Best Toddler Utensil
The Exzact Kids Silverware Set tops the list for many reasons. Crafted from stainless steel, a healthier material for baby, it serves durability and longevity - yes, these forks and spoons will last years. In fact, your little one will most likely outgrow them before they show wear and tear. We appreciate the one-piece design (no nooks or crannies for grime to hide, plus less chance of damage), and the set is dishwasher-safe. The engraved dog and bunny are a sweet touch, and we find the quantity (three forks and three spoons) to be a perk considering the cost.
Measuring about 5.5 inches in length, these utensils are bigger than other toddler cutlery, yet smaller than adult silverware, so we recommend them for older toddlers, preschoolers, and kids until they are ready to transition to adult-size cutlery.
The Munchkin Raise Toddler Fork and Spoon Set have a unique feature, a base design to keep the utensil tip off the table and away from germs, even if placed right side up or upside down. Now, this is a feature we appreciate. We find the utensil set to be a good size for a toddler's hands, and the handle offers silicone on top for added grip, with plastic on the bottom. Also, this product is top-rack dishwasher-safe, for quicker clean-up after meals.
Of all the spoons in our review, we find the spoon shape on this product to be on the smaller end, but it is slightly deep, and we will sufficiently work for toddler bites. Despite the spoon shape and size, if you are searching for a toddler utensil on a budget, then this product is one to consider, plus the unique base feature may be enough to persuade your decision.
Crafted for small hands, the Grabease Ergonomic Baby Utensils is an all-around smaller utensil, making it suitable for parents wanting to introduce cutlery to their baby (as early as six months-of-age) to teach and encourage self-feeding skills and independence. The flower-like barrier offers two advantages. One, it blocks your baby from putting the fork or spoon too far into their mouths. Two, it keeps the utensil tip off the table and away from yuck. We find the ergonomic handle to be short, stubby, and easy for little ones to grasp. Also, this set includes a to-go pouch so that you can carry the set along in your diaper bag.
In our opinion, plastic is not an ideal material as we have concerns regarding chemicals leaching into baby's food. Also, we find the set to be too small for older toddlers. With that said, if your appreciation of an introduction utensil for your baby outweighs the plastic material and shorter longevity, then we think this product may meet your needs.
Dish up with the Kirecoo Fork and Spoon Set. With a hard-shell carry case, this set is ready for travel away from home. We find the fork and spoon to be perfectly sized for a toddler's hand, and the plastic handle has a slight curve, which is more exaggerated than others in our review and could help ensure food gets to its intended destination.
The fork in this set is more of a spork (combo of spoon and fork), which is not a deal-breaker, but a factor to consider. It does make staying potentially safer but more challenging. If you are seeking a standard toddler utensil set, and appreciate the to-go carry case, then we recommend this set.
The Skip Hop Zootensils Fork and Spoon offer fun, colorful designs on the handle that will catch the attention of any toddler. While testing, we found the handles to be quite wide and chunky and slightly short in comparison to other products in our review. This design could make it easier for some toddlers to grasp.
Although dishwasher-safe, be aware that the plastic design on the handle can bubble and peel from high heat, testers noticed peeling on our set during testing. Therefore, we suggest hand washing and this product may not last as long as others. If you can overlook this issue, we recommend this product for a toddler that needs extra surface area to hold, and who will enjoy the fun design and pop of color.
Why You Should Trust Us
BabyGearLab has been testing and rating baby gear over the past decade. Leading this review is Molly Bradac, Research Analyst and professional nanny and Newborn Care Specialist, holding over 14 years of experience. To determine which products are the best in the category, we purchased and put each one through rigorous, side-by-side testing before rating and ranking.
Analysis and Test Results
We purchased and tested toddler utensils side-by-side, and hands-on to find the very best options for your family. These utensils were reviewed with materials and usability in mind.
Material
Toddler utensils use a variety of 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 is the only product in our review that is all plastic. Considering that safer and healthier materials 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 easier than handwashing, which is slightly more time-consuming. As a one-piece design, 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, and while the manufacturer states it is dishwasher-safe, we suggest handwashing to avoid high heat and decrease the chances of chemical exposure, especially since it will be in baby's mouth. Also, the Skip Hop Zootensils Fork and Spoon are dishwasher-safe, but we suggest handwashing this product, too, as there is potential for the plastic design layer on the handle to bubble and peel from exposure to high heat.
Conclusion
When your toddler 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