Remember that first messy, joyful attempt at feeding your baby? Watching them explore food with their tiny hands is amazing, but the utensil part can feel like a whole new challenge. When you dive into Baby Led Weaning (BLW), one small item becomes surprisingly important: the spoon. Should it be soft or hard? Long or short? The sheer number of choices can make your head spin.
Choosing the perfect BLW spoon is more than just picking a color. The wrong spoon can lead to frustration for both you and your little eater. You want something safe, easy for them to grip, and effective for scooping those first bits of yogurt or oatmeal. Dealing with flimsy plastic or handles that are too big can quickly turn mealtime into a battle.
Don’t worry! This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explore exactly what makes a spoon ideal for tiny hands learning to self-feed. By the end of this post, you will know precisely which features matter most so you can select the best tools for successful, stress-free BLW adventures. Let’s find the perfect spoon for your growing foodie!
Top Spoons For Baby Led Weaning Recommendations
- Feeding Littles' occupational therapist Judy Delaware OTR/L, CLC and registered dietitian Megan McNamee MPH, RDN specially curated and endorsed this bundle for maximum mealtime engagement and development!
- Baby Utensils for Ages 6 Months to 18 Months: No scooping, no balancing, and best of all: no wrong way to hold it! Thicker, contoured handled baby spoons designed to comfortably and securely fit a child's hand.
- Baby Feeding For First Stage + Second Stage: Set Includes: Stage One GOOtensil for beginners (also acts as a teether for sore gums) + Stage Two GOOtensil toddlers capable of the food-to-mouth motion, ideal for mealtime at home, daycare, or while traveling.
- Perfect for All Types of Food: Designed to work great with purees (first stage spoon) and soft or solid foods (second stage spoon) anything you want to put in the bowl!
- Baby Led Weaning Spoon: The rigid build of GOOtensils makes them easier for manueverability. Other floppy and overly flexible baby spoons can cause difficulty for a child with limited skills.
- DESIGNED FOR LITTLE HANDS AGES 6 TO 18 MONTHS This clever Pre-Spoon, tailored for tiny hands, eliminates scooping and balancing struggles. Best of all, there is no wrong way to hold it, thanks to its secret: a thick contoured handle that provides a secure, no-slip grip. Ideal for use at home, daycare, or even while traveling so your baby can practice mealtime skills anywhere.
- EASY SELF-FEEDING FOR THE FIRST STAGE Make the starting solids transition easier (and more fun) for baby. Each set comes with a pre-spoon perfect for purees, doubling as a teether for sore gums, along with an open-channel spoon designed to grip soft solids. These spoons help teach the skills and motions needed to graduate to a traditional spoon, without requiring wrist rotation to use, a skill children typically do not develop until 2 years old. Caregivers love how these spoons reduce mealtime mess and frustration.
- PERFECT FOR ALL TYPES OF FOOD These versatile spoons, designed for babies aged 6 months and up, are a mealtime must-have as your child’s eating habits mature. Add this essential to your baby registry now for when baby is ready to start soft solids. Unlike traditional spoons, GOOtensils grip the food to help keep things less messy, from first purees at home to soft solids on the go, adapting to every feeding stage.
- EASY TO HOLD FOR BABY LED WEANING Let baby lead the way. Our innovative patented Pre-Spoon has a unique all-flat design that empowers your little one on their baby led weaning (BLW) journey. While other baby spoons are too long or too flexible, this one is just right, allowing little hands to self-feed with ease and without frustration. Perfect for parents embracing BLW who want a safe, confidence-building utensil for their child.
- SIMPLE TO CLEAN AND PEDIATRIC OT RECOMMENDED Approved and tested by baby care experts, our spoons are incredibly durable, ensuring long-lasting use. Made with food-grade silicone, they are free from harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates so you can feel good about giving them to your little one. Clean up is easy in the dishwasher. Microwave or steam-sterilizing is not recommended and not needed. Trusted by pediatric OTs and loved by parents who want safe, practical, and travel-friendly feeding tools.
- DESIGNED FOR LITTLE HANDS AGES 6 TO 18 MONTHS This clever Pre-Spoon, tailored for tiny hands, eliminates scooping and balancing struggles. Best of all, there is no wrong way to hold it, thanks to its secret: a thick contoured handle that provides a secure, no-slip grip. Ideal for use at home, daycare, or even while traveling so your baby can practice mealtime skills anywhere.
- EASY SELF-FEEDING FOR THE FIRST STAGE Make the starting solids transition easier (and more fun) for baby. Each set comes with a pre-spoon perfect for purees, doubling as a teether for sore gums, along with an open-channel spoon designed to grip soft solids. These spoons help teach the skills and motions needed to graduate to a traditional spoon, without requiring wrist rotation to use, a skill children typically do not develop until 2 years old. Caregivers love how these spoons reduce mealtime mess and frustration.
- PERFECT FOR ALL TYPES OF FOOD These versatile spoons, designed for babies aged 6 months and up, are a mealtime must-have as your child’s eating habits mature. Add this essential to your baby registry now for when baby is ready to start soft solids. Unlike traditional spoons, GOOtensils grip the food to help keep things less messy, from first purees at home to soft solids on the go, adapting to every feeding stage.
