to-grip spoon to fit your baby’s little hands
- Stable cup with a large base to avoid tipping over
- Grip-friendly cup
- Plate also has an anti-slip strip at the base
- Available in different colors: powder pink, powder green, powder yellow, and powder blue
- Smooth and easy to clean
- Dishwasher safe
Key Features
- Material: BPA-free, certified food-safe plastic – ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) for the inner plate; PP (polypropylene) and TPE (thermoplastic elastomers) for the rim, baby cup, fork, and spoon
- Product Safety: Free from BPA, PVC, and other toxic substances
Product Recall
- None
Although BabySwede LLC recalled BABYBJÖRN feeding spoons due to choking risks in December 2016, the recall involved a different spoon design from those used in this feeding set. (1)
Cons
- Pricier than other feeding sets on our list
- Some parents complain that the plate is prone to scratching.
NumNum Pre-Spoon GOOtensils
What Makes It Special
- Dual-stage set
- Textured surface that doubles as a teether to soothe your baby’s gums
- Thick handle for a secure fit in little hands
- Flat head design
- Stage One pre-spoon lets your baby grab just enough food with the dimples
- Stage Two pre-spoon captures and holds food in the channels
- Dishwasher safe
Key Features
- Material: Premium food-grade silicone with nylon
- Product Safety: Free from PVC, BPA, or phthalates
- Certification: Meets US and EU (European Union) safety standards
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Some customers complain that the upper (head) part can separate from the rest of the spoon.
- Babies can’t use Stage Two for foods with a thinner consistency.
- They might be prone to discoloration.
Bumkins Silicone Chewtensils
What Makes It Special
- Training spoon with thick handles for easy gripping by tiny hands
- Spoon doubles as teether with teething nubs on the back
- Different colors and designs are available: light blue, dark blue, jade green, fuchsia pink, baby pink, and marble gray
- Ideal for self-feeding and baby-led weaning
- Dishwasher safe (top rack only)
Key Features
- Material: Silicone
- Product Safety: Free from BPA, BPS, PVC, phthalates, cadmium, and lead
- Certification: CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008) compliant
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- They can be pricey.
- Some parents complain about the toddler fork being too soft to pick up any food as intended.
Munchkin Gentle Scoop Silicone Trainer Spoon
What Makes It Special
- Budget-friendly spoons
- Training spoons with choke guards (double as a spoon rest)
- Soft silicone material that’s gentle on your baby’s mouth and gums
- Available in sets with two colors: pink and purple or light blue and light green
- Ideal for self-feeding and baby-led weaning
- Dishwasher safe
Key Features
- Material: Food-grade silicone
- Product Safety: Free from BPA
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Some parents complain that the clear plastic material can stain easily.
Dr. Brown’s Silicone Starter Spoon
What Makes It Special
- Cute turtle design
- Soft, shallow spoon bowl
- Doubles as a teether
- Textured arms can massage your baby’s sore gums
- Ring shape makes it easy for little hands to hold
- Dishwasher safe (top rack)
- Sterilizer safe
- Microwave safe
- Freezer safe
Key Features
- Material: 100% silicone material
- Product Safety: BPA-free
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Some parents complain that the unique design makes it difficult for babies to use as a spoon.
- The handle is also heavier than the head, making it easier to fall over or out of your baby’s food bowl.
SKIP HOP Easy-Fold Travel Spoons
What Makes It Special
- Travel-friendly spoons with built-in cases
- Stay-clean folding design
- Can coordinate with other SKIP HOP baby utensils
- Dishwasher-safe (top rack only)
Key Features
- Material: BPA-free plastic
- Product Safety: Free from BPA and phthalates
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Although you can sterilize with baby bottles, they can’t be put in a microwave sterilizer.
EZPZ Tiny Cup
What Makes It Special
- Hypoallergenic
- Soft silicone protects your baby’s gums and developing teeth
- Designed to fit your baby’s mouth and hands
- Helps promote self-feeding and fine motor skills
- Safe for use with cold, warm or hot foods and liquids (SAFETY WARNING: make sure to check that your baby’s food isn’t too hot by testing them on your inner wrist)
- Non-slip silicone grip
- Interior angle provides an even flow for safe drinking
- Weighted base with tactile bumps to provide topple resistance
- The brand claims that this product doesn’t wear.
