Originally Posted by ColorfulSunburst:
I don't allow kids to eat without utensils.
I continue spoon feeding 12mo kids and teach them to feed themselves properly.
Now I have two boys (1.6) - most of the time they eat by themselves and do not make a mess. One boy (1.4) still needs some help. In a couple more months they will be completely independent during meal times and mess free.
Originally Posted by gumdrops:
By 1 yr I have them eating what everyone else does. I give them utensils, but don't expect them to use them.
At what age do you all expect them to use utensils consistently?
My kiddos are like ColorfulSunburst's kiddos...they are given utensils as soon as they sit in a high chair.
I encourage and role model proper usage.
Usually by 1.5 yrs old, none of mine are eating with their hands other than to use a thumb or finger to help push the food onto the spoon/fork.
I do not allow them to use their hands to pick up and place food anywhere other than back on their plates. No food directly from hand to mouth (other than finger or hand held foods of course)
I don't use sippy cups or cups with lids for any age.
We practice table manners for every meal/snack.
My youngest is just over a year and my oldest is 5.
They are all independent eaters and are fairly clean about it.