Image: MomJunction Design Team
When your toddler reaches around 15 months, you will notice them trying to use things the right way, and by the time they reach three years, they would more or less learn how to use a fork (1) (2). And as toddlers tend to show a tendency to become more independent, it is only right that you invest in the best toddler forks to help them eat independently. While finding the right toddler fork and spoon might not seem as complicated a buying process, you should consider several factors when shopping because you want your child to enjoy their mealtimes.
Keep scrolling as we have listed the best toddler forks from trusted brands and provided a comprehensive buying guide to help you choose the right fork for your little one.
Top Picks
11 Best Toddler Forks To Encourage Independent Eating In 2024
1. Best Overall: Munchkin Toddler Forks And Spoons
You can now make your toddler’s transition from spoon-feeding to self-feeding easier with these colorful Munchkin toddler forks and spoons that come in a set of three each. The base of each fork and spoon is designed to keep the tip off the table and other surfaces and ensure the utensil is germ-free. These learning forks and spoons are ergonomically designed to fit tiny hands. Moreover, the self-feeding cutlery set has been crafted using plastic and stainless steel, making them easy to wash and store.
Pros
- Ergonomic design
- Dishwasher safe
- BPA-free
- Long-lasting
Cons
- May be wider than you expect
Quick tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 1,353 reviews on Amazon, this product is a winner.
2. Best Unbreakable: Prestee Clear Plastic Forks
Prestee Clear Plastic Forks come in a pack of 300 pieces. This could be a great toddler utensil investment as children keep losing their forks when taking them to school or daycare. The forks are unbreakable, built to last, and easy to clean. Disposal of these forks is simple, just dispose of them in the bin and use a new one when your toddler is ready for their next meal. In addition, the plastic utensils are BPA-free, so they are safe for your children.
Pros
- Sturdy
- Good resistance to bending
- Easy to hold
- Can be used for various occasions
- Dishwasher-safe
Cons
- May be smaller than expected
- May not be oven-safe as claimed
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 213 reviews on Amazon, it's clear that many people love this product.
3. Best Appealing: Zak Designs Minnie Mouse Fork And Spoon
If your child is a Minnie Mouse fan, this is the best toddler fork and spoon set worth considering. The cute utensils are designed to fit your little one’s hands to a tee and feature contoured handles to prevent them from slipping off the hands. They feature dual colors—pink on the front with a Minnie Mouse graphic and purple on the back. Invest in this colorful utensil set to let your toddler look forward to their mealtimes and encourage independent eating.
Pros
- BPA-free plastic
- Dishwasher-safe
- Soft material for a comfortable hold
- Textured grip
Cons
- Stickers may peel after a few washes
"My toddler loves the charming designs on the spoons. However, I noticed the cartoon characters are prone to fading with repeated washes. Nonetheless, my baby loves them, and they still serve their purpose."
4. Best Food-Grade: Kirecoo 2-Set Toddler Utensils
This Kirecoo utensil set featuring the best toddler fork and spoon can be your perfect companion when teaching your child good table manners. The two-piece cutlery set is made of 100% food-grade stainless steel and safe plastic and features curved handles that make them super easy to grab. You can carry the fork and spoon conveniently as you get a bonus two-piece travel case to keep the tableware clean and hygienic when on the go.
Pros
- Free of lead, latex, and phthalates
- Easy to clean
- Free of sharp edges
- Deep spoon bowl for easy scooping
- Travel-friendly
Cons
- Some may find the spoon and fork a little too wide
"My toddler loves to eat with these utensils as they fit perfectly in her chunky hands. They are of good quality too, holding up well even with regular use. Also, they come in a case, making them convenient to carry for on-the-go meals. They're a great pick for the convenience they offer!"
5. Best Rust-Resistant: GlossyEnd 9-Piece Stainless Steel Kids Forks
These are the best toddler training forks if you like your silverware free of plastic handles. The set of nine tried-and-tested forks features a fun engraving that will appeal to your little one. Children are prone to dropping their feeding spoons and forks as they learn to eat independently. However, these sturdy forks will not form dents or chips upon hitting the floor. Besides, they are free of any hazardous materials.
