Learning to use a spoon and fork

Most children begin exploring a spoon between 9 and 12 months of age. To help your child:

• let them hold their own spoon during mealtimes
• start with foods that stick to the spoon such as yoghurt, mashed potato or thick purees
• use bowls with raised sides to make scooping easier
• guide their hand if needed and gradually reduce your help
• praise all attempts, even if they are messy.

Once your child is confident using a spoon:

• introduce a child-sized fork
• start by placing food on the fork for them
• progress to easy-to-stab foods such as soft fruit or cooked vegetables
• encourage your child to hold the fork in one hand while beginning to use a spoon or knife in the other