- Dishwasher safe
Key Features
- Material: Silicone
- Product Safety: Free from BPA, BPS, PVC, and phthalates
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Some parents complain that their cups have a terrible smell, which allegedly doesn’t come off with repeated washing.
Summary & Recommendations
You can choose any of the baby utensils above, depending on your needs. Here are our recommendations:
Best Baby Plates
Choose Loulou Lollipop Silicone Suction Snack Plate if:
- You prefer a silicone plate with cute animal prints and shapes
Choose: EZPZ Mini Mat if:
- You want an all-in-one silicone plate and placemat
Choose Ahimsa Balanced Bites Stainless Steel Plates in Rainbow if:
- You prefer a pediatrician-designed, stainless steel plate with a lifetime warranty
Best Baby Bowls
Choose Munchkin Stay Put Suction Bowls if:
- You want a budget-friendly baby bowl with a large suction base
Choose SKIP HOP Easy-Grab Bowls if:
- You want one with a unique comfort-grip handle
- You prefer to have measurement markings in the bowl
Best Baby Utensil Sets
Choose Nuby Garden Fresh Mash N’ Feed if:
- You want an entire set that lets you prepare, store, and feed from the same bowl
Choose Avanchy Baby Bamboo Stay Put Suction Bowl + Spoon if:
- You prefer an eco-friendly organic bamboo and silicone utensil set
Choose UpwardBaby Feeding Supplies For Toddlers if:
- You prefer a complete feeding set that promotes BLW (baby-led weaning)
Choose BABYBJÖRN Baby Feeding Set if:
- You want an elegant feeding set with a plate design that helps make scooping easier
Best Baby Spoons
Choose NumNum Pre-Spoon GOOtensils if:
- You need a dual-stage, flat-head pre-spoon set that doubles as teethers
Choose Bumkins Silicone Chewtensils if:
- You want a training spoon with thick handles
Choose Munchkin Gentle Scoop Silicone Trainer Spoon if:
- You prefer budget-friendly training spoons with choke guards
Choose Dr. Brown’s Silicone Starter Spoo if:
- You like the cute turtle-designed spoon that doubles as a teether
Choose SKIP HOP Easy-Fold Travel Spoons if:
- You need travel-friendly spoons with built-in cases
Best Cups
Choose EZPZ Tiny Cup if:
- You need a soft silicone, topple-resistant baby cup
Some of the sets above also have baby-friendly cups.
FAQs
When Are Babies Ready To Feed Themselves?
Some babies might be ready to feed themselves at four months through baby-led weaning.
However, first, make sure that your baby shows signs of readiness and that you have your pediatrician’s approval before giving solid foods to babies younger than six months of age.
When Should I Give My Baby Utensils?
When to give your baby utensils depends on their development and interests.
Some babies might be interested in using a spoon at six months old. But you can also continue letting them use their hands for feeding until they develop and improve their fine motor skills.
Which Utensil Is The Best For Your Baby?
Plates and bowls are often the first utensils to use with your baby, especially with baby-led weaning.
Why Should Babies Use A Spoon During Mealtimes?
Mastering the spoon helps reduce messes during mealtime and introduces your baby to proper table manners.
Are Silicone Spoons Better?
Yes. Silicone spoons are hypoallergenic and usually free from toxic chemicals such as BPA, BPS, PVC, phthalates, and heavy metals.
How Do I Introduce A Spoon To My Baby?
The best approach is to teach them by example and let them copy your movements.
When Should My Baby Drink From A Cup?
Babies can begin drinking from a cup held by a caregiver at six months of age. They can gradually learn how to pick up the cup and drink on their own.
How Many Baby Utensils Do I Need?
Two to three baby spoons are ideal for each feeding session, especially if they’re still learning to hold and use one. Once your baby is more adept at feeding themselves, you aren’t likely to need more than one per meal.
Why Do Babies Use Silver Utensils?
Bacteria don’t thrive on silverware. Due to their antibacterial properties, silver utensils are preferred by some parents. (2)
Other Baby Feeding Essentials
- High chair
- Bibs
- Diaper bag (for bringing baby utensils, infant formula, or baby snacks while on the go)
REFERENCES
(1) https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2006/babyswede-llc-recalls-babybjorn-feeding-spoons-due-to-choking-hazard
(2) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27894512/