Pros
- Features rounded tines and edges
- Does not scratch
- Does not corrode
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- May be thinner than you expect
"These toddler forks are well-balanced in terms of weight and height, making it easier for my toddler to use them before shifting to grown-up cutlery. Plus, the charming handle detail captivates my baby, adding a fun element to his meals."
Point to consider6. Best BPA-Free: Nuk First Essentials Kiddy Cutlery Forks
The Nuk First Essentials kiddy cutlery forks come in a pack of three vibrant blue forks and are made of durable, BPA-free material, ensuring safety. It features a clever design and has rest-easy support on the handle to keep the germs off the fork and prevent the table from getting messy. Furthermore, it is available in other appealing colors, and you can choose your child’s favorite color to encourage them to use these forks on their own.
Pros
- Blunt spokes
- Comfortable grip
- Soft-coated handle
- Dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Some may find them large
"This set of toddler forks fit nicely in my daughter's small hands. They endure regular use and frequent dishwashing cycles. I found these great for encouraging self-feeding with their child-friendly design!"
7. Best Dishwasher-Safe: ECR4Kids My First Meal Pal Toddler Forks
The pack of three toddler forks by ECR4Kids are dishwasher-safe and feature an easy-to-grip handle that is soft and comfortable for your little one’s tiny hands. Each fork has a built-in support on the back to keep the food and germs off the utensil. These stainless steel, ergonomic forks are ideal for promoting self-feeding skills and food exploration, and they can be used in school and daycare as well.
Pros
- Made of food-grade material
- BPA- and phthalate-free
- Hones fine motor skills
- CPSIA-certified and FDA-compliant
Cons
- May not be available in vibrant colors
8. Best Scratch-Resistant: Annova Kids Flatware Set
Made of mirror-polished stainless steel, the Annova Kids Flatware set comprises 12 pieces of scratch-resistant, rust-, and dent-free forks. The forks have a conventional design with rounded fork tines, and they come in an adorable size that is safe and comfortable for your child to use. Furthermore, this metal cutlery set is also suitable for birthday or baby shower events as well.
Pros
- Durable and sturdy material
- Doesn’t break or chip
- Dishwasher-safe
- Available in several finishes
Cons
- Coating may come off over time
"My grandson likes using these toddler-friendly utensils during his meals. While they are slightly broad for his tiny hands, it didn't pose a problem. Overall, it has been a solid find to help the little one transition from baby utensils to adult silverware."
9. Best Ergonomic: Lehoo Castle Toddler Silverware
The Lehoo Castle toddler silverware includes two forks, spoons, and knives, each to help toddlers learn how to slice, grip, and eat different foods. These toddler utensils are constructed to be durable and are free of BPA, making them a safe choice for your children. The forks, spoons, and knives come in different colors and patterns that your tots are sure to love. As they are ergonomically designed and have no sharp edges, you can allow your child to eat independently using this tried-and-tested set without worrying about the utensils hurting them.
Pros
- Made of stainless steel and ABS plastic
- Made to fit small hands
- Ideal for all types of foods
- Travel-friendly
Cons
- Cannot be washed in a dishwasher
"I got these utensils for my son, and he quickly took to them. The vibrant colors and characters are a bonus, and their intuitive design helps aid the learning process, making this set a practical choice for toddlers."
Quick tip10. Best With Easy-Grip Handles: WeeSprout Toddler Utensils
The WeeSprouts toddler utensils is a set of six silverware, including three forks and three spoons with thick, grip-friendly silicone handles for the baby’s small hands. The set can be used to enhance self-feeding skills. Each utensil is made of stainless steel material, mimicking adult utensils that help with smooth transition to adult kitchenware. With their appropriate length and soft edges, these utensils do not go too far into the mouth and are gentle on the gums and growing teeth of your child.
Pros
- Food-grade silicone
- Child-safe design
- Available in multiple colors
- Stain-resistant
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Spokes may be too rounded
- Spoons may not have enough depth
"These toddler utensils impressed me with their functionality. The material and size are also commendable. They have been a staple for my toddler's meals since the early stages of self-feeding."
