In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
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We tested toddler utensils from top brands, like Munchkin, TOMY, Grabease, and more to find the best
The Exzact Kids Silverware Set is a solid choice for parents seeking healthy material, durability, and longevity.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
By Molly Bradac ⋅ Senior Research Analyst ⋅ May 30, 2024
The Best Toddler Utensils for 2024
Is your tot ready for utensils? We've got you covered. Our lineup ranks this year's top 7 toddler utensils, with an option for every age and stage. We've researched the market before purchasing top contenders to send through hands-on testing and side-by-side comparisons to determine the best. We closely looked at each flatware set and evaluated factors such as material, usability, and ease of cleaning. Allow our review to help narrow the options and guide you to the best utensil set for your toddler. We are sure your tot will be happy to have a perfectly sized tool to dish out their food.
The Exzact Kids Silverware Set is a mini version of adult silverware with engraved graphics on its handle, giving it a sweet and straightforward kid-friendly touch. Considering it is made of stainless steel (a material we believe is eco-healthier), it provides outstanding durability and longevity. We believe these forks and spoons will last years, and your little one will most likely outgrow them before they show wear and tear. Thanks to the cutlery's one-piece design, we consider them easy to clean (no nooks or crannies for food remnants to hide). Simply toss them into the dishwasher without worry of high heat causing damage. I mean, who doesn't appreciate convenience? Unlike other toddler forks with round tines, those in this set are not as rounded, making it easier for kids to pierce tough foods.
The Exzact toddler utensils measure about 5.5 inches in length, smaller than adult silverware but more extended than other toddler cutlery we tested. So, they may seem too big in toddlers' smaller hands. The size could influence how well your little one manages the tool, depending on their hand size and coordination. However, they can theoretically use them for longer before growing out of them. Therefore, we recommend this set to older toddlers or preschoolers who need flatware until they can transition to adult-size cutlery. For little tykes ages 12 months and up, the Munchkin Raise Toddler Fork and Spoon Set features an ergonomic handle design.
If you seek a budget-friendly option but still hope for good performance, the Munchkin Raise Toddler Fork and Spoon Set is a nice compromise. The handle's design features a raised design to keep the utensil tip off the table and away from germs (even if the utensil is right-side up or upside down). We appreciate this innovative design and think the stainless steel utensil heads are better than plastic. The utensil's size nicely fits a toddler's hand, and the handle's thickness creates a useful intermediate size, which can assist with gripping, especially while your little one is still developing self-feeding skills. The handle also offers silicone on top for added grip, with plastic on the bottom. This set is a top-rack dishwasher-safe product; however, handwashing may keep this product in tip-top shape.
The Munchkin Raise doesn't have many downsides, except that the design isn't a one-piece construction. The design requires looking around the utensil's seam and the lift feature for gunk to keep it clean. However, this isn't a deal breaker in our minds. If you appreciate a toddler utensil with a unique handle design to keep the tip from touching the table, we suggest the Munchkin Raise for children 12 months and up. For an easy-to-clean option, you can't beat the Exzact Kids Silverware Set.
We appreciate the Munchkin Raise Toddler Fork and Spoon Set design, which keeps the utensil tip off the table.
The doddl Cutlery Set includes one spoon and fork and a child-friendly knife, which no other competitor in our review offers. Unlike the Grabease, this set features stainless steel heads that are similar in size. The ergonomic handle design, which has some non-slip material, can encourage your child's 'pincer' grip and make it easier to hold and use. Since we are big fans of including children in food preparation and cooking, we appreciate a potential knife alternative that is safer for little ones. The blade's teeth are not sharp and work best with softer food items, like bananas and avocados, which is likely what you'd allow your child to cut as a beginner. The set is also dishwasher-safe and free of BPA and phthalates. The packaging suggests that this product is suitable for children ages 12 months and beyond.
Unfortunately, this set is pricier than most of the competition. Still, it's worth it if it meets your goals. If you're looking for a beginner cutlery set, we believe it's worth every penny. We think this quality set will help your little one build confidence in cutlery. If you're shopping on a budget, check out the inexpensive Munchkin Raise Toddler Fork and Spoon Set.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Tip: Learning to use a fork or spoon can take time, so be patient with your child's progress. They may still use their fingers, and that's okay. No matter what, they won't still be eating with their digits when they hit college (though they might revert while they are on a steady diet of pizza). Try pre-loading the utensils and allowing your baby to have fun doing the rest.
Compare Products
The Munchkin Multi Forks and Spoons are plastic, basic, and inexpensive.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
How We Test Toddler Utensils
After extensive research of today's available products, we purchased each product in our review and sent them through rigorous, side-by-side testing before rating and ranking the competition. While hands-on testing the competition, we evaluated each contender for multiple metrics, such as material, usability, and cleaning ease. We also called on the help of some hungry tots, allowing us to consider their preferences and favorites while scoring the lineup.
