These Toddler Forks Changed The Way My Little One Eats

Open the “kid” drawer in a family’s kitchen and you’ll most likely be bombarded with water bottles, cups, plates and a variety of utensils. Collecting these items happens because it’s nearly impossible to find tableware items your child likes and can use without frustration—especially when it comes to toddler forks.

Then I found these nifty Amazon toddler forks, which thankfully remedy the situation. And while you're there, here's how to get loads of free baby products from Amazon (seriously, loads).

What are Amazon toddler forks?

A toddler fork is a fork that is specifically made for small hands. They come in various materials, such as plastic, wood and metal. They are training forks meant to help developing bodies and minds master the art of picking up food properly for self-feeding.

Sold on their own or in utensil sets with spoons, these toddler forks are foolproof must-haves. They're made of stainless steel and plastic and are about five-and-a-half inches long. With over 2,000 nearly-perfect Amazon ratings, it's also safe to say these are the best toddler forks on the market.

The best Amazon toddler fork features

Amazon's ECR4Kids toddler fork options combine the best of both worlds with both stainless steel and plastic. The fork's design helps toddlers grab food easily. Its ergonomic shape has a soft, easy-to-grip plastic handle for comfort and just-sharp-enough stainless steel tines to pick up food.

Affordable at $6 for a pack of three, you won’t cry if you end up leaving one at a restaurant somewhere. We’ve done that plenty of times, by the way. Here's how to get your picky-eating toddler to scarf down healthy things (if you're wondering).

My ECR4Kids toddler forks review

The road to self-feeding can be a treacherous one for independent children who want to grab food properly for self-feeding. Plastic and wooden forks tend to miss the mark on stabbing food properly, and metal ones can be too slim and hard to grip.

After trying what felt like dozens of toddler and baby utensils brands, we can say with confidence that these are the best. They definitely cut down on frustration and can help toddlers feel proud and confident at mealtime. And hey, they build fine motor skills.

Pros

• Affordable
• Toddler-friendly upgrade from a baby spoon
• Dishwasher-safe
• Come in a set of utensils with three toddler forks
• Great for small hands with an easy-to-grip plastic handle
• Stainless steel tines make grabbing food easier 
• Made from stainless steel and BPA-free plastic 
• Available in a spoon and fork combo

Cons

• Some foods, like spaghetti sauce, can stain the plastic handle

What other reviewers have to say

"This was just what we were looking for," writes verified Amazon purchaser, Maria Wesson. "We needed something sturdier than the plastic ones, and this toddler utensil set is perfect for our 18-month-old’s hands."

Peggy, another pleased mom writes, "We love these. I bought them for my 13-month-old who is doing baby-led weaning. The plastic forks weren’t cutting it anymore. He did well with my metal fork, so I decided to give these a try."

"They are easy to clean," she continues. "We love the rounded edges. My little guy did great with them. The handle is soft rubber."

Reasons to invest in toddler utensils

Toddler forks, spoons and other eating gear are relatively inexpensive, but still an added cost. We believe they're worth every penny. Showing a child how to eat properly with tools they can comfortably hold is priceless.

"Teach them to hold a fork the right way from a young age, and you've actually given them a confidence builder," explains Dmitri Sklad, a child development expert. "

He says a confident child sitting at your table is less likely to fuss about the healthy foods put in front of them. "They feel empowered and even excited to get to work devouring all their favorite meals."

Where to buy

These top-rated toddler forks are available on Amazon in a three-pack for $6. At that price, you might want to stock up on several sets to keep in the diaper bag, kitchen drawers and grandparents’ houses. If you like the vibe, the brand has high-quality plates, cups and other utensils available, too.