When can I introduce a toddler knife + get my toddler involved in cooking?
Written by Christina Hills, Paediatric Dietitian + Nutritionist. Founder of The Happy Feeding Company Clinic for Babies + Children.
One of my favourite ways to build an interest in food and cooking early is to bring toddlers into the kitchen. Not only does it support sensory learning, fine-motor development and autonomy- it also keeps them entertained when you are trying to juggle cooking dinner with everything else!
Kindy knife, part of set (see below) Photo from product website.
We also know that kiddos who are allowed to explore food in a low pressure way- such as by cutting, chopping and prepping in the kitchen - are more likely to taste and enjoy a wider variety of foods later!! But the big question parents often ask is:
“When can my child start using a toddler knife?”
When to introduce a toddler knife…
Most toddlers are ready to start using a safe, child-friendly knife from around 18 months to 2 years, as long as they are supervised. At this age, little ones are developing hand-eye coordination, grip strength and an interest in copying what you’re doing- perfect foundations for early knife skills.
Start with:
A blunt, serrated toddler knife made for soft foods
Foods that won’t roll or slip (think: banana slices, cooked carrots, avocado, soft cheeses)
Other ways to get toddlers involved in cooking
Let them wash veg, peel bananas, pull herbs, stir batter
Offer a safe toddler knife to cut soft foods
Or try biscuit and pastry cutters, or rolling out dough!
Give them a designated “cooking station”- a toddler stool, a chopping board, and some toddler safe equipment
Keep everything low-pressure. Toddlers do not need to taste the food they prepare. The sensory exposure alone all counts!
