Congrats! Your baby’s pediatrician has officially given you the go-ahead to start feeding your baby solids. It’s such an exciting time. Whether you’re starting with the conventional baby cereal or planning on making your own baby food, you want to make sure you have all the required eating accessories. You’ll want to stock up on kid-safe plates, bowls, cups and, of course, spoons. Be sure and check out our top 10 best BPA-free sippy cups while you’re stocking up.
When to Start Feeding Solids?
Consult your child’s pediatrician for when you should start feeding your baby solids. Most pediatricians recommend starting solids between four and six months, with the newer recommendations being closer to six months. Until this age, breast milk or formula provides all the nutrients your child needs. (Check out our top 10 best infant formulas here if you need recommendations!) You can also talk to your pediatrician about what types of foods to introduce to your baby—some may recommend baby cereals, while others may recommend starting with basic foods such as pureed vegetables, mashed avocado or Greek yogurt. Keep in mind that feeding your baby solids up until about one year of age is more about introducing them to new flavors and textures and the concept of eating than it is about nutrition; they will still continue to have the majority of their nutritional needs met with breast milk or formula.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Baby Feeding Spoons
Surprisingly, there are a variety of different styles of spoons out there, so how far along your child is developmentally may play a factor in what you decide to purchase. Whatever you decide to buy, you’ll want to keep in mind the following factors: size (spoons should be small enough to fit in baby’s mouth) and materials used (soft is usually better). Some parents will spoon feed their babies at this age, in which case you will want to find something that fits comfortably in your hand; others will experiment with baby-led weaning, allowing baby to feed herself.
Make sure you have somewhere to dry all your new feeding accessories—you can take a look at our top 10 best baby bottle drying racks here. And if your baby is in the midst of teething, spoons may not be enough for her, so be sure to check out our top 20 best baby teething toys!
I’ve come up with a list of the top 10 best baby feeding spoons available right now. I hope you find the perfect set of spoons to fit your child’s new nutritional needs.
1. Best First Baby Feeding Spoons: ChooMee Baby Starter Spoon
The ChooMee Baby Starter Spoon is a great transitional spoon for babies who are just being introduced to solids. It is made from 100% silicone built with channels to grip purees for practicing eating—this spoon is designed to reduce spills and promote feeding independence. This spoon is perfect for teething babies, as it’s soft and safe for them to gnaw on. The handle is firm for easy gripping, and it transitions to a much softer end that’s comfy for babies to put in their mouths.
This product is not made for bigger babies or toddlers who are already mastering self-feeding skills. It works mainly for purees and other thick liquid foods (such as yogurt); it doesn’t work for all foods. Some consumers report that their babies were more interested in using utensils which mirror what their parents and siblings are using.
Price: $8.99 for set of two
Buy the ChooMee Baby Starter Spoon here.
Pros:
- 100% silicone for soft and safe feeding
- Reduces spills and promotes feeding independence
- Great for teething and practicing eating skills
Cons:
- Not for bigger babies or toddlers who are already mastering self-feeding
- Works mainly for purees—some foods will not work in these spoons
- Baby may prefer a spoon that looks more like what her parents are using
Find more ChooMee Baby Starter Spoon information and reviews here.
2. Best Stainless Steel Baby Feeding Spoons: Kiddobloom Baby/Early Toddler Stainless Steel Utensil Set
The Kiddobloom Baby/Early Toddler Stainless Steel Utensil Set is a small, kid-sized spoon and fork set that is designed for babies and toddlers up to 18 months. But keep in mind that some consumers have noted the utensils are on the small side and babies may outgrow them before they reach this age. This set includes one spoon and one fork (with rounded tines for safety), made from safe, high grade stainless steel—no need to worry about harmful chemicals that can sometimes be found in plastic. The set is boxed up in a sweet keepsake box, so this could make a lovely baby shower gift.
Some consumers have noted that the fork tines are too rounded to stab food, so the fork isn’t very useful. Finally, some consumers think the handles are too small and have noted that their babies have trouble gripping them.
Price: $9.99 (44 percent off MSRP) for one spoon and one fork
Buy the Kiddobloom Baby/Early Toddler Stainless Steel Utensil Set here.
Pros:
- Works for children up to 18 months
- Made from safe, high grade stainless steel
- Includes both a spoon and fork in a keepsake box, perfect set for gifting
Cons:
- Consumers note that they are on the small side and babies will outgrow them before toddlerhood
- Fork prongs are too rounded to stab food, not functional
- Some consumers have noted that the handles are too small and can be difficult to hold
Find more Kiddobloom Baby/Early Toddler Stainless Steel Utensil Set information and reviews here.
3. Best Safety Baby Feeding Spoons: Munchkin White Hot Infant Safety Spoons
The Munchkin White Hot Infant Safety Spoons come in a pack of four for under six dollars. The coolest feature of these spoons is that the tips turns white when baby’s food is too hot (at approximately 100 degrees Fahrenheit). The spoon bowl is tapered to make it comfortable for baby’s mouth, and the tips are soft and gentle on gums. These spoons have long handles so that parents can more easily feed baby, but the spoon handles are also easy to grip when baby gets ready to practice feeding herself.
