Day 338 - How to Teach Your Baby to Use a Fork

Today's first time parenting tip - Use patience, imitation and a baby-safe fork to teach you infant how to use flatware

Giving your baby a spoon seems a lot more natural and safe than giving them a fork. After all, the spoon doesn't have sharp tines they can poke their skin or eyes with.

But you can teach them how to use a fork safely if you get them something like the Easy Grip Fork and Spoon Set. The tines on the fork have been blunted and a little more flexible materials were used to make it safe for you baby's exploration.

Just like feeding with a spoon, imitate the right motions with your fork so they know what to do. Let them learn at their own pace, the normal time for children to master the fine art of eating with a spoon and fork doesn't happen until well into their second year.

Parenting, Learn, Fork, Teach, Eat

Day 313 - How to Teach Your Baby to Use a Spoon

Today's first time parenting tip - Patience and imitation are your best friends when teaching your baby how to use a spoon

Using silverware is the next step for your baby after they learn how to eat with their fingers. Since it requires fine motor skills, balance and coordination, you can expect the process to take a little bit of coaching. Here are some important tips to remember:

• Be patient. They won't get it right away, and getting frustrated won't help them learn


• Teach through imitation. You can do this by eating with a spoon out of your own bowl or plate. If they're eating something you don't mind stomaching, you can even spoon up their own food to show them how


• Let them experiment. There will be a fair amount of dumping food on the floor, their head, the cat, etc. It's O.K., your infant is exploring this new tool they've found.


• Get a baby sized spoon. It's smaller and will be coated in a soft rubbery material that's easy on the teeth and easier for them to handle

Parenting, Teach, Spoon, Feeding, Food