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Learning to use cutlery: one small step for parents, one giant leap for their children
Eating independently is not something you can improvise: for a child, using a knife, fork or spoon requires coordination, patience... and a lot of trial and error! Complete independence is often achieved around the age of 7, but the learning curve starts much earlier.
Progress at every age and stage
- Around 6-9 months: baby explores enthusiastically. He grabs the food with his hands, taps the spoon and participates in meal time.
- Around 14 months: he can dip a spoon into a dish and put it in his mouth.
- Around the age of 2: the desire for independence starts to be asserted. He learns to eat on his own with a spoon, then to pierce food with a fork.
- Around 5 years: he starts to cut or spread with a knife.
- Around age 7: he can use a knife and fork together, correctly and unaided.
How can we help?
- Show them the right way to do things: eat with them, explain each step, guide their hand if necessary
- Choose your cutlery carefully: a short, thick or textured handle is easier to hold. A little weight helps them to control movements better.
- Work one step at a time: first spread and then cut, before combining everything together.
- Adopt a different approach: use cutlery to play with modelling clay... it's all about having fun while practising.
Learning to eat on your own is about gaining confidence. One step closer to independence, with a big smile to boot!
That's why Opinel has created the Le Petit Gourmet cutlery set, which is durable, aesthetically pleasing and 100% made in France.
Comprising a round-tipped knife with a non-sharp blade, a fork and a spoon, it features a soft design and dimensions designed for children aged 2 to 7. The cutlery is fitted with a playful round clip for storage (or fun) & to help position the hand on the handle.
With a PEFC beechwood handle, the Le Petit Gourmet set designed by Franck Fontana is available in olive green, coral and rain blue.
You should also check out the Panaché box set!
This is THE must-have, original newborn gift that can be engraved on the handles!
Why choose Le Petit Gourmet?
Because unlike silicone cutlery, Le Petit Gourmet cutlery is made from resistant, safe and certified materials. Their size, weight and shape are designed to teach children how to hold them properly. Finally, they are made in France, are environmentally friendly and benefit from Opinel expertise.