Some consumers have noted that the handle is weighted, which can make the spoons easier to drop. Additionally, there are some mentions of these spoons getting dinged up or melted in the dishwasher—overall, they seem to be less durable than the regular Munchkin baby feeding spoons. This product is BPA and phthalate free and top-rack dishwasher safe. It is currently only available as an Amazon add-on item.
Price: $4.99 for set of four
Buy the Munchkin White Hot Infant Safety Spoons here.
Pros:
- Spoon tip turns white when baby’s food is too hot
- Tapered spoon bowl is comfortable for little mouths, and soft tips are gentle on gums
- Long handles for easier feeding from parents
Cons:
- Amazon add-on item
- Weighted handle of spoon makes them easier to drop
- Not as durable as regular Munchkin baby spoons
Find more Munchkin White Hot Infant Safety Spoons information and reviews here.
4. Best Dual-Ended Baby Feeding Spoons: Boon Swap Baby Utensils
The Boon Swap Baby Utensils are a two-pack of dual-ended spoons made from hygienic food-grade silicone and stainless steel. The flat tips are great for cleaning up around baby’s mouth or inside the food jar. These spoons are angled to make scooping food out of small baby food jars easier. Babies love to experiment with textures, and this spoon gives two very different (yet safe and comfortable) textures for little ones to explore. These spoons are very small. Some parents love the size, especially for younger babies and babies with very small mouths.
Some parents find it frustrating that the spoon bowl doesn’t hold very much food at a time. Because of the length of the handles, some consumers have noted that these spoons are not great for self-feeding—the handles are long and could cause baby to jam them too far down and gag. These spoons are on the expensive side, at $12 for a set of two.
Price: $11.99 for set of two
Buy the Boon Swap Baby Utensils here.
Pros:
- Dual-ended spoon with two texture options
- Angled to easily scoop food out of baby jars
- Made with hygienic food-grade silicone and stainless steel
Cons:
- More expensive as compared to other brands
- Very small spoon doesn’t hold much food per bite
- Not great for self-feeding
Find more Boon Swap Baby Utensils information and reviews here.
5. Best Baby Feeding Spoons for Travel: OXO Tot On-the-Go Feeding Spoon with Travel Case
The OXO Tot On-the-Go Feeding Spoon with Travel Case is a starter feeding spoon made from food-grade silicone that is soft and comfy on baby’s teeth and gums. Its best feature is the handy carrying case that comes with it, making it the perfect candidate for stashing in your diaper bag when you’re traveling or just on-the-go around town. It keeps the dirty spoon from rolling around in your bag and getting germs and food on everything. The spoon’s contoured handle is angled for comfortable, easy scooping and serving. Plus, the silicone material makes it easy to get the last bit of food from small baby food jars.
Some consumers report receiving a green spoon instead of the aqua one they chose, and others report that the aqua color fades to green over time. Some have reported issues with the quality of the case—it has arrived damaged or has broken within a few uses for some consumers. This product is currently an Amazon add-on item.
Price: $4.99 for one spoon
Buy the OXO Tot On-the-Go Feeding Spoon with Travel Case here.
Pros:
- Includes convenient carrying case for travel
- Made from soft, food-grade silicone to feel comfortable on baby’s teeth and gums
- Spoon’s contoured handle is angled for comfortable, easy scooping and serving
Cons:
- Amazon add-on item
- Aqua color turns to green over time
- Some consumers report issues with case either arriving damaged or breaking quickly
Find more OXO Tot On-the-Go Feeding Spoon with Travel Case information and reviews here.
6. Best Baby Feeding Spoons for Preventing Mess: Gerber Graduates Rest Easy Spoons in Assorted Colors
The Gerber Graduates Rest Easy Spoons in Assorted Colors come in a pack of five for just seven dollars. They are made from BPA-free, soft plastic that is easy and gentle on baby’s teeth and gums. However, some consumers prefer silicone-based spoons. These spoons include a built-in spoon rest to keep the spoon off the table, preventing messy baby food from getting all over the table. This spoons boast long handles that help parents who are doing the feeding—they’re also ideal for getting the last bit of food from the bottom of tall jars.
The handles being long means that these spoons are not ideal for self-feeding, as baby could easily jam them down too far and gag on them. This product is currently not eligible for Prime shipping, so you will have to pay a little extra to have the spoons shipped.
Price: $6.99 for set of five
Buy the Gerber Graduates Rest Easy Spoons in Assorted Colors here.
Pros:
- Includes a built-in spoon rest to keep spoon off table, preventing mess
- Long handle for parent-feeding and reaching the bottom of tall jars
- BPA free and dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Not eligible for Prime shipping
- Made from soft plastic, not silicone
- Handles too long for self-feeding
Find more Gerber Graduates Rest Easy Spoons in Assorted Colors information and reviews here.
7. Best Silicone Baby Feeding Spoons: OXO Tot Feeding Spoon Set with Soft Silicone
The OXO Tot Feeding Spoon Set with Soft Silicone is a set of two silicone and stainless steel spoons, for seven dollars. These are basically the same spoons featured in the OXO travel spoon set above, only they do not come with a travel case. The silicone feels soft and comfortable in baby’s mouth, and the stainless steel keeps the handles working hard over time. The spoon is shaped with a slightly flattened end for ease of scooping food. The angle of the handle is contoured for ease of feeding.
