Using a Spoon

My daughter just turned 12 months, and at least for the past month, she hardly ever lets me feed her with the spoon. She started trying to grab the spoon from me to do it herself! haha If I put the food on her spoon, she can usually put it in her mouth by herself. Mashed potatoes is her favorite and works great with the spoon b/c it doesn't fall off as easily. I try to show her sometimes how to scoop up the food, but she can't do it just yet. She knows the spoon is supposed to touch the food, so she usually just taps it on the plate and then puts it in her mouth (with no food on it haha). She will hold the spoon in her right hand and use her left hand to grab the food and feed herself. She won't let me take the spoon away from her haha Every once in a while she'll try to use the spoon, but mostly just holds it and uses her left hand.

I've found it's also helpful in the beginning to feed them things that will stick to the spoon, even if it is turned upside down on the way to their mouth! Mashed potatoes, oatmeal, thick applesauce, pudding, etc are better for a spoon. I also like those little toddler "sporks" that are a cross between spoon and fork. My son can spear macaroni and cheese with the fork part, or scoop up green peas with the spoon.

I also have a 16 month old who has recently started using a spoon. I bought the Gerber Toddler Spoons. They look like the infant ones, but they have a larger area to hold the food. I bought them at Target.

Hi,
My son is 15 months old and I've just recently started giving hm a spoon to start eating with. Most of the time he just gets frustrated and uses his fingers, but eventually he will catch on. I would give you kids a spoon whenever you feel they are able to grasp the concept. Good Luck!!

make sure you are using a "Kid-friendly" spoon. The spoon may be too big or small for his hands.. Neither of my children used the same type of spoon.. My son liked the plastic ones (i think they are from the first years.. the same company who makes the bowls and cups that are cheap in case they get thrown away) but my daughter liked regular baby spoons (just the smaller ones w/ the characters on them). I would always give the spoon as an option and encourage him to use it and he will get the idea. also make sure its something easy for him to eat w/ the spoon.