Silverware for Kidlets

I think about the most mundane things. I rather hate plastic, especially forks and spoons and plates and cups and bowls, although I see its utility in the care and feeding of the infant and toddler. And I love good silver – it feels so nice in the hand.

For baby presents, someone gave us the Elsa Peretti baby spoon from Tiffany, and someone else gave us a toddler spoon/fork set. The Peretti spoon was wonderful; long enough to get in the bottom of jars and yogurt containers and beautifully balanced. And Miss M. loves her “matching” fork and spoon. That’s what she calls them individually – the “matching” fork or the “matching” spoon. All three of those pieces were meant for little ones.

But there’s other silverware out there that works perfectly for little kids, and you can probably find it cheaply at a yard sale or antique shop or flea market.

Bouillon spoons are 5 or 6 inches long, with a round bowl – perfect for a little one to eat cereal with. And hardly anyone eats broth soups anymore, much less with specialized spoons, so they’re up for grabs.

Demitasse spoons are shorter – like 4 inches long – and look like tiny teaspoons, or short handled baby feeding spoons. And they work perfectly for a 3 and a half year old eating applesauce or jello.

And salad/dessert forks? Shorter than a full sized fork and perfect for a little kid.