When did your DCs start feeding themselves with a spoon or fork? - Updated with pic

We started giving DS a baby spoon and fork during dinnertime around 12 months old. At first he would just play with it and try to put it in his mouth but usually missed and/or had it upside down. He always tried to imitate us using them. One morning my DH was giving DS yogurt and decided to let him feed himself (using a suction cup bowl and a baby sppon) and we were both surprise how well he did with it. Of course he made a huge mess but he actually got most of it in his mouth.

Now at 15 months he is doing really well with it. He feeds himself Yogurt, applesause and oatmeal all the time now. He actually uses them all the time unless he is eating fingerfoods or snacks. I would have never expected him to be doing this so early? If DH didn't start letting DS feed himself, I would have proably waited until he was about 18 months........

I have to say I am pretty proud of my little man

Message edited 3/19/2010 12:09:52 PM.

Re: When did your DCs start feeding themselves with a spoon or fork?

Frankie is really starting to do this now. Although he makes a total mess. He will be 17 months next week

Re: When did your DCs start feeding themselves with a spoon or fork?

DS is 18 months and I haven't even tried yet! maybe I will bc it's getting tough to sit and spoon feed, plus we have a baby on the way in 2 months

Re: When did your DCs start feeding themselves with a spoon or fork?

we've attempted but DS makes a hot mess and ends up chewing on the spoon.

He does understand that the spoon goes from bowl to mouth, but can't grasp the food onto it yet.

He is 14 mos

Message edited 3/19/2010 11:50:50 AM.

Re: When did your DCs start feeding themselves with a spoon or fork?

DS is the same age. I let him play with the spoon. I should probably give him a bowl to let him practice feeding himself. I usually put a piece of food or some yogurt on his spoon and he feeds himself. He enjoys that. Depending on how messy it is and how well he's holding the spoon, I'll either help him keep the spoon steady while he brings it to his mouth or I let him do it on his own.

Re: When did your DCs start feeding themselves with a spoon or fork? - Updated with pic

My DD is 16 months and uses a spoon and fork very well. I think she started using utensils around 14 months.

Re: When did your DCs start feeding themselves with a spoon or fork? - Updated with pic

I started giving my girls spoons and forks around 8-9 months old. I NEVER fed them. We skipped baby foods and went straight to soft table foods. They were eating great with them by around 12 months old, very little mess. By 14 months old they could eat a full bowl of applesauce with no mess.