- EASY TO HOLD FOR BABY LED WEANING Let baby lead the way. Our innovative patented Pre-Spoon has a unique all-flat design that empowers your little one on their baby led weaning (BLW) journey. While other baby spoons are too long or too flexible, this one is just right, allowing little hands to self-feed with ease and without frustration. Perfect for parents embracing BLW who want a safe, confidence-building utensil for their child.
- SIMPLE TO CLEAN AND PEDIATRIC OT RECOMMENDED Approved and tested by baby care experts, our spoons are incredibly durable, ensuring long-lasting use. Made with food-grade silicone, they are free from harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates so you can feel good about giving them to your little one. Clean up is easy in the dishwasher. Microwave or steam-sterilizing is not recommended and not needed. Trusted by pediatric OTs and loved by parents who want safe, practical, and travel-friendly feeding tools.
- DESIGNED FOR LITTLE HANDS AGES 6 TO 18 MONTHS This clever Pre-Spoon, tailored for tiny hands, eliminates scooping and balancing struggles. Best of all, there is no wrong way to hold it, thanks to its secret: a thick contoured handle that provides a secure, no-slip grip. Ideal for use at home, daycare, or even while traveling so your baby can practice mealtime skills anywhere.
- EASY SELF-FEEDING FOR THE FIRST STAGE Make the starting solids transition easier (and more fun) for baby. Each set comes with a pre-spoon perfect for purees, doubling as a teether for sore gums, along with an open-channel spoon designed to grip soft solids. These spoons help teach the skills and motions needed to graduate to a traditional spoon, without requiring wrist rotation to use, a skill children typically do not develop until 2 years old. Caregivers love how these spoons reduce mealtime mess and frustration.
- PERFECT FOR ALL TYPES OF FOOD These versatile spoons, designed for babies aged 6 months and up, are a mealtime must-have as your child’s eating habits mature. Add this essential to your baby registry now for when baby is ready to start soft solids. Unlike traditional spoons, GOOtensils grip the food to help keep things less messy, from first purees at home to soft solids on the go, adapting to every feeding stage.
- EASY TO HOLD FOR BABY LED WEANING Let baby lead the way. Our innovative patented Pre-Spoon has a unique all-flat design that empowers your little one on their baby led weaning (BLW) journey. While other baby spoons are too long or too flexible, this one is just right, allowing little hands to self-feed with ease and without frustration. Perfect for parents embracing BLW who want a safe, confidence-building utensil for their child.
- SIMPLE TO CLEAN AND PEDIATRIC OT RECOMMENDED Approved and tested by baby care experts, our spoons are incredibly durable, ensuring long-lasting use. Made with food-grade silicone, they are free from harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates so you can feel good about giving them to your little one. Clean up is easy in the dishwasher. Microwave or steam-sterilizing is not recommended and not needed. Trusted by pediatric OTs and loved by parents who want safe, practical, and travel-friendly feeding tools.
- Value Set: The baby teething spoon set includes 8 spoons made of high-quality food-grade silicone, ensuring the safety and gentleness. These spoons are designed to provide safe and gentle care for the delicate gums and mouths of babies, making mealtime a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
- Ergonomically Designed: The spoons for babies are ergonomically designed to eliminate difficulties in scooping and balancing, perfectly sized for babies' small mouths, making feeding easier and preventing messes. It is an ideal choice for transitioning babies to solid foods.
- Perfect for Purée: The training spoons for baby are perfect for feeding puréed foods and can also serve as a teething spoon for sore gums.
- Easy to Grip: The handle is easy to grip, eliminating the need to rotate the wrist during use, making the baby spoons self-feeding 6+ months perfect for babies to use when they begin to explore self-feeding. It encourages independence while reducing mess.
- Colors and Silicone: The colors of the silicone spoons baby are vibrant and engaging, adding fun and attraction to mealtime, stimulating baby’s interest in trying new foods. The silicone is easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
- 【100% Silicone SAFE NON-TOXIC 】 Our baby spoons & forks are BPA-free, BPS-free, PVC-free, phthalate-free, cadmium-free and lead-free
- 【PROTECTIVE BARRIER 】 The choke barrier offers extra safety, stopping babies from sticking the entire spoon and fork in their mouth. These baby spoons self feeding are hand wash and top-rack dishwasher safe
- 【INDEPENDENT FEEDING 】 Our baby eating supplies are ideal for little ones to learn how to feed themselves, simultaneously encouraging motor skills development
- 【 ERGONOMIC HANDLE 】 The short and rounded handle make it easier for babies to get food in their mouth
- 【DURABLE & LONG-LASTING】 Designed to withstand daily use, our silicone baby spoons and forks are durable and built to last, making them a reliable choice for your child's early feeding stages
- 【100% SAFE】Our spoons are made of high-quality, food-grade silicone and are dishwasher safe. They are completely free from BPA, PVC, lead, phthalates, and any toxic materials. Have peace of mind when using our silicone spoons.
- 【Encourages Self-Feeding】The soft silicone material and gentle design of our spoons make them perfect for encouraging your baby to start self-feeding, promoting independence and confidence during mealtime.
