You’ll likely remember using the pre-loading technique when you first introduced children's cutlery to your baby via a weaning spoon. They’re now confidently shoving that spoon into their bowl, then their mouth, chewing away and loving every second of feeding themselves! Now what comes next? Weaning spoons are soft and rounded – perfect for those babies working on their hand to eye co-ordination. But now your baby is fast moving into toddlerhood, where does their cutlery journey go next?
At around 12 months you will start to feel they’re ready to start using a fork. They are getting pretty accurate with the aim of their weaning spoon and ready for next steps. Much like with a spoon, a great way to introduce a fork is to pre-load it with food so they can immediately see what it is for and how it works. Start by using foods that are familiar, soft but solid enough to stay firmly on the fork, such as banana slices or cooked carrots. Pop some food onto the fork then rest it on the side of their bowl or plate. Off they will go!
Much like with the weaning spoons, having 2 forks to hand here can be helpful as they may not want to give it up! They’re older than when you introduced the first spoon, they know what they want and not afraid to let you know it! Your toddler will also be much quicker at learning how to use a fork, having already learnt the basic concept of children’s cutlery with their first weaning spoon. So, for slightly different reasons, the second fork is super useful! You can pre-load the second one whilst they’re enjoying the first – which also makes them more likely to give up the first fork when the second is ready!
Choosing a good fork for the job when looking at children's cutlery will change their whole experience here! Unlike plastic ones, Nana’s Manners stainless steel prongs are designed to hold the food securely on it’s journey from plate to mouth. The wide, rounded edges make them safe for little one’s practicing their hand-eye coordination.
The short prong length stops them from overloading as they’ll be very enthusiastic to pick up food with the fork once they get the hang of it!
We ensured our Stage 2 children's cutlery is perfect for the job;
Fork;
- Short, blunt, safe rounded prongs
- Wider prongs to keep food on during it’s journey from plate to mouth
- Unique handle, shaped to support their grip development as it moves from full fist grip to pincer grip
- Textured handle makes it easier to stay firmly in their hands as things get messy!
- BPA free of course
Spoon;
- Same handle as the fork to support fine motor skill development
- Narrow bowl to fit perfectly in little mouths
- Perfect depth to the stainless steel bowl to prevent overloading with food
Another great way to get them to understand the use of the fork is to eat with them! There are so many other benefits to this too. Sit to the side or opposite so they can see you without turning away from their plate. Prep yourself something easy to eat one handed with a fork and enjoy together!
Nana’s Manners Stage 2 children’s cutlery is available here. The fork and spoon set is available in six colour options. All of Nana’s Manners products exceed all relevant safety standards.
