Using Silver Utensils for Babies – Benefits & Types

Silver is one of the most commonly used metals used for cutlery and utensils. It has been around for centuries and is found in almost any middle-class household in India. One of the main reasons people eat from silver is because silver has proven antibacterial properties. It is believed that eating out of the same is healthy and can help prevent disease-causing bacteria from spreading.

While this may or may not be true as science hasn’t been able to prove this, silver is still a great utensil to use owing to it being able to withstand great heat. Using silver utensils for baby is a tradition passed down through generations in many cultures, symbolising purity and sophistication in mealtime rituals.

Is it Good to Use Silver Items for a Baby?

Using silver items for a baby can have both benefits and drawbacks. Silver is known for its antimicrobial properties (1), which can help reduce bacterial growth on items such as feeding utensils or pacifiers, potentially reducing the risk of infections. Additionally, silver items are often durable and long-lasting, making them a practical choice for baby products.

However, there is concern about infants’ ingestion or absorption of silver. If a baby were to ingest or absorb silver particles, it could lead to silver poisoning. The risk of silver toxicity increases significantly if the silver items are of poor quality or if they are used extensively over time, allowing for greater exposure.

When is the Appropriate Time to Introduce Silverware to Babies?

The appropriate time to introduce silverware to babies is when they are about six to nine months old and start sitting up unsupported, showing interest in food, reaching for objects, and bringing them to their mouths (2). Introducing silverware at this stage allows babies to explore different textures and tastes while developing fine motor skills. Initially, babies may use their hands to grasp and bring food to their mouths, but gradually, they can be encouraged to use utensils like spoons or forks. Silverware with rounded edges and easy-to-grip handles are ideal for small hands learning to feed themselves.

Why Use Silverware for Babies?

Silverware is an excellent metal to give babies food in because, most importantly, it is safe even when consumed in the body, unlike lead and mercury. Here are a few other benefits of using silver utensils for babies:

1. Silver is Bacteria-Free

Silver has an inherent property that prevents the buildup of bacteria cells in its chemical bonds (3). This means that bacteria cannot survive and thrive, unlike many other metals. Because of this property, silverware also doesn’t need to be sterilised, unlike plastic and synthetic utensils. This is one of the main reasons medicines are given to babies in silver bowls or trays.

2. Easy to Maintain

Silverware is easy to maintain and does not require much scrubbing or cleaning. Minimal soap and water are enough to do the job, and you don’t need to sterilise it. It is important to remember not to polish silverware used for babies because it could mix with the chemicals.

3. Non-Toxic

Silver doesn’t cause cancer, unlike plastics and many other metals. It doesn’t cause any problems in the reproductive system or even neurological damage, which the former two can (4). It has some excellent properties and is safe for kids to use.

4. Boosts Immunity

Silver can kill germs, which can be good for health in the long term. Some minor traces of silver are believed to improve immunity when mixed with baby food. While this hasn’t been proven, feeding them silver is still a good idea, as it isn’t poisonous to consume.

5. Retains Freshness

Storing food in silverware is always a good idea because it can destroy the viruses, bacteria, and germs in the food (7). In olden times, milk was infused with silver coins to keep it fresher for a longer period. Water and wines were also kept in silverware to help enhance freshness and keep them tasty for a longer period.

6. The Absence of Any BPA

BPA is an additive in plastics that makes them more durable. It can sometimes latch onto food items and cause hormonal imbalances and obesity. Other risks include increased risks of breast cancer, prostate cancer, and infertility (5). Instead of searching for high-BPA or “BPA-Free” plastics, you could switch to silver.

7. No Phthalates

Another common ingredient in plastics is phthalates, which are known to cause fertility and immunity issues. Phthalates can affect full-grown adults, so imagining their effect on children is a scarier thought (6). Instead, try using silverware, as it is proven to have no additives that can harm anyone from a health perspective.

Types of Silverware Available for Babies

There are many silver items for babies to serve food with. These include the likes of:

1. Silver Bowl

One of the best silver utensils for babies is the bowl. It can hold a range of hot and cold food items and ensure their safety. Silver bowls are available in different sizes and can be used for a very long time.

