How to Choose the Right Baby Utensils When Starting Solids: A Guide for New Parents

Starting solids is an exciting milestone in your baby’s journey, but it can also feel overwhelming when deciding what utensils and tools are best for your little one. As a Registered Nurse (RN) and Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS), I often get asked about what to use, why it’s important, and how to make the best choices. In this post, I’ll cover everything you need to know about choosing the right utensils, what materials and shapes to prioritize, and the benefits of introducing straw drinking and open cups early. I’ve also included links to my favorite products on Amazon to make your shopping easy and stress-free.

Why Choosing the Right Baby Utensils Matters

Introducing solids is more than just feeding—it’s about helping your baby develop essential skills like chewing, swallowing, and eventually self-feeding. The right utensils can:

• Ensure your baby’s safety during meals.

• Promote motor skill development, such as hand-eye coordination and grip.

• Encourage oral development, supporting proper chewing and speech skills.

• Make mealtime fun and less messy (for both you and your baby).

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Baby Utensils

1. Safety Comes First

Always prioritize safety when selecting baby utensils. Look for items that are:

• BPA-free and Non-toxic: Choose materials certified as safe for babies.

• Age-appropriate: Utensils should be designed for your baby’s age to ensure proper fit and ease of use.

• Durable and Easy to Clean: Babies are messy, so look for utensils that can withstand frequent cleaning without deteriorating.

2. Materials to Choose

Different materials have unique benefits:

• Silicone: Soft and flexible, ideal for teething babies and gentle on gums.

• Amazon Recommendation: Silicone Baby Spoons. They're great to introduce them as teether for your baby, so there won't be any pressure trying them and bringing them to their mouth to try. They are easy to grab on and food sticks to them well so baby can practice the eye-hand connection and bringing them to their mouth.

SAMiGO Silicone Baby Spoons Self Feeding 6+ Months - those are small, easy to hold, can be another teether for the baby early on. Those spoons are shallow which aids baby getting the food into their mouth. Cause baby grip the spoon with their lips.

PrimaStella Silicone Chew Spoon Set - another great option to have, I love those on the go and always keep them in my diaper bag for the baby to use when we are eating out.

• Stainless Steel: Durable and long-lasting for spoons and bowls. Look for designs with silicone-tipped handles for comfort.

• Amazon Recommendation: NUK First Essentials Kiddy Cutlery Spoons - I love this option and always use those with my kids because they can use them from a year up and they are great for the dishwasher.

NUK Pretensil Training Set - Love this set cause it has everything you need from the get go. The first silicone trainers spoon and "fork" that can give baby the opportunity to practice grabbing that first bite by himself and then the more mature utilities.

• Bamboo or Wood: Natural and eco-friendly but requires careful maintenance to avoid splintering. I did notice when using those with my kids, you need to try them pretty fast after washing or the wood would become dark.

• Amazon Recommendation: Bamboo Baby Plate and Bowl Set with Spoons and Fork for Babies. Great option that has all the utilities you need in one place. We are looking for small deep plates that will allow baby practicing taking food out of the plate.

Shapes and Designs That Work Best for Babies

Spoons

• Choose small, shallow spoons that fit easily into your baby’s mouth.

• Soft-tipped spoons are ideal for beginners to prevent gum irritation.

Bowls and Plates

• Suction bowls and plates stick to high chair trays, reducing messes.

• Divided plates can help introduce multiple food groups without mixing textures. But, remember to mix things up - cause we want different types of food touching each other so your child won't become picky.

• Amazon Recommendation: Suction Plates for Baby

PandaEar 3 Pack Baby Bowls with Suction - great for baby to practice pooling food onto his spoon or fork cause of the high edges.

Forks

• Opt for forks with rounded prongs to ensure safety while allowing your baby to practice piercing soft foods.

• Amazon Recommendation: 4 Pieces Toddler Forks Baby Forks - easy to grip and have a secure silicone edge that doesn't allow baby to "shove" the whole fork in.

When you want to upgrade your forks for you toddler 18 months and on this one by NUK is a great option.

The Importance of Straw Drinking and Open Cups

Drinking from a straw and using an open cup are crucial for your baby’s oral and motor development. Here’s why:

Straw Drinking

• Strengthens the lips, tongue, and cheeks, which are essential for speech development.

• Helps babies learn to manage liquids, reducing the risk of choking.

• Amazon Recommendation: Silicone Straw Training Cup.

Open Cups

• Encourages proper swallowing patterns and supports jaw development.

• Promotes hand-eye coordination as babies learn to lift and drink.

• Amazon Recommendation: Small open cup for easy practice - suitable to hold with those small hands and easy to bring to mouth with a small amount of fluids to start practicing. I always love to start practicing cup drinking during bath time. Love the EZPZ cup, small and made of silicone, there is a straw version as well.

WeeSprout Silicone Baby Cups With Straws and Lids - the lid helps to keep it less massy. Practice with shakes first and then water. Those cups are great foe those small little hands to hold.

Another great option to start teaching baby using a straw - Olababy Silicone Training Cup with Straw Lid, light weight and easy for the baby to handle.

When to Start

• Begin introducing a straw or open cup around 6 months of age. Start with small amounts of water or milk to minimize spills.

Tips for Success When Starting Solids

• Start Simple: Introduce one utensil at a time to avoid overwhelming your baby.

• Encourage Exploration: Allow your baby to touch, hold, and even chew on the utensils. This builds familiarity and confidence.

• Be Patient: Learning to eat is messy. Use bibs, placemats, and patience to make it an enjoyable experience.

• Amazon Recommendation: 3-Pack Waterproof Baby Bibs for Eating - I love those ones because they are light weight and easy to clean. Better than the stiff silicone ones.

Starting solids is a wonderful time of exploration for both you and your baby. By choosing the right utensils, you can support your baby’s development and make mealtimes less stressful. Remember, every baby is different, so it’s okay to try a few options before finding what works best.