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Using utensils (spoons, forks, knives) is important for child development and person growth and it helps with development of find motor skills, independence and self-confidence, cognitive development, social and cultural learning, oral motor skills and hygiene and safety during meals.
Developmental Stages for Utensil Use
Developmental Stages for Utensil Use
Just like all skills, using utensils is a skill that develops over time. The ages included below are a general guideline.
6-9 months:
6-9 months:
Babies start to show interest in holding and grab at spoons. They may try to self-feed with their own hands.
10-12 months:
10-12 months:
Child may start using a spoon with help. This can be messy.
15-18 months:
15-18 months:
Child may be attempting to feed themselves with a spoon. They will still likely need assistance with eating their whole meal by utensils, or may switch to using thei rhands partway through.
2-3 years:
2-3 years:
Child may begin using fork and spoon consistently while eating.
4-5 years:
4-5 years:
Child can start to learn knife skills such as spreading, and cutting soft foods.
Choosing the Right Utensil
Choosing the Right Utensil
When starting off with utensils consider the following:
Picking a utensil that is child size
Has short and thick handles that are easier to grip
Has soft or silicone tip. This can be gentler on gums
Can be curved or angled at the handle to support better control
Consider using fun colours or your child's favourite character to support interest in using.!
Using Utensils Strategies
Using Utensils Strategies
Encourage self feeding early with children. They will still be messy, however provides lots of time for exposure and practice. They will still need assistance feeding from a caregiver - so consider taking turns doing bites, or have the child start feeding themselves and caregiver finishes.
Intially, a child may do best if offered a 'pre-loaded' utensil - a spoon with the food already on it. This allows them to master the skill of bringing it to their mouth.
Offer meals that are easier to scoop (mashed potatoes, yogurt, oatmeal)
If they tolerate hand-over-hand assistance, then that can be used, but often children resist hand-over hand. Try holding the tip or end of the utensil and gently guide the movement for scooping the food and bringing it to the mouth. This gives them a sense of independence, and reduces them resisting.
Build up utensil handle for improved grasp and grip.
Model use of utensils directly in front of the child during meals to have him imitate the skill.
Support the elbow by assisting to raise the elbow when they bring it to the mouth. This allows them to focus on bringing it to the mouth and lines it up for improved use.
Play Activities to Support Utensil Use
Play Activities to Support Utensil Use
Practice scooping with toys or dry items (beans, pom-poms).
Pretend play with "feeding" dolls or stuffed animals with toy utensils.
Pretend play with kitchen sets and tea sets using toy utensils
Using playdough and forks practice picking up pieces
Self-feedingTipSheet.pdfDisclaimer Statement: The links on this site have been reviewed by KidsInclusive staff; however we are not responsible for the contents of the links provided. Links are provided to assist families in learning as much as they can while they wait for their assessment and beyond. Many thanks to the various organizations we have linked to.
The content on this site was reviewed by KidsInclusive staff and is consistent with evidence-informed practice at the time of publishing.
These links and content do not replace the advice of doctors and therapists. Always consult with your therapist if you have questions or concerns.
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