2. Silver Plate

Silver plates can be used to serve food along with the silver spoon as an alternative to glass or plastic utensils.

3. Silver Spoon

Silver spoons are a better option than stainless steel as they will be able to prevent the growth of any bacteria.

4. Silver Glassware

Perfect to feed babies with drinks and liquids that can be stored for a long period of time inside them.

5. Paladai

Paladaiis a very popular silver bowl found in different Indian households and it is a bowl that is shaped like a conch.

Tips to Use Silverware for Babies

Silver can be used just like any other metal. You can use it in specific ways:

• Glasses: Silver glasses can store liquids such as juices and drinks like water for babies.
• Bowls and spoons: Silver bowls and spoons can be used to serve rice and foods like upma, pasta and more
• Plates: Plates can be used to serve hot chappatis, curries, and other liquid food items.
• Paladas: These smaller silver bowls can be used to serve delicious fruit and vegetable purees like carrots, bananas, peaches, apples and green peas.

Precautions You Should Take While Using Silver Utensils for Your Baby

Introducing silver utensils for your baby can have benefits, but taking precautions is crucial to ensure their safety and well-being. Here are some precautions you should take while using silver utensils for your baby:

• Opt for silver utensils designed for babies and of good quality to minimise the risk of silver toxicity.
• Limit silver utensils and avoid prolonged exposure to reduce the potential for silver ingestion or absorption.
• Clean silver utensils thoroughly before and after each use to prevent the buildup of bacteria or other contaminants.
• Always supervise your baby while they use silver utensils to prevent choking hazards and ensure they are using them appropriately.

How to Clean Baby’s Silver Utensils?

Cleaning your baby’s silver utensils is essential to maintain hygiene and appearance. You can start by washing them with warm water and a mild dishwashing liquid. These utensils are generally dishwasher safe, but it’s best to avoid overcrowding them to prevent scratches. To tackle tarnished silverware, follow these steps:

1. Place a sheet of aluminium foil in a flat bowl, ensuring the shiny side is up. Arrange the tarnished utensils on the foil in a single layer. Pour hot water over them until they are completely submerged.
2. Sprinkle a few tablespoons of baking soda over the tarnished utensils in the bowl.
3. Allow the utensils to soak in the solution for some time. This will allow the aluminium foil to absorb the tarnish and restore the silverware’s shine.
4. Remove the utensils from the solution and clean them thoroughly with soap and water. Rinse them well to remove any residue of baking soda. Finally, dry them with a soft cloth to prepare them for immediate use.

Following these steps can effectively clean your baby’s silver utensils, ensuring they remain safe and sparkling for your little one’s use.

Alternative of Silverware for Your Baby

When it comes to feeding your baby, there are various alternatives to silverware that offer both safety and practicality. Here are some options to consider:

1. BPA-Free Plastic Utensils

BPA-free plastic utensils are lightweight, durable, and specifically designed for babies. They come in various shapes and sizes, making them easy for little hands to grip and use. Additionally, they are typically dishwasher-safe for convenient cleaning.

2. Silicone Feeding Utensils

Silicone feeding utensils are soft, flexible, and gentle on your baby’s gums. They are often ergonomically designed with textured handles to provide a secure grip for self-feeding. Silicone utensils are also dishwasher-safe and resistant to stains and odours.

3. Bamboo or Wooden Utensils

Bamboo or wooden utensils are eco-friendly options free from harmful chemicals. They are lightweight, durable, and naturally antimicrobial, making them safe for your baby. Hand-washing these utensils will prolong their lifespan and prevent damage.

4. Stainless Steel Utensils

Stainless steel utensils are another durable and hygienic option for feeding your baby. They are resistant to rust and corrosion, making them suitable for long-term use. However, be sure to choose utensils with rounded edges and smooth surfaces to minimise the risk of injury.

