First Weaning Spoons vs Cutlery Sets: What to Buy

Wondering whether to start with weaning spoons or a first cutlery set? Compare the Tommee Tippee Easygrip Spoons and Big Kids Cutlery to find the right fit for your child's stage.

Publishing teamXI LANGS Editorial

PublishedOct 18, 2026

Page updatedOct 18, 2026

Reading time4 minutes

First Weaning Spoons vs Cutlery Sets: What to Buy

Quick answer

Start with weaning spoons like the Tommee Tippee Easygrip Self Feeding Spoons for tender gums, then move to a first cutlery set like the Tommee Tippee Big Kids First Cutlery Set once your child is ready for metal utensils.

Why the right stage matters

Babies develop eating skills in stages. Early on, soft silicone or plastic spoons protect tender gums and make scooping easier. Later, metal cutlery with rounded edges helps big kids practice using a knife and fork just like adults.

Choosing the wrong tool too early can frustrate your child and slow down self-feeding confidence. Choosing it too late can delay important fine-motor practice.

Material and design differences

The Tommee Tippee Easygrip Self Feeding Spoons are designed for the first stages of solid foods. Their chunky handles are easy for little hands to grip, and the deep, wide bowl helps food stay on the spoon. The BACSHIELD™ feature protects the spoon from touching surfaces, keeping it cleaner between bites.

The Tommee Tippee Big Kids First Cutlery Set is stainless steel, making it a step up in durability and feel. Chunky handles give control, while rounded edges protect mouth, teeth, and gums as your child learns to cut and spear food.

The trade-off: silicone spoons are gentler but less durable for cutting; metal cutlery is more durable but not suitable for tender gums.

When to switch

There's no fixed age, but watch for signs like your child trying to stab food with a spoon or showing interest in adult utensils. That's a cue to introduce a first cutlery set.

If your child still has trouble scooping or tends to bite down hard on utensils, stick with weaning spoons a bit longer.

Trade-offs to consider

Gentleness vs. durability: Weaning spoons are softer and safer for tender gums, but they can get chewed and worn. Metal cutlery lasts longer but isn't suitable until your child is ready for harder utensils. Check the spoon tips for wear and replace if they show damage.
Scooping vs. cutting: Weaning spoons have deep, wide bowls that make scooping easy, but they can't cut food. A cutlery set includes a knife with rounded edges for learning to cut, but it requires more skill. Offer pre-cut food until your child masters the knife.
When to switch: Move to a first cutlery set when your child shows interest in adult utensils or tries to stab food. If they still have trouble scooping or bite hard on spoons, wait a bit longer. Introduce the cutlery set gradually, starting with the fork.

Product facts at a glance

Tommee Tippee Easygrip Self Feeding Spoons x5: The Tommee Tippee Easygrip Self Feeding Spoons are ideal for tender gums and perfect for the first stages of eating solid foods. These spoons are gentle on gums while their chunky handles and deep bowl make self-feeding easier for beginners.

Tommee Tippee Easygrip Self Feeding Spoons x5
Tommee Tippee Big Kids First Cutlery Set x1: The Tommee Tippee Big Kids First Cutlery Set is stainless steel with rounded edges to protect mouth, teeth, and gums. It gives big kids a realistic metal cutlery experience safely, helping them transition to adult-style eating.

Tommee Tippee Big Kids First Cutlery Set x1