Major complaints include that the aqua colored spoons are not of consistent quality and sometimes either show up as the wrong color or turn green over time. Additionally, some consumers have reported that after extended use (especially with a kid who likes to bite) the silicone can crack and allow water to become trapped underneath, which can lead to mold. For some older kids, the bowl of the spoon may be too narrow, causing excess food to drip from the sides.
Price: $6.99 for set of two
Buy the OXO Tot Feeding Spoon Set with Soft Silicone here.
Pros:
- Made with silicone and stainless steel for soft feel in baby’s mouth and durability
- Spoon shaped for easy scooping of food
- Contoured handle angled for ease of feeding
Cons:
- Aqua color not consistent
- Silicone can break down over time, allowing mold to grow in cracks
- Some consumers complain that the spoon bowl is too small/narrow and food drips from sides
Find more OXO Tot Feeding Spoon Set with Soft Silicone information and reviews here.
8. Best Baby Feeding Spoons for Younger Babies: SPUNI Baby’s First Feeding Spoon
The SPUNI Baby’s First Feeding Spoon is a non-toxic and BPA-free baby feeding spoon made from medical grade rubber (the same material used in pacifiers and baby bottle nipples). These spoons were created to be starter spoons with a patented tulip shaped design to promote latching and give baby a smooth transition from liquids to solids. This set comes with two spoons and a clear plastic travel case for $12.29, which is fairly expensive for baby spoons. These spoons were invented in Brooklyn by parents who are also MIT graduates, and they are manufactured in Germany with the highest safety, precision and regulatory standards.
These spoons really are designed for small babies—older babies and toddlers will most likely find them too small. Some consumers have complained that the colors tend to wear off after use and repeated washing.
Price: $15.99 for set of two
Buy the SPUNI Baby’s First Feeding Spoon here.
Pros:
- Non-toxic and BPA free
- First spoon designed to promote latching and a smooth transition from liquids to solids
- Invented by Brooklyn parents and manufactured in Germany with the highest safety, precision and regulatory standards
Cons:
- More expensive
- Too small for older babies and toddlers
- Color tends to wear off after use and washing
Find more SPUNI Baby’s First Feeding Spoon information and reviews here.
9. Best Bargain Baby Feeding Spoons: Munchkin Soft-Tip Infant Spoon
The Munchkin Soft-Tip Infant Spoon comes in a set of six for the ultra-low price of $2.36. For this price, you get a set of six plastic BPA-free and phthalate-free spoons with rounded and soft spoon bowls that are easy on baby’s sensitive gums and teeth. These spoons are top-rack dishwasher safe, but some consumers caution that is better to hand wash them to keep them lasting longer.
The spoon bowls are on the deep side, which might be a problem for some beginner eaters who may have trouble getting pureed food out of the bottom of the spoon. Some consumers have reported receiving spoons with jagged edges, which of course could be dangerous in baby’s sensitive mouth. This product is currently an Amazon add-on item.
Price: $2.39 for set of six
Buy the Munchkin Soft-Tip Infant Spoon here.
Pros:
- Very inexpensive
- Rounded and soft spoon bowls are easy on baby’s sensitive gums and teeth
- Top-rack dishwasher safe, and BPA and phthalate free
Cons:
- Made from plastic
- Spoon bowls may be too deep for beginner eaters
- Some consumers report receiving a product with jagged edges
Find more Munchkin Soft-Tip Infant Spoon information and reviews here.
10. Best Food-Dispensing Baby Feeding Spoons: Boon Squirt Silicone Baby Food Dispensing Spoon
The Boon Squirt Silicone Baby Food Dispensing Spoon is an innovative baby feeding spoon that holds pureed food and dispenses it one bite at a time. It’s great for parents on-the-go, as it allows them to fill the spoon up, grab and go. Once out in the restaurant or park, or traveling in a car or plane, caregivers can feed baby one-handed. This spoon even includes a cap for storage/travel, so you can just throw it into your diaper bag. This product is made from food-grade silicone, so it’s soft and safe for baby.
This product is more expensive as compared to other baby feeding spoons. Many consumers complain of food getting stuck in the feeding spout, even if it has been pureed—food needs to be very very smooth in order for it not to get stuck. Finally, some consumers have noted that the spoon can be difficult to fill up, because it doesn’t stand on its own, and it can be difficult to clean, because it can be tricky to get the last food out of the very bottom.
Price: $7.10 (29 percent off MSRP) for one spoon
Buy the Boon Squirt Silicone Baby Food Dispensing Spoon here.
Pros:
- Innovative spoon holds food and dispenses it one bite at a time
- Parents can feed baby one-handed
- Includes a cap for storage or travel
Cons:
- More expensive as compared to other baby feeding spoons
- Some common foods tend to get jammed in the feeding spout
- Somewhat tricky to fill and clean
Find more Boon Squirt Silicone Baby Food Dispensing Spoon information and reviews here.