🥄 Munchkin vs NumNum Spoon: Which Spoon Is Safer?

Let’s face it, the baby aisle is full of cute products. But when it comes to feeding time, cute doesn’t always mean safe.

If you’re here debating between the Munchkin vs NumNum spoon, you’re already a step ahead. By choosing a spoon that prevents choking and boosts confidence, you’re doing more than buying a utensil. You’re investing in a safer, smoother feeding experience.

Here’s why it matters:

🛡️ Some spoons are longer or sharper, increasing gag risk
✋ Others lack a choke guard, which can be dangerous
🍼 The developmental needs of babies are not taken seriously while making all spoons.

Let’s compare the two top contenders: NumNum’s flat pre-spoons vs Munchkin’s ergonomic scoopers. We’ll break down which one wins for safety, comfort, and ease.

🔒 Why Spoon Safety Matters in the First Place

Food is only one aspect of feeding; other aspects include education, motor skills, and, of course, safety.

According to pediatric feeding experts, the best baby spoon helps reduce the risk of choking by:

✅ Limiting how far the utensil goes into the mouth
✅ Being soft and gum-friendly
✅ Encouraging self-paced eating
✅ Avoiding sharp edges or deep scooping

👀 Want a full overview of feeding safety tips? 👉 Check out our guide to the 5 Best Baby Feeding Sets to Prevent Choking.

🟢 Munchkin Spoons Overview

Best Known For: Affordable, wide availability, and baby-friendly shapes

Munchkin offers a wide variety of baby spoons. These include silicone-tipped options and heat-sensing plastic models. Their most popular designs include long handles and soft tips, but some parents find them too long for young babies.

⭐ Notable Picks:

Munchkin Soft Tip™ Infant Spoon –  Excellent for feeding under parental supervision

Munchkin Gentle Dip™ Silicone Spoon – Shorter and softer for younger babies

🔵 NumNum GOOtensils Overview

Best Known For: Flat “pre-spoons” designed for early self-feeding and choking prevention

The NumNum spoon is rough, flat, and made not to be scooped. Instead, perfect for beginners; babies dip it into food and bring it to their mouths. It includes a choke barrier at the base to prevent over-insertion.

⭐ Notable Pick:

NumNum Pre-Spoon GOOtensils – Includes beginner and transition tools, FDA-grade silicone, BPA-free

👶 Curious how these spoons compare to other safe designs? 👉 Read our breakdown of the Best Baby Spoons Compared for Choking Prevention.

⚖️ Side-by-Side Comparison: Munchkin vs NumNum

Feature	Munchkin	NumNum
Choke Guard	❌ Not standard	✅ Built-in on all models
Ideal Age	6+ months	4+ months
Material	Silicone/plastic	100% food-grade silicone
Self-Feeding?	✅ Yes, but better for assisted	✅ Yes, ideal for beginners
Dishwasher Safe	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Learning Focus	Parent-led and some self-feeding	Self-paced motor skill development

🤔 Real Parent Questions

Q: Can I start with Munchkin and transition to NumNum?

Absolutely, but many parents start with NumNum for a reason. Its flat shape and built-in choke guard make it safer and less intimidating.

Q: Are either spoons safe for teething babies?

Yes. NumNum is fully silicone and doubles as a teether. Munchkin’s soft-tip spoons are gentle on gums, but they’re not designed to be used as teethers.

Q: Do either of these spoons come in sets?

Yes. NumNum comes in stage-based sets (pre-spoon and training). Munchkin often sells 3- to 6-piece packs.

🧠 Expert Tip: Start early, but not too early. When your baby is ready, they should sit up straight and show an interest in eating.

🎦 In the process, would you like to babyproof your house? 👉 Don’t miss our safety roundup on Common Household Items That Can Choke a Baby.

📌 Did You Know?

That’s why tools like choke-guard spoons and upright posture matter so much. Safety isn’t just about food; it’s about the entire feeding experience.

🧸 Final Verdict: Munchkin vs NumNum Spoon, Which One Is Safer for Babies?

When comparing the Munchkin vs NumNum spoon, safety depends on where your baby is in their self-feeding journey.

If choking prevention is your top concern, NumNum is the safer choice. It’s flat, easy to grip, and designed with a built-in barrier that reduces the chance of overstuffing.

Munchkin spoons are great for later stages when your baby has more control, but NumNum offers more peace of mind for early-stage eaters.

Here’s what makes NumNum safer for beginners:

• Built-in choke guard
• Flat design limits intake
• Soft grip for tiny hands

Whichever you choose, you’re already winning by paying attention to safety, and that’s what truly matters.

💡 Want to ensure safe seating, too? 👉 Here’s our roundup of the Best High Chairs with Anti-Choking Designs.

🛍️ Products Mentioned Above