Did you know that milestones for fork use start in early toddlerhood? Yep! And there are several different features to look for when choosing a safe first fork for your little one. On our blog, Ms. Dawn (ezpz's Pediatric Feeding Specialist) shares some tips to help you select a fork for your toddler’s age and stage. #ezpzfun

First Fork: Scooping + Piercing Duo

When selecting a first fork for your 12-month-old toddler, choose one that they can both scoop and pierce food with. When learning a new skill (piercing) it’s easier for your toddler to be able to revert to a previously mastered skill (scooping) with the same utensil. This can help decrease frustration during the initial learning phase and keep your tot focused on eating (not trying to switch between a fork and spoon). The Mini Utensils are a part of the ezpz Developmental Utensil Set, which also includes the next step in utensil development - the Happy Utensils (larger and sharper fork, spoon + training knife for older toddlers / preschoolers).

Features of a First Fork: the ability to scoop and pierce food with the same utensil 

First Fork: Sensory Input 

You don’t want to use a fork that has a physical barrier (separating the fork bowl from the handle), as it stops your toddler from learning how to properly (and safely) place a fork into their mouth. Instead, choose a fork that provides sensory input to help with proper placement of the fork. The Mini Fork has sensory bumps on the fork bowl to support tactile learning and decrease choking episodes commonly associated with fork use.

Features of a First Fork: sensory bumps to support tactile learning and increase safety

First Fork: Slightly Rounded Tines

Metal tines and sharp tips should be avoided when choosing a safe fork. You want a fork that is strong enough to spear, but not so strong that it could injure your child’s face, tongue, lips or tender gum line. From a safety standpoint, your 12-month-old toddler is still mastering their hand-to-mouth skills, so choosing a fork with slightly rounded tines can boost the safety factor. That’s why ezpz chose strong nylon for the head of the spoon + fork, as this improves a toddler’s scooping / piercing abilities in a safe way. The ezpz Mini Feeding Set includes a first fork and a suction plate; the stable base of the plate helps toddlers learn to pierce food successfully.

Features of a First Fork: slightly rounded tines that will still pierce food easily

First Fork: Handle Size

Eating with a fork is a developmental milestone that can be frustrating for your toddler, especially if you offer a fork that is difficult for them to hold on to. Choose a fork with a short, fat, round silicone handle that supports their whole palm. When I teach toddlers how to hold the handle of a fork, I practice using the ezpz Mini Feeding Set. This set includes a first fork (Mini Fork) and a suction plate (Mini Mat). This adorable plate provides a stable base to help toddlers learn to pierce food safely and successfully. This playful practice makes motor planning to the mouth ezpz!

Features of a First Fork: short, fat, round handle that supports their whole palm

Advanced Fork Skills: Once you have chosen a first fork for your toddler, be sure to have it available at each meal. This will encourage daily practice and increase their confidence in self-feeding. After months of consistency and success with a first fork, your toddler may be ready to advance their fork skills. When choosing an advanced fork for older toddlers / preschoolers, select a fork with longer tines that can pierce multiple textured foods (such as salad). The Happy Fork is a larger fork that is included in the Happy Utensils Set, and it’s the perfect size for learning more advanced fork skills.

We hope these features will help you choose the best first fork for your little one. Be sure to tag us in your toddler utensil adventures by using our hashtag #ezpzfun.