11. Best Lightweight: Chumia 9-Piece Toddler Forks
The Chumia toddler forks are a high-quality choice to make mealtimes hassle-free for parents and toddlers. Made of 304 stainless steel with safe plastic handles, these forks don’t get rusted or frayed. Your child can eat warm and cold foods with these forks as they’re heat-resistant and freezer safe. Furthermore, the self-feeding utensil set is BPA-free and dishwasher safe, making them safe for tiny tots while being easy to clean.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Colorful
- Rounded and smooth tips for a safe experience
- Suitable for gifting
Cons
- May be slightly wide
"After trying various toddler utensils, I settled on these ones for the comfort they provide my son. Their size helps make the transition to metal forks easier for my baby. Plus, they are dishwasher-safe for convenient cleaning."
How To Choose The Right Toddler Fork?
Choosing a toddler fork becomes easier if you consider certain factors when making a decision.
- Size and weight: Toddler utensils are supposed to make the transition from spoon-feeding to independent eating easy for babies. Therefore, the forks should be designed to fit their hands and mouth without feeling heavy. Choose a set of toddler spoons and forks made of stainless steel and lightweight, safe plastic for the best experience.
- Ergonomic handle: An ergonomic handle ensures a good grip, so the utensil does not slip off your child’s hands. It also offers a comfortable grip for your child to finish their meal without causing a strain on their fingers or hands. You can look for toddler forks and spoons with ridges and contours to ensure the fork is easy to grip.
- Safe material: Rule out toddler utensils made of materials that contain BPA, lead, and phthalates. While stainless steel cutlery is the best option, it might be heavier than its plastic counterparts. Therefore, you can consider feeding spoons and forks with high-quality ABS plastic handles and stainless steel tines. You may also consider fork sets that are certified safe by regulatory bodies.
- Rounded tines: Forks with sharp tips, while suitable for adults to easily pick foods, can hurt toddlers. Therefore, start with forks that have rounded tines. Once your child has better control over their hand and is comfortable eating food with their fork, you can switch to forks with relatively sharper tines that pierce through foods with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What foods are best to start self-feeding with a fork?
It is best to start with foods that are easy to cut, grab with forks, or smush when you teach your little one how to self-feed with a fork. Boiled eggs and fruits such as mangoes, bananas, kiwis, avocados, and peaches are great options.
2. Can a two-year-old be given a fork?
Children between the ages of 15 months and 36 months slowly develop their fine motor skills that allow them to use a fork with stable hands. If your child finds it difficult to eat using a fork, you can begin with a training spoon before switching to forks to make it easier for them to use the utensil.
3. At what age should a toddler use a fork?
While you can introduce your toddlers to forks at around15 months, you can assess your child’s motor skills and make a better decision based on their comfort level.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Vibha Navarathna is an experienced writer and product reviewer who strives to make parenting easier for moms and dads. In this article, she has listed the best toddler forks worth considering if your child is over 15 months old. She has sifted through various forums and reliable e-commerce websites to curate this list of products with exceptional user reviews and ratings. Further, she has included a comprehensive buying guide and answered some common questions to help you make an informed buying decision.
The best toddler forks can make your life as a parent much easier as your child starts eating independently. Choose the right fork to encourage them to eat by themselves and enjoy the process. Children are drawn to bright colors, so you can look for colorful forks with cute patterns and images. Finally, choose forks made of safe and durable materials and ensure they are ergonomically designed for easy grabbing. So, go ahead and add some cute and safe forks to your cart and enjoy watching your toddler munching on their favorite foods.
Infographic: Buying Guide For Toddler Forks
Toddlers as young as fifteen months old are independent enough to self-feed, making it the appropriate age for introducing cutlery, such as forks. However, several factors should be considered when choosing these forks to ensure your child’s safety. Go through the infographic to make an informed choice. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Important Milestones: Your Baby By Fifteen Months
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/milestones-15mo.html - Important Milestones: Your Baby By Thirty Months
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/milestones-30mo.html
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