The TOMY Take & Toss Toddler Flatware is basic but offers the most spoons and forks than any other contender. This option may appeal to someone looking for the best budget-friendly option.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Why Trust GearLab
BabyGearLab has been testing the best baby gear since 2012. Leading our review is Molly Bradac, Senior Review Editor and nanny with over 14 years of experience. From her experience with a range of children's ages and developmental stages, Molly recommends a toddler utensil set that may work for your family and needs.
The doddl Cutlery Set is unique as it includes a child-friendly introductory knife to kick off your child's cutting skills.
Pictured is the Munchkin Multi Forks and Spoons.
Analysis and Test Results
We tested each set of toddler utensils for usability, materials, and ease of cleaning to find the best for most goals and budgets.
What's the Best Value?
Although we rank products solely on performance, we can appreciate a good deal. We believe the Munchkin Raise Toddler Fork and Spoon Set is an affordable option that doesn't sacrifice quality. This option has a stainless steel head, which we feel is healthier than plastic, and it's toddler-sized with a unique handle. However, if your budget can stretch, the Exzact Silverware Set provides incredible durability and longevity. Although it does not feature a thick handle, which we consider helpful for beginner eaters, it is a utensil set that will likely last through multiple children until they're ready for adult cutlery. However, if you don't mind plastic and are willing to sacrifice performance because you need something super basic and cheap, the Take & Toss Flatware (now First Years) may fit your needs. This set includes multiples, plenty to toss in your diaper bag, leave some at daycare, and have some for mealtime at home. Since they're so cheap, it's no big deal if you accidentally misplace one.
Each toddler utensil varies in material, including stainless steel, silicone, and plastic.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Material
We examined the competition with eco-health in mind and evaluated each contender's material.
Among the competition, the Exzact Kids Silverware Set ranks high. This solely stainless steel option is durable, long-lasting, and healthier for your little one. The combination of these qualities allowed this contender to rank above others.
The Grabease Ergonomic Baby Utensils are all plastic.
The Kirecoo Fork and Spoon Set comes with a hard-shell carry case, and the tips are stainless steel, which we appreciate.
Toddler utensils come in various materials, or a combination of materials, like the doddl Cutlery Set.
Ease of Use
Your tot will need to practice scooping food and successfully bringing it to their mouth (hello, finger control, and hand-eye coordination!), which will likely take time. At times, they'll probably default to using their fingers. Don't fret; they'll eventually master self-feeding. To get them off to a solid start, we suggest selecting a utensil set that is tot-sized and handy (literally). To determine what makes a utensil tot-friendly, we compared the completion. We identified key factors, such as size and shape, that fit little hands, including utensil length and handle width, and overall durability. There's a good chance a utensil will be dropped in the early days of their self-feeding journey. We also gave bonus points to sets that include a kid-friendly knife. We believe this offers versatility and value.
Among the competition, the doddl Cutlery Set ranks high. This beginner cutlery set is designed for little hands and incorporates the most critical qualities. It's small in size, has ergonomic and thick handles that are easy to grip, and offers decent durability. We also gave it bonus points for including a kid-friendly knife, which we consider valuable for mealtimes when your little eater is more advanced.
The Exzact Kids Silverware Set is one of the easiest to clean. This one-piece design has no nooks or crannies to hide grime, plus it is dishwasher-safe.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Cleaning
We are all about convenience; you can't beat a dishwasher-safe product (top-rack preferable). However, not every product is created equal; some require more attention and care than others. While scoring this metric, we lined up the completion to compare and evaluate areas that may hinder the cleaning process, such as hard-to-reach areas or nooks and crannies. We also ranked contenders with materials that we believe tolerate the dishwasher better than those that cause concerns.
Ranking high among the competition is the Exzact Kids Silverware Set. This option is hands down one of the easiest to clean, and thanks to its one-piece stainless-steel design, it has no nooks or crannies to worry about trapped food. The manufacturer states this product is dishwasher safe, and we think there's value in selecting a utensil set that can tolerate high temperatures. Why not choose an easy-breezy product when you already have enough to clean up and worry about?
The Skip Hop has an adorable graphic on its handle, but we observed some peeling while testing, causing us to worry about its durability and long-term longevity.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Tip: Help your toddler use utensils through play, like pretend restaurant or kitchen. Try feeding stuffed animals or dolls. A child's fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination will strengthen with practice.
Each product in our review was purchased and hands-on tested.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Conclusion
When your determined toddler is ready to feed themself, graduating to their own utensil set can be an exciting milestone. Of course, using a utensil takes practice, and you can expect lots of mess (got a top-ranked baby bibs?). But, eventually, your toddler will be a scooping and spearing champ. Our review with easy-grip cutlery, plus recommendations, can help you find the right utensils, and soon, your toddler will be feeding themselves and learning new skills.