Foods to Avoid Feeding Babies in Silver Utensils

When using silver utensils to feed your baby, it’s essential to be mindful of certain foods that may react with the silver or pose choking hazards. Here are some foods to avoid feeding babies in silver utensils:

1. Acidic Foods

Avoid feeding acidic foods such as citrus fruits or tomatoes in silver utensils, as the acidity can cause a reaction that tarnishes the silver or affects its appearance.

2. Spicy Foods

Spicy foods can irritate your baby’s delicate digestive system. Avoid feeding spicy foods like chilli peppers or hot sauces in silver utensils to prevent adverse reactions.

3. Sticky or Hard Foods

Avoid feeding your baby sticky or hard foods, such as candies, chewing gum, or large chunks of raw vegetables, that could pose a choking hazard when using silver utensils.

4. Foods With Strong Colours or Dyes

Foods with strong colours or artificial dyes, such as beets or food colouring, may stain silver utensils. To maintain their appearance, avoid feeding such foods in silverware.

5. Honey

Avoid feeding honey to babies under one year of age, as it may contain bacteria that can cause infant botulism. If you use silver utensils to feed older babies honey-containing foods like honey-flavoured cereals, clean them thoroughly afterwards.

FAQs

1. Do silver utensils affect the taste of baby’s food?

Silver utensils are generally inert and do not react with food, so they should not alter the taste of baby food. However, some parents may notice a slight metallic taste when using silver utensils. To minimise potential taste changes, ensure the utensils are properly cleaned and stored.

2. Can silver utensils be sterilised for baby’s use?

Silver utensils can be sterilised to ensure optimal hygiene for baby use. You can boil them in water for a few minutes or use a steam steriliser. Silver’s natural antimicrobial properties can also help inhibit bacterial growth, further enhancing cleanliness.

3. Are there any precautions to consider when using silver utensils for babies?

While silver utensils are generally safe for babies, there are a few precautions to remember. Avoid prolonged exposure to acidic foods, as this can cause tarnishing. Additionally, always check silver utensils for any signs of damage or wear and tear before use, as sharp edges or loose parts could pose a safety hazard.

Thus, silverware might not have any proven medicinal properties but is still a great option to serve food in, owing to its antibacterial properties. It is also easy to clean and available in different types of utensils, making it perfect to serve food for babies. Silver is also not poisonous to consume as it does not have any effect in the body unlike metals such as mercury and lead.

References/Resources:

1. Sim. W, Barnard. R. T, Blaskovich. M. A. T, Ziora. Z. M; Antimicrobial Silver in Medicinal and Consumer Applications: A Patent Review of the Past Decade; Antibiotics (Basel); https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6315945/

2. Using Cutlery; NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde; https://www.nhsggc.org.uk/kids/resources/ot-activityinformation-sheets/using-cutlery-information-sheet/

3. Nielsen. K; Silver. A powerful weapon against microbes; Coloplast Group; https://www.coloplast.com/products/wound/articles/silver-a-powerful-weapon-against-microbes/#section=Reference-list_463946

4. The Facts on Silver; Dartmouth Toxic Metals Superfund Research Program; https://sites.dartmouth.edu/toxmetal/more-metals/silver-metal-of-many-faces/the-facts-on-silver/

5. BPA and the Controversy about Plastic Food Containers; National Capital Poison Center; https://www.poison.org/articles/plastic-containers-are-they-harmful

6. Engel. S. M, Patisaul. H. B, Brod. C, et al.; Neurotoxicity of Ortho-Phthalates: Recommendations for Critical Policy Reforms to Protect Brain Development in Children; American Journal of Public Health; https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/pdf/10.2105/AJPH.2020.306014

7. Jaiswal. S; Health benefits of Silver utensils for babies and all; The Ayurveda; https://www.theayurveda.org/general-awareness/health-benefits-of-silver-utensils-for-babies-and-all; August 2016

Also Read: 

Baby Food Stages
Freezing Baby Food
How to Make & Store Baby Food at Home?
Is It Safe to Cook or Heat Baby’s Food in a Microwave?