Babies can start exploring utensils as early as 6 months, with their skills developing gradually. Here's a breakdown of utensil use by age, including the products you mentioned:
- Introduce Newborn feeding spoons (2 pk or 3 pk) designed for 6 months and older
- Babies can begin practicing with pre-loaded spoons, typically starting with purees or mashed foods1
- Parents can help by guiding the spoon to the baby's mouth
- Use the Learn cutlery knife, fork, and spoon set designed for 6 months and up
- Around 7-9 months, babies start learning to close their lips around a spoon and show more interest in self-feeding
- By 12 months, most infants begin to dip utensils into food themselves
- Introduce the Learn cutlery stainless steel set designed for 12 months and older
- Between 15-18 months, most children develop more proficient spoon-feeding skills
- Continue to offer opportunities for practice and independence
Remember that every child develops differently, so don't worry if your baby takes more or less time to master utensil use.
The key is understanding that utensil use is a gradual skill that develops with the child's motor abilities and interest in self-feeding.