Best Toddler Utensils & Silverware

Last Updated on February 16, 2026 by Jordyn Koveleski Gorman

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Picking toddler utensils and toddler silverware can be tricky. Especially if your little one is still getting the hang of self-feeding or still bites the utensils a bit!

At what point do you ditch the baby spoons and move on to the next step? That’s a good question!

Self-feeding in toddlerhood is important, and the right utensils can make a big difference. So, let’s dive in!

When can toddlers use silverware?

It’s important for toddlers to have safe utensils that allow them to explore and learn to self-feed.

Typically, toddlers start using a spoon independently for scooping around 12 months of age. Keep in mind, they’re just starting, so we are talking about independent scooping with a mess. If you’re wondering when your toddler will be able to use a spoon independently with minimal mess, that’s around 24 months of age.

More independent use of the fork comes later. Introduce a toddler fork around 15 months of age. Toddlers will begin to independently pierce food with a fork between 15-18 months of age and refine the skill with practice between 2-3 years of age.

What to look for in toddler utensils

Keep these things in mind when searching for toddler silverware:

• Size and grip – shorter, chunky handles make it easier for toddlers to grip
• Safe materials – choose non-toxic materials like stainless steel and silicone to avoid microplastics; if using plastic, check that it’s BPA-free
• Weight – make sure the utensils aren’t too heavy for your toddler, we want them to be able to maneuver them easily
• Shape & design – look for rounded/blunt tines on toddler forks and shallow bowls on spoons to help promote independent scooping
• Ease of cleaning – dishwasher safe utensils make it easy on parents to clean!

Best Toddler Utensils for Self-Feeding

Elk and Friends Stainless Steel Toddler Silverware

Price: 3 sets for $16.99
Utensils included: fork & spoon
Material: stainless steel and silicone

As your baby grows and becomes more competent with self-feeding, these Elk and Friends stainless steel and silicone utensils are some of my favorites. You can start using them around 15 months and throughout toddlerhood.

They’re a good weight for toddlers and easy to hold. The silicone sleeves on the handles gives toddlers a good grip during mealtimes.

Elk & Friends toddler silverware differentiates itself with a heart-shaped rest underneath each utensil. This allows toddlers to lay the utensils down without getting food residue on the table. Less mess, and less germs!

As a bonus for parents, they’re easy to clean. Just pop them in the dishwasher.

Best Toddler Fork and Spoon

Lalo Utensils

Price: $10.99
Utensils included: fork & spoon
Material: silicone and stainless steel

Lalo’s toddler forks and spoons are another go-to in our house during mealtimes. The silicone handles provide good grip for little hands and the stainless steel tips are sturdy and durable.

We love all of Lalo’s tableware because it’s made with non-toxic materials and a kid-friendly design. Our utensils are over 4 years old and still going strong.

Best Stainless Steel Toddler Silverware

Exzact Stainless Steel Toddler Utensils

Price: 2 sets for $9.99
Utensils included: fork, spoon, knife
Material: stainless steel

This stainless steel set of toddler utensils is the perfect size for toddler hands. Simple yet sturdy, the set comes with a kid-friendly touch – there are animals on the handles!

I love that they’re completely plastic-free and dishwasher safe, too. Many reviewers say their kids have used this silverware for years!

Best Affordable Toddler Utensils Set

Munchkin Toddler Utensils

Price: 2 sets for $9.64
Utensils included: fork & spoon
Material: BPA-free plastic and stainless steel

While these toddler utensils aren’t completely plastic-free, the part that goes in your child’s mouth is. The handles are made of BPA-free plastic, but the spoon and fork tips are stainless steel.

This budget-friendly kids’ flatware comes with a raised base that keeps the utensil tips from touching other surfaces.

We’ve had this set for years and it’s faired well. The handles are chunkier so they allow toddlers a good ergonomic grip.

Best Toddler Plates

Elk and Friends Porcelain Divided Plates

Price: 4 for $36.99
Material: silicone sleeve, non-porous porcelain

These are our new favorite plates for my 2 and 4 year old. I feel great about serving their snacks and meals on non-porous ceramic.

The silicone boots on the bottom are great for protecting the porcelain and keeping it from chipping. You can pop these into the dishwasher and they wash up well. They’re also microwave safe.

The shallow dividers are great if your toddler prefers food to be separated. Elk and Friends also makes non-divided toddler plates (pictured above) if that fits your child’s mealtime preferences. You can use these plates through toddlerhood and beyond.

Best Silicone Toddler Plate

Lalo’s Big Bites Plate

Price: 2 for $17.99
Material: food-grade silicone

In terms of toddler plates, you want something durable yet easy to clean. And the Lalo Big Bites plate delivers just that.

Made with non-toxic silicone, these plates are sturdy and dishwasher safe. They’re a great size for toddler meals – not too big and not too small.

We use these all the time at home with our Lalo utensils. This plate is part of Lalo’s larger Big Bites Tableware Set and comes with an open cup, a fork and spoon, and as silicone placemat, as well.

Best Stainless Steel Toddler Plate

Ahimsa Stainless Steel Plate

Price: 1 for $23.99
Material: stainless steel

Ahimsa plates are made with 18/8 food-grade stainless steel. They’re durable, dishwasher safe, and designed by a pediatrician.

Unlike many other toddler plates, these have deeper divided compartments to function like a plate or a tray for snacks. The compartments are 2 oz., 4 oz., and 12 oz. With these sizes, the plate can accommodate your toddler through early school years.

The beauty of stainless steel is it never warps, doesn’t leach chemicals, and doesn’t retain odors. Plus, it’s unbreakable – dine indoors or outdoors without worrying.

Best Silicone Placemats

We love a good placemat for toddlers. Placemats help toddlers see their designated eating space at the table which can help foster independence and routine. They’re also helpful at containing the mess and can be more hygienic.

Silicone placemats are a great addition to your diaper bag when eating out. They create a clean, designated surface for your child to eat on—no matter where you are. Afterward, just wash them with soap and water, and they’re ready to use again.

These are some of our favorites!

Lalo Placemat

Price: $13.99

We own and love Lalo’s silicone placemats. And we don’t just use them for mealtime!

I love using these as “cutting boards” for the kids. We break out soft fruits and veggies and let the littles use their kid-safe knives to help with food prep.

You can purchase this placemat alone on their website or as part of their larger Big Bites Full Kit.

Remember, allowing your little ones to participate in food prep can help reduce picky eating!

Moonkie Silicone Placemats

Price: 2 for $12.99

These placemats are made with 100% food-grade silicone and stick well to most surfaces. They’re easy to wash and can even be washed in the dishwasher.

With a two-pack, you can keep one at home and one in the diaper bag for eating out!

Mushie Placemat

Price: $17.99

This placemat is a unique half-circle shape with raised edges to contain spills. It’s a safe, non-toxic surface free of BPA and phthalates.

While it’s more expensive than the other placemats listed here, it’s offered in the most colors and patterns. Mushie offers matching bibs and tableware to compliment the placemats.

Looking for more?

Find snacks for toddlers you can feel good about, and free from many common allergens!

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