Best Toddler Utensil
We feel the Exzact Kids Silverware Set is a good option for experienced toddlers. This set is made of stainless steel, a material we believe is healthier, and it provides durability and longevity. In fact, we think these forks and spoons will last years, and your little one will most likely outgrow them before they show wear and tear. We also appreciate the cutlery's one-piece design (no nooks or crannies for food remnants to hide) and that they are dishwasher-safe. We think the engraved dog and bunny is subtle, yet a sweet touch. The fork's prongs are less rounded than other contenders in our lineup and easier when piercing tougher foods.
The utensils measure about 5.5 inches in length, which is longer than other toddler cutlery in our lineup, yet shorter than adult silverware. Nonetheless, we recommend this set to older toddlers, preschoolers, and kids who need silverware until they are ready to transition to adult-size cutlery.
If you're looking for a bargain, consider the Munchkin Multi Fork and Spoon. The utensils are plastic and basic, but they work. The fork is rounded and with no sharp edges, and we think this set is great for beginner eaters who are practicing self-feeding skills.
Plastic is not our preferred choice of material due to potential concerns about chemicals leaching into baby's food. Also, the packaging states this set is top-rack dishwasher safe; but, since it is plastic, we suggest hand washing. Although this is not the first product we would recommend, it does get the job done, and at a great deal, we recommend it to families on a tight budget.
The handle design of the Munchkin Raise Toddler Fork and Spoon Set stands out among the contenders as it features a base that keeps the utensil tip off the table and away from germs - even if right side up or upside down. We appreciate this innovative design, and we think the stainless steel utensil heads is an advantage as we prefer stainless steel over plastic. The utensils adequately fit a toddler's hand, and the handle offers silicone on top for added grip, with plastic on the bottom. Also, this set is a top-rack dishwasher-safe product.
We think the spoon's shape and size is on the smaller end, plus slightly deep, but believe it sufficiently works for toddler bites. Nonetheless, if you appreciate toddler utensils that sport a unique handle that keeps the tip from touching the table, we suggest the Munchkin Raise for children 12 months and up.
Crafted for small hands and little eaters, we think the Grabease Ergonomic Baby Utensils are suitable for parents who want to introduce cutlery to their baby (as early as six months-of-age) to teach and encourage self-feeding skills and independence. We believe the flower-like barrier serves two advantages. It can prevent a baby from putting the fork or spoon too far into their mouth, and it keeps the utensil tip off the table. The ergonomic handle is short, stubby, and great for little hands to grab. This set also comes with a to-go pouch, making it travel-friendly for meals away from home.
This product is all plastic, which we prefer to avoid, given the potential concerns regarding plastic leaching chemicals. But, we appreciate its one-piece construction, with no nooks or crannies to hide food remnants. We also think the utensils are small and believe they are most comfortable for babies and young toddlers with smaller hands. Despite the product's material and size, we believe this product may meet your needs if you seek an introductory utensil set.
Dish up with the Kirecoo Fork and Spoon Set. This product comes with a hard-shell carrying case, which we think is a perk for families who often travel and enjoy meals away from home. We appreciate the stainless steel heads. The fork and spoon fit a toddler's hand, and the plastic handles slightly curve, which we think is more pronounced and can help ensure food gets to its intended destination.
The fork is more of a spork (combo of spoon and fork) with rounded prongs, and we believe this design is safer for tots still learning to aim for their mouths. Nonetheless, If you seek a toddler utensil set with rounded edges and appreciate the carry case, we recommend this flatware set.
The Skip Hop Zootensils Fork and Spoon may catch your attention with its playful handle design, which adds a pop of color to mealtime. We appreciate the stainless steel heads, which we prefer over plastic options. The fork and spoon are shorter than other contenders and sport wide and chunky handles. We believe the product's size and shape are more comfortable for younger tots and the handle design encourages a steady grip.
Although dishwasher-safe, we noticed some peeling on our set during testing, and we wonder about the handle's long-term durability and suggest hand washing this product. If you can overlook this flaw, we recommend this product for a toddler who needs extra surface area to hold or a little one who will enjoy the fun handle design.
Why You Should Trust Us
BabyGearLab has been testing various baby-related gear over the past 10 years. Leading our review is Molly Bradac, Senior Review Editor, and Nanny with over 14 years of experience. Drawing from her experience with a range of children ages and developmental stages, Molly can provide recommendations for a utensil set that may work for your family and needs. We purchased each product in our review, sent them through rigorous, side-by-side testing before rating and ranking the competition.
Analysis and Test Results
While evaluating and ranking performance among the competition, we reviewed each contender for material and usability, such as comfortability to hold and cleaning ease.
Material
Toddler utensils use various materials, including stainless steel, silicone, plastic, bamboo, or wood. For a health-conscious parent, stainless steel is an excellent option, plus it is durable and long-lasting. The Exzact Kids Silverware Set fits this profile. Silicone is another safe and healthy alternative. It is toxin-free, particularly 100% food grade or medical grade silicone; plus, it is soft and can withstand the high temperatures of a dishwasher. Our review does not include a 100% silicone product, but the handle of the Munchkin Raise Toddler Fork and Spoon Set features some silicone for added grip. As for plastic, we are not big fans, mostly due to the potential of chemicals leaching into baby's food. The Grabease Ergonomic Baby Utensils and the Munchkin Multi Forks and Spoons are all plastic. Considering that safer and healthier materials are available, like stainless steel, silicone, bamboo, or wood, we recommend heading that direction when you can.
Size
We've done the measuring and side-by-side comparison so you can reap the benefits of the details. The Grabease Ergonomic Baby Utensils is the smallest among the competition, whereas the Exzact Kids Silverware Set is the biggest. The Munchkin Raise Toddler Fork and Spoon Set and the Kirecoo Fork and Spoon Set fall within the average range, and lastly, the Skip Hop Zootensils Fork and Spoon are slightly below average. Since every child is different, you should find a utensil set that best fits your child's hands.
Ease of Cleaning
This metric is all about convenience. Of course, a dishwasher-safe product (top-rack preferable) is more manageable than handwashing, which is slightly more time-consuming. As a one-piece design, we believe the Exzact Kids Silverware Set is the easiest to clean because the stainless-steel material can handle the high heat of a dishwasher. However, the Grabease Ergonomic Baby Utensils is all plastic. While the manufacturer states it is dishwasher-safe, we suggest handwashing to avoid high heat and reduce the potential risk of chemical exposure, especially since it will be in your baby's mouth. Also, the Skip Hop Zootensils Fork and Spoon are dishwasher-safe. But, we suggest handwashing this product, too, as we wonder about the handle's durability.
Conclusion
When your baby graduates to their very own utensil set, it can be an exciting milestone. Of course, using a utensil takes practice, and you can expect messes, but eventually, your toddler will be a scooping and spearing champ. Let our recommendations help guide your decision-making, and soon enough, your toddler will be dishing-up their own meals.
— Molly Bradac