Teaching children to eat independently with a spoon has many benefits. It makes it easier for the child to handle food with a looser consistency, while also strengthening their fine motor skills and muscle memory. In this post, we share useful tips and tricks to make spoon-feeding easier and more enjoyable for your child.
This is why you should start practicing with a spoon early
Introducing a spoon to your baby from around 6 months of age is a great way to develop their hand-to-mouth coordination and motor skills. It's often a long process, with most babies learning to eat effectively with a spoon by around 18 months. And some still prefer to use their fingers at that age. Remember that every baby develops at their own pace, so there's no need to feel stressed.
Step by step
- Start by holding a pre-loaded spoon in the air.
- Hold the spoon closer and closer to the tray.
- Place the spoon on the tray.
- Place the pre-loaded spoon in a bowl of food.
Tips to make the process easier and more enjoyable
- Place your baby on your lap and offer pre-loaded spoons with the bowl in front of your baby. This way, your baby won't see you (which reduces pressure) and all the focus is on the food.
Let the child take the initiative by reaching out to take the spoon.
Let the baby suck on the spoon to promote motor development and avoid taking the spoon back too quickly.
Use a relatively short spoon with a wide handle at the beginning, such as our pre-spoon.
Feel free to work with two spoons in parallel to gain some speed.
Start with food that sticks easily to the spoon, such as thick porridge or mashed potatoes.
Products for independent spoon-feeding
1. Pre-spoon
A pre-spoon is perfect to use to start practicing your child's hand-to-mouth coordination. With small holes that easily catch the food, it becomes a playful and rewarding exercise for your child. Exercise that then facilitates the transition to a regular spoon.
2. Grip-friendly spoon
When it's time to move on to a real spoon, it's a good idea to start with a soft, easy-to-grip spoon. An ergonomically designed spoon also makes it easier to scoop up food, which reduces waste and promotes enjoyable eating.
3. Children's spoon
Now your child is ready for a regular baby spoon. A smaller spoon with a silicone handle is great for extra grip.
How long does it take to teach children to eat with a spoon?
Teaching children to eat with a spoon is a developmental journey where the child sets the pace. Take it easy, create a positive environment around the meal, and use the right utensils to facilitate the process.
/Elin Oresten
Lic. nutritionist and founder of Knatteplock.
