By Lauren Zeitler, MSOT, OTR/L
NESCA Occupational Therapist; Feeding Specialist
As an important area of development, feeding and eating time is a special opportunity for children to not only grow, but also interact with their environment. This includes transitioning from breast and bottle feeding to cups, bowls, and utensils. With so many options available on the market, it can be hard to decide what to buy. If you are unsure where to start, this blog will introduce different tools to help promote a more independent eater in your child.
In this week’s OT Tuesday blog, we provide suggestions on utensils and bowls for new eaters, toddlers, and more. In our Part 2 of the blog, we will focus on different styles of cups for all stages of child drinkers.
Recommended Utensils throughout Developmental Ages and Stages
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Vital Baby Soft Tip ‘n’ Grip Feeding Spoons
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Soft Tip Infant Spoon by Munchkin
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Nuby Fun Feeding Spoons & Forks
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NUK First Essentials Kiddy Cutlery
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Nuby 9 Piece Mealtime Travel Set Spoon
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Designed with a flexible, spatula-like tip, this spoon is great for scooping food out of the bowl – and off a little one’s cheek! Great for first-time feeders, this spoon holds the perfect amount of food and fits comfortably in their mouths. It is easy to wash and BPA- free.
When introducing solids to a baby, it is important to have a smaller spoon belly to fit comfortably in their mouth. The soft tips and rounded shapes of this spoon are gentle on their gums as they adjust to utensil eating. This spoon also has a long, ergonomic handle which makes it easy for caregivers to hold.
Lightweight and easy to grasp, this set of cutlery provides a traditional spoon as well as a spork (fork and spoon combination). Compared to other brands, the belly of this spoon appears deeper and has more success holding foods, such as soup. This set is recommended for children ages 12 months and up, encouraging independent eating.
Made with rubber handles and stainless steel tips, this set is made to fit right in a toddler’s hands. Dishwasher-safe and BPA-free, it comes in a variety of colors and is best for children ages 18 months and up. This is a great starter set to later introduce children to adult utensils.
Made for developed self-feeders, this set makes eating out a little easier. Pop this travel set into lunch boxes, purses, etc. This is BPA-free and dishwasher-safe.
Recommended Bowls and Plates throughout Developmental Ages and Stages
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MUNCHKIN Stay Put Suction Bowls
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Made with the same great suction material, this mat provides sections to place different food items. This tool can be used this with eaters who do not like their foods to touch. It is also a fun way to teach about food groups and portion control. |
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Re-Play Divided Plates for Toddlers
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BPA-free, this bowl set suctions to the table to firmly stay in place and decrease floor clean-up time. With built in handles, this bowl is easier for babies to grasp while learning to scoop and self-feed. It also comes with snap-on lids to quickly throw the leftovers in the refrigerator!
Dishwasher- and microwave-safe, this bowl suctions to the table with a modern look. This bowl works well with new feeders, because the suction remains in place while children are learning to use a spoon.
Built with a 12 ounce bowl, this product serves as an all in one style device. Great for toddlers and preschoolers, it suctions to the table to reduce throwing and has a placemat surrounding the bowl. It is easy to wash both in the sink and dishwasher.
Designed to easily stack in the cabinet or drawer, these plates are deep and durable. Each plate has three sections: two 3oz. sections and one 8 oz. section ready for a well balanced meal. Ready to graduate to an older plate, this option is recommended for children who do not need the throw-proof suction. This plate is dishwasher- and microwave-safe.If you have any concerns about your child’s feeding or questions about feeding or occupational therapy, please complete our online intake form, or email NESCA’s Director of Clinical Services Julie Robinson at jrobinson@nesca-newton.com.
Reference:
Elliott, C. & Clawson, E. (2018). Mealtime Miseries: Management of Complex Feeding Disorders. All workshop materials © Pediatric Feeding Institute, Inc
The product information in this blog is provided for educational purposes only. NESCA, nor Lauren Zeitler, accepts any incentives or payments from the manufacturers. The recommendations made come only from the professional experiences of NESCA’s occupational and feeding therapists and the personal experiences of clients.
About the Author
Lauren Zeitler is a licensed Occupational Therapist in Massachusetts, specializing in pediatric occupational and feeding therapy. Ms. 
Zeitler joined NESCA full-time in the fall of 2020 to offer occupational therapy assessment and treatment for children of all ages, as well as to work in conjunction with Abigael Gray, MS, CCC-SLP, on the feeding team.
Neuropsychology & Education Services for Children & Adolescents (NESCA) is a pediatric neuropsychology practice and integrative treatment center with offices in Newton, Massachusetts, Plainville, Massachusetts, and Londonderry, New Hampshire, serving clients from preschool through young adulthood and their families. For more information, please email info@nesca-newton.com or call 617-658-9800.
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