The delay is advised because of the suspected potential of the immature bowel to become sensitive to gluten, which could lead to coeliac disease. Families with a known history of coeliac disease should seek the advice of a pediatrician before introducing them. The second birthday is a landmark. No longer a baby, your child will have gained a certain mastery over their minds and will have begun to grow up. The child will be able to speak well enough to convey basic thoughts and wants and will be experimenting with a knife and fork.
Some children achieve mastery over eating implements much faster than others.
Early opportunities to practice with a spoon will encourage the development of coordination. Regular cutlery is too big for toddlers to control. There are several types of junior knife and forks sets marketed today which have handles specially molded to accomodate small hands. These will give confidence and make the actual manipulation easier. Your child should be able to drink quite confidently from a cup or glass.