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Toddlers Can Feed Themselves Using Spoons or Their Fingers

Last Updated: September 14, 2009

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Parenting Tips for Your 31-32 Month Old Toddler

Your toddler is at an age where she can feed herself. Some toddlers at this age are good enough with their hands to use child sized spoons on their own. Others may still have to use their fingers.

Toddlers may learn to use a spoon by using their fingers to put food on the spoon. Other times, they may use their fingers to take the food off the spoon and put it in their mouths. This is how they practice. It may be funny and messy but your toddler needs practice to learn.


Learn more about Your Toddler: 31-32 Months from Just In Time Parenting. You can also go to our Resource Links for additional information on child care and development.


Note to Parents: When reading this newsletter, remember: Every baby is different. Children may do things earlier or later than described here. This newsletter gives equal space and time to both sexes. If he or she is used, we are talking about all babies.
References: These materials were adapted by authors from Extension Just in Time Parenting Newsletters in California, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Tennessee, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Wisconsin.

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