Just Curious?

Question

How old was child when he/she could feed himself/herself with a spoon or fork? My little boy hasn't really shown too much interest until yesterday and then all of a sudden he wanted to do it himself. I handed him the spoon and he fed himself both meals yesterday without dropping or spilling. He is almost 16months old bye the way... I was just wondering if he should be doing this all the time or if it was a fluke or what... thanks to all who respond!

Answer 1

That's a good age to start. Let him do it more often. Kids love being able to do things on their own, sometimes they play more than they eat... when that would happen with my own children then I would try and encourage them to eat and maybe get another spoon and help feed them.

Answer 2

Since the spoon-feeding, my 15 month old has always reached for the spoon. I think I actually let him try feeding himself around 11 months old. I would usually scoop the food onto the spoon and then hand it to him. Now he mostly eats on his own using a spoon, but about halfway through he will eat whatever it is with his hand (even yogurt and applesauce). It is messy but I figure that is the only way he will learn!
By the way, applesauce is a great food to practice with because it is not so thick that it is hard to scoop, but it is not so runny that it will make a huge mess.

Answer 3

My son was about that same age when he started feeding himself. It was an all of a sudden thing and I have no clue what prompted it but he never went back he is still using fork and spoon.

Answer 4

Toddlers are great at wanting to do things themselves. My son is 2 and 1/2 and only NOW has decided he must feed himself. When he's tired he wants to be fed (lazy thing!) so I would let your son dictate his own feeding. There will be days he will want to eat with the spoon and fork, and maybe there will be days he wants help.

Answer 5

He is just now getting to the age where he could feed himself well (actually he's doing GREAT- better than mine did at that young!)

I usually gave my kids a spoon to mess around with while I fed them with another spoon at around a year old, then they learned. (attempts at 10-11 months usually resulted in a spoon in the eye- my eye or theirs!)

I think he's right on track and you're doing great.

Answer 6

He is at a good age for feeding him/herself with a spoon. I started my children at 15-18 months. If he/she is showing an interest then it is time.

Answer 7

They start showing their independence now. Some days they will do it and some days the will want you to do. My son did this, trick for me was on the days he didn't want to do it himself, not to do it for him. Sometimes with a time elements, I would feed him to get it done so we could be somewhere. Now at 3 he can dress himself but a lot of times he won't and wants me too. I try to get him up early to allow time for this. But there are mornings like when we go to church, I end up having to do it, to get there on time

Answer 8

My little one has been doing it for about three months now - he's 17 months. Having said that, he LOVES his food and couldn't wait to get at it himself!! They all vary - little girl was much earlier but not so good at it for a long long timee.

Answer 9

every child developed differently but he'll probably keep wanting to feed himself, just expect a few spills

Answer 10

yes thats about right, but he might go off the idea, it depends on how lazy they feel, my 23month old tries it hiself and then ask me to help him.