Special utensils?

[crunchy_mommy]

Do you have special 'toddler' utensils? Or do your toddlers just use the same utensils as the adults?

[lifeguard]

We've always just used the regular cutlery for ds. Usually he gets the smaller forks & spoons from our set but does just fine with the large ones as well. In fact when he gets "baby" utensils at other people's houses he often just seems to get frustrated with them.

[JessieBird]

IMO toddler utensils are useless. DS uses regular cutlery, usually the smaller ones but sometimes full size if he insists on using mine. Seriously, what use is a fork that isn't sharp? Sure a regular one could hurt but I can assure you that in my house more damage will be done with a blunt toddler fork when the frustration of not being able to eat with it leads to a monster tantrum.

[corrieoseal]

We have a couple of sets of Oneida toddler utensils from the outlet that DD used when she was just starting out (maybe from 10-20 months old.) I liked them during that transition time when she had trouble with the bigger pieces. I don't think you really need them, but DD still likes them sometimes.

[crunchy_mommy]

Phew I'm glad I'm not the only one!! We used the cheapo plastic forks/spoons for a few months (probably 9-14mos) and then I realized he was trying really hard & getting nowhere so I started giving him our regular forks. Then I discovered they sell 'toddler' metal forks and I just got confused -- I guess we will stick with our regular utensils! It drives me crazy when all the "merchandise" out there makes me doubt myself & think I need things that I really DON'T need!!

[EzzysMom]

DD can use the regular utensils now just barely, but I've really liked having the oneida toddler utensils, she's a pro at them as they're lighter and smaller. When they're dirty though she'll use ours, and they're $$$. I'd love to find all metal cheaper ones she just bites the plastic parts otherwise until they break so I'm done with the plastic ones.

[kmb9906]

Well, DD insists on using the same utensils as we do, so I give her the dessert utensils. Our silverware is is weighted in the handle/stems, so a full-size dinner fork is a little hard for her to control. She does fine with the dessert-sized fork and spoon. They look just like ours, so she's happy.

[ThisCat]

When my oldest was a toddler, I bought a couple place settings of children's stainless steel flatware for her. At four and half she still prefers it over the big stuff since it's just the right size and weight for her although she'll use whatever is available. My one year old uses it too now, well just the spoons really. I don't trust him with metal forks or knives yet and may not until he's like fifteen. He's a danger to himself and others not to mention my table.

[CrunchyChristianMama]

Our regular silverware is too heavy and awkward for DD. She always stabs herself in the face with it or can't get it turned around right for her.

I bought her a few appetizer forks and spoons from Crate and Barrel and they work awesome for her. They aren't dull like the toddler silverware that is sold, so she can actually stab her food. They also aren't super wide like regular toddler silverware, so she can manipulate them better.

[elmh23]

We have some toddler size stuff that they use but they also use the regular size stuff that we all use.

[Stitches]

We use metal toddler forks and spoons, with the grippy handles. DD likes them, she gets a better grip than with a salad fork or a teaspoon, and likes having her own utensils. That being said I don't think they are really necessary, but she likes them and they work for us.

[just_lily]

We use the Ikea stuff. With my home daycare I simply don't have enough of my regular utensils to get through the day. They aren't as small as toddler utensils and the kids do really well with them.

Cheap too.

[curiouscanadian]

We too use our regular salad forks and teaspoons for DS. We do have an heirloom silver toddler set and a cheap set from Ikea but it's easier to just grab the same set we're using. In our case they're all about the same size and weight anyway.

[deditus]

We used sugar spoons and cocktail forks from a Corning-Revere outlet. Cheap and good quality.

[tbone_kneegrabber]

we have some of the metal ikea play stuff, and we also use camping utensils (they are the perfect size!) ds prefers a smaller utensil. He finds the big ones harder to use. He uses them sometimes, and does when we eat out, but at home he'll often request a smaller utensil.