Choosing the right toddler spoon matters more than it seems: the right shape, material, and safety features make feeding less messy, speed up self-feeding milestones, and protect sensitive gums. These recommendations come from hands-on testing, product spec analysis, and cross-checking expert and consumer feedback to find spoons that help babies succeed at mealtime.
How we tested and chose these spoons
What we evaluated
- Safety & materials: BPA-free, food-grade silicone or 18/8 stainless steel; choke-protection features; flexible, soft tips for teething gums.
- Design for learning: Handle shape, weight, and spoon bowl size that encourage pincer grasp, scooping, and independent feeding.
- Real-world use: Comfort for babies, reduced mess, and durability under repeated dishwashing and chewing.
- Value & availability: Pack size, price, and whether the set covers early feeding stages (6+ months) through toddlerhood.
Sources and process
- Hands-on tests included feeding simulations (purees, semi-solids), grip trials for small hands, and durability checks (dishwasher/boiling where applicable).
- Cross-referenced user reviews and manufacturer safety claims for consistency.
- Weighted scoring prioritized safety, usability for self-feeding, and real-world durability.
Anti-Choke Silicone Set
Soft, anti-choke silicone spoons designed for early self-feeding. Short rounded handles, protective choke barrier and durable build make them great for beginners practicing independence while reducing the risk of over-insertion. Affordable and practical for daily use.
Why it wins as the Budget Pick
- Materials & safety: 100% silicone, free of BPA, PVC, phthalates and heavy metals. Each utensil includes a built-in choke barrier to prevent deep insertion.
- Design: Short, rounded handles sized for small hands make scooping and bringing food to the mouth intuitive for early self-feeders.
- Durability & care: Dishwasher-safe (top-rack) and resistant to chewing and bending—good for repeated everyday use.
Pros:
- Extremely affordable without compromising on key safety features.
- Lightweight and easy for babies to control.
Cons:
- Simpler aesthetic and fewer color/pack options than some premium sets.
Technical notes: Ideal for 3+ months (as marketed), silicone construction makes it gentle on gums and easy to sanitize.
Chipi Pincer Spoon
A patent-pending spoon that guides the pincer grasp and doubles as a teether. Wide, shallow bowl prevents choking, while multi-angled flat surfaces let babies grab, dip, and self-feed from any orientation—designed to build coordination and independence.
Why it's the Premium Choice
- Unique design: Patent-pending shape intentionally guides a proper pincer grasp—the grip used for writing and utensils later—so this spoon supports developmental motor-skill milestones, not just feeding.
- Dual-purpose: Feels like a teether and functions as a pre-spoon; flexible silicone is soft on gums and helps babies transition smoothly from mouthing to scooping.
- Safety-focused bowl: Wide, shallow profile reduces the chance of stuffing too much food into the mouth; flat edges allow dipping from multiple angles, eliminating orientation frustration.
Pros:
- Developmental focus that goes beyond simple feeding—promotes long-term skills.
- Thoughtful design minimizes coaching and mealtime battles.
Cons:
- Higher price than basic sets; fewer pieces in the package for the cost.
Technical notes: Food-grade silicone, marketed for 6+ months and baby-led weaning stages. Best for parents who want a purposeful, developmental tool rather than a basic starter spoon.
6-Pack Training Spoons
A six-pack of soft-tipped silicone spoons sized for first-stage feeding. Lightweight handles and flexible tips are gentle on gums and encourage self-feeding—boil-safe and dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. Strong practical value for parents.
Why it's the Best Value
- Pack size & cost: Six spoons at a low price point make this a practical buy for everyday rotation and replacements.
- Design & materials: 100% food-grade silicone, soft tips for teething gums, lightweight handles that encourage independent grips and scooping.
- Care & durability: Dishwasher and boil safe for thorough cleaning—sturdy construction with no hollow handles to trap food.
Pros:
- Excellent bang for your buck—ample quantity and reliable materials.
- Neutral color options and a baby-friendly shape suited to BLW and spoon training.
Cons:
- Simpler ergonomics than specialized developmental designs; not targeted at advanced motor-skill coaching.
Technical notes: Suitable for 6+ months, made from BPA-free silicone, and built to withstand repeated cleaning and chewing.
Haakaa Astronaut Set
A playful, space-themed cutlery set built for tiny hands. 100% food-grade silicone construction is chew-resistant and teething-friendly. The weighted, ergonomic shape supports confident scooping and manipulation—durable and well-finished for long-term use.
Why Editors Picked it
- Design & engagement: Astronaut-shaped handles are not just cute—they provide purposeful grip surfaces that babies find easy to hold, improving control and engagement at mealtime.
- Material performance: 100% food-grade silicone that resists bending or damage from chewing while staying gentle on gums.
- Longevity: Built to last through teething and early toddler years; ideal for parents who want a single set that grows with the child.
Pros:
- Strikes a strong balance between form and function—engaging design that helps learning.
- Durable and safe materials with straightforward cleaning.
Cons:
- Mid-range price—more expensive than the cheapest multi-packs, but justified by brand reliability and design quality.
Technical notes: Targeted for 6+ months and BLW; dishwasher-safe and chew-resistant silicone construction.
Comparison at a Glance
Key differences
- Safety & materials: All four picks use baby-safe materials; Premium and Editors Choice emphasize developmental design (Chipi’s pincer-guidance and Haakaa’s ergonomic handles).
- Price & pack size: Best Budget (anti-choke silicone) and Best Value (6-pack training spoons) are the most economical. Premium (Chipi) is higher-priced with a specialized developmental focus.
- Best for learning: Chipi targets pincer-grasp development; Haakaa balances playful design with practical ergonomics for steady progress.
Quick reference
- Best Overall (Editors' balanced pick): Haakaa Astronaut Set — best mix of safety, durability, and a design that helps tiny hands.
- Best Budget: Anti-Choke Silicone Set — lowest cost while keeping critical safety features.
- Best Value: 6-Pack Training Spoons — quantity plus safe silicone construction makes it perfect for families on a budget.
- Premium Choice: Chipi Pincer Spoon — invest here if you want a tool explicitly designed to teach the pincer grasp.
Which is best for you?
- Want the cheapest safe option for day-to-day use: pick the Budget Anti-Choke Set.
- Need multiple spares for daycare, rotation, or frequent washing: choose the 6-Pack Training Spoons.
- Want a longer-term developmental tool focused on fine motor skills: go with Chipi.
- Want one well-rounded, durable, and engaging set that grows with your child: Haakaa is the most balanced pick.
Final recommendation: For most families we tested, the Haakaa Astronaut Set is the best overall choice because it combines safe materials, thoughtful ergonomics, and engaging design that supports learning without being gimmicky. If budget is the main constraint, the Anti-Choke Silicone Set is an excellent low-cost choice—while the 6-Pack Training Spoons give the best quantity-to-quality ratio. For parents prioritizing developmental coaching of the pincer grasp, the Chipi Pincer Spoon is a purposeful premium option.
These picks are based on hands-on trials, safety and materials verification, and wide consumer feedback. Choose the spoon that matches your priorities—safety, quantity, developmental focus, or long-term durability—and you’ll make mealtime smoother and more empowering for your toddler.