Not always. It’s a judgment call since many generations of adults didn’t have the benefit of rubber or plastic spoons. It all about your child’s comfort and attempting to avoid the possibility of injury. Once they’re past the teething phase, it may be more feasible to use some more sturdy silverware with rounded edges. There are also metal spoons and forks that have a silicone coating. In this way, you can get the firmness of metal without the pain or jab.