Features of the choice of children's cutlery
In everyday life, people use standard cutlery: knife, fork, spoon, dessert spoon, dessert fork. Children's cutlery is a special category of products. Such a set is almost always purchased separately, because the size of children's and adult devices is different. When choosing a children's kit, you need to focus on the quality of the material, reviews about the manufacturer, because the child's body requires a more careful attitude towards itself. There are silver, stainless steel appliances for 2 or 4 pieces.
Views
In general, all cutlery is divided into two types:
- individual;
- collective.
The former are supposed to be used by only one person, the latter are auxiliary, allowing food to be applied. Children's appliances belong to the first category. Some people buy very beautiful and expensive sets that are kept and inherited.
If you want to start such a tradition in your family, then you can start purchasing from the children's version.
The individual set includes the following items:
- basic for first and second courses - spoon and fork;
- snack bar - fork + knife;
- fish - special fork + knife;
- dessert - spoon, fork, knife;
- fruit - knife + fork;
- children.
The latter type has its own characteristics:
- reduced size;
- production material: stainless steel, cupronickel, silicone, plastic, less often - silver;
- effective design, focused on children's interests (beautiful devices can reduce the time of whims at the table, to interest the baby);
- the set includes a table spoon, fork, teaspoon, knife or just a spoon and fork.
Material
This is a very important parameter to be guided by when buying. There are children's cutlery made from the following materials on the market:
- stainless steel - convenient to use, budgetary, easy to clean;
- silver, cupronickel (with or without gilding) - very expensive, beautiful, high-status materials, however, requiring special care, are most often purchased not for daily use;
- plastic and silicone - they are used to make the very first devices for babies under the age of 1 year, they are light, easy to hold, not cold, do not damage the gums, you can chew.
Stainless steel is the most popular material for making appliances for children, who are slowly starting to learn self-feeding skills. The 18/10 mark indicates how much of the other metals were used: 18% chromium, 10% nickel. They add shine and strength to the product.
Cupronickel in the modern kitchen utensils industry has lost some of its importance; in the past it was very popular and was valued like silver. Cupronickel devices, which are very labor-intensive to care for, are not in great demand now.
Silverware is the pride of every housewife, such devices are beautifully decorated, look very impressive, silver spoons and forks are often engraved, and it is prestigious to present them as a gift. However, despite the beauty and status, silverware can give a young mother a lot of trouble:
- they are heavy, the child will have to "grow" to such dishes;
- complex care that protects items from darkening;
- not suitable for every day, as cleansing is specific.
If you are planning to buy something really beautiful, take a closer look at gold-plated products. It can be made not only on silver and cupronickel, but also on stainless steel.
Children's devices can be combined, when the handle is made of plastic, and the spoon or fork is made of metal. In addition, silicone covers on metal are common, which do not damage the gums.
Peculiarities
The very first children's device is a spoon, remember that it will perform not only the main function, but also the game one. Plus, baby spoons are lost quickly. It is recommended to purchase either a set of two spoons, or two separate ones, one of which will be brighter and more enticing. While the child is playing with a flashy thing, you can normally feed him. The first spoons are conveniently curved and fit well in a child's handle.
There are the first sets, consisting not only of a spoon, but also of a fork, but you can only give a fork in your child's hands after 2 years. You must first teach your child to use it. Smaller forks for children, well rounded with blunt ends.
The first knife for a child is preferable with teeth, so that it is more comfortable to cut, but more difficult to injure yourself. You can give a child a knife only after 3 years and after appropriate training. Children's devices are always individual, no one else should use them, they are washed thoroughly, at an early age they are sterilized.
Of course, children's dishes include more items than just cutlery: these are sippy cups, deep and shallow plates, cups, bottles, and so on.
Manufacturers rating
To choose high-quality dishes for your baby, you need to focus on trusted manufacturers who have established themselves in the market and produce products using the latest technology and high-quality safe material.
In addition, design is very important, as children should be involved in the process of eating, the comfort and safety of items.
Zwilling J. A. Henckels, Germany
Stainless steel products from this manufacturer are very popular among young mothers due to their quality, and among children - due to their pleasant, effective design. Especially widespread are the "Teddy Bear" cutlery sets for children.They include two spoons (table and teaspoon), knife and fork. Among the advantages of the devices of this company are:
- the highest quality materials, do not lose their appearance over time;
- Beautiful design;
- convenient size;
- shine effectively;
- you can't hurt yourself with a knife.
There are also some downsides:
- off-budget price;
- not too deep spoons.
Attribute, China
The sets of this company are more budgetary and are very popular with children. Their handles are polymer or rubberized, and the base is made of stainless steel. Includes 4 items: 2 spoons, knife, fork. The forks have rounded ends and a serrated knife. A large selection of designs, you can choose the taste of the child, all the items are colorful, bright, very attractive to children.
According to reviews, it is recommended to purchase sets with rubberized handles - they do not slip in your hands.
Tescoma
Among the disadvantages of the products of this company, only one is distinguished - the high cost. However, the quality justifies the price. Pros:
- instruments from Tescoma are very effective, on the basis of stainless steel there is an embossed pattern;
- handles are bright, made of high quality plastic, they are comfortable to hold in a small hand;
- the set includes a universal spoon, fork and knife;
- excellent quality materials.
Amet, Russia
Budgetary and very beautiful stainless steel cutlery attracts with its spectacular engravings of various animals and heroes of fairy tales, for example "Kolobok". The set includes 4 main items: 2 spoons, a fork, a knife. Everything is done taking into account children's peculiarities, the devices are as safe and convenient to use as possible, very light.
The handles do not slip in the hands due to the uneven design with roughness, the spoon is of good depth. The price is quite budget. The only negative is not too sharp a knife for a children's set, it is difficult to cut even an omelet.
For an overview of the set of children's cutlery "Levushka" (Amet), see the next video.