- 【Shallow Spoon】Our spoons measure the right amount of food each time, preventing overfeeding or choking hazards, and are perfectly shaped for easy scooping.
- 【Parent-Friendly】Ergonomically designed, our spoons make it easy for parents to feed their baby with minimal effort.
- 【Perfect Baby Gift Set】A practical and thoughtful gift for any parent. Feeding a baby can be challenging, and these spoons make the task easier and more enjoyable.
- The perfect first spoon set; includes one Stage 1 spoon (purple) and two Stage 2 spoons (coral)
- Encourages self-feeding from an early age
- Flat head and ergonomic design means no right or wrong way to hold
- Two stages include Stage 1 for thin purees, Stage 2 for soft, semi-solid foods
- Ideal for baby-led weaning
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Baby Led Weaning Spoons
Baby Led Weaning (BLW) is an exciting way to introduce solids. Choosing the right spoon makes this journey much easier for both you and your baby. This guide helps you pick the best tools for success.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for BLW spoons, a few features really stand out.
- Short, Chunky Handles: Babies have small hands. Short, thick handles give them a better grip, even when messy. This helps them guide the food to their mouth.
- Shallow Bowl Shape: Deep spoons are hard for new eaters to manage. Look for spoons with a shallow or slightly curved bowl. This helps food stay on the spoon until it reaches the mouth.
- Angled or Bent Design: Many successful BLW spoons have a slight bend or angle. This design helps babies scoop food from a flat plate without needing to twist their wrists awkwardly.
- Soft Tips: Since babies are still learning, the spoon tip should be gentle on their sensitive gums and new teeth.
Important Materials for Safety and Durability
The material of the spoon matters a lot for safety and how long it lasts.
Most modern BLW spoons are made from food-grade silicone or BPA-free plastic. Silicone is excellent because it is very soft, which protects your baby’s mouth. It also handles high temperatures well, making it safe for sterilization.
Some parents prefer stainless steel spoons for older babies or toddlers. If you choose metal, make sure the handle is covered in silicone or has rounded edges. Never use metal spoons that are too hard or have sharp edges. Always check that the material is certified as food-safe.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the spoon directly impacts your baby’s learning experience.
What Makes a Spoon Better (Improves Quality):
- Texture and Grip: Spoons with a slightly textured handle provide better grip when wet with drool or food.
- Dishwasher Safety: Easy cleaning is a huge bonus. High-quality spoons hold up well through many dishwasher cycles.
- Durability: Good spoons resist staining from foods like carrots or sweet potatoes. They should not bend or break easily when a determined baby chews on them.
What Makes a Spoon Worse (Reduces Quality):
- Too Deep or Too Long: Spoons designed for adult use or traditional purees will frustrate your baby.
- Hard Edges: Any spoon with sharp seams or hard plastic edges can hurt your baby’s gums.
- Toxic Materials: Always avoid spoons made with questionable plastics or dyes. Safety must come first.
User Experience and Use Cases
BLW spoons serve two main purposes: self-feeding practice and parent-assisted feeding.
For self-feeding, the thicker handle and soft tip are essential. Babies enjoy holding the spoon and exploring textures. They might use it as a teether first! The angled design helps them successfully transfer food, building confidence early on.
When you help feed, the shallow bowl prevents too much food from being loaded onto the spoon. This controls portions and reduces big messes. Use these spoons during the early stages (around 6 months) right through toddlerhood as your child masters utensil skills.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About BLW Spoons
Q: When should my baby start using BLW spoons?
A: You can introduce spoons right around the time you start solids, usually about 6 months old. Even if they just chew on it at first, it builds familiarity.
Q: Are metal spoons safe for BLW?
A: Yes, if they are high quality. Ensure the metal part is smooth and the handle is covered in soft silicone so your baby does not hurt their mouth.
Q: How do I clean these specialized spoons?
A: Most silicone and BPA-free plastic spoons are safe to put right into the dishwasher. For handwashing, warm, soapy water works best.
Q: Why do BLW spoons have a bent shape?
A: The bend helps babies scoop food from a flat plate without having to twist their little wrists too much. It makes scooping easier for beginners.
Q: Should I buy spoons with suction bases?
A: Suction bases are great for bowls, but less common on spoons. If you find one, it might keep the spoon from dropping, but focus more on the handle shape first.
Q: Can I use regular baby spoons instead?
A: You can try, but traditional spoons are often too deep or too long. BLW spoons are specifically designed for a baby’s grip and mouth size.
Q: How many spoons do I need to start?
A: Start with two or three spoons. This gives you a clean backup while one is in use or in the dishwasher.
Q: Are these spoons good for teething?
A: Absolutely. Soft silicone spoons are excellent for babies to chew on when their gums are sore.
Q: What is BPA-free plastic?
A: BPA is a chemical that some plastics contain. “BPA-free” means the plastic does not have this chemical, making it safer for your baby’s food contact items.
Q: How long will my baby use these specific spoons?
A: Babies often use these short, chunky spoons until they master coordination, usually between 18 months and 2 years old. After that, they might transition to slightly longer toddler utensils.