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13 Best Suction Plates and Bowls for Toddlers of 2022

Written by Rachel Murphy

Updated June 9, 2022

Mealtime can be a big mess for toddlers. As a mom of a 16-month-old, I know the grind all too well. Picking up messes like spaghetti and yogurt from the floor is no doubt a parenting right of passage, but all of this extra time with my floors had me wondering if there’s a way to cut back on the clean-up process. So, we tested suction plates and bowls for toddlers to find out which ones actually stay put.

I spent the better part of three weeks testing 13 popular suction plates and bowls for toddlers. Of the products we tested, the Bumkins Silicone Grip Dish (available at Amazon for $10.99) is the very best suction dishware for your little one. The Bumkins Silicone Grip Dish won us over for several reasons, but mostly because my toddler son wasn’t able to lift the plate from a textured or smooth surface and throw it on the floor.

If you or your toddler prefer a bowl for mealtime, the OXO Tot Stick & Stay Suction Bowl (available at Amazon) is our pick thanks to its large size and how easy it is to remove. And, if you're in the market for something cuter than your average plate and bowl, you can't go wrong with the adorable Bamboo Bamboo Toddler Suction Plate (available at Amazon) in a cute animal design.

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Credit: Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser

The Bumkins Silicone Grip Dish was our overall winner for suction plates.

Best Overall

Bumkins Silicone Grip Dish

The Bumkins Grip Dish is our best suction plate pick because it offers long-term suction on a variety of surfaces, is made of durable silicone, and is easy to clean. This plate sticks better to a smooth surface like my quartz kitchen countertops and plastic highchair tray, as opposed to a textured surface like my wood dining table. For the most part, the silicone plate stayed suctioned down to my table minus a few firm nudges. But, most of the plates and bowls in our roundup moved to some degree when pushed.

The Bumkins Silicone Grip Dish isn’t perfect, but it’s close enough that I’ll continue to use it with my toddler. The plate feels nice and sturdy like it’s going to last a while. More importantly, my toddler wasn’t able to unhinge this one during our month-long tests.

Another factor that makes this plate a great choice is that it’s made of 100 percent food-grade silicone and free of harmful chemicals like BPAs, PVC, lead, or phthalates. It’s also dishwasher safe (hello, easy cleaning), unlike more expensive plates we tested from Avanchy and Bamboo Bamboo. A toddler-friendly plate that offers good suction, is easy to clean, and free of harmful chemicals? That’s a win-win in my household.

If I can offer you any piece of advice when using this product, it’s this: For an extra good stick, dribble a few droplets of water on a clean, dry surface for optimum suction. I did this on my quartz countertop and the plate was stuck like glue, but it was still pretty simple to remove. If you get stuck, just slide your finger under a corner of the large suction piece on the underside of the plate. There's also a small pull tab on the bottom underside of the plate, but it's hard to find when the plate is stuck to a surface.

We also like that there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to colors and designs. Bumkins Silicone Grip Dishes come in all sorts of colors, including a modern marble color, as well as character designs like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Batman, and Winnie the Pooh that will make mealtime fun for your little one.

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Credit: Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser

The OXO Tot Stick and Stay bowl is easy to clean and has great suction.

Best Suction Bowl

OXO Tot Stick & Stay Bowl

If you prefer a bowl to a plate, we think that the OXO Tot Stick & Stay Bowl is the best suction bowl for toddlers because it’s easy to clean, has great suction, and is larger than any other bowl we tested. The bowl is made without BPA, phthalates, and PVC. The bowl is similar in design to its sibling that we tested, the OXO Tot Stick & Stay Suction Plate, but the bowl version offers better suction and stayed put in almost every test we put it through.

The bowl works best on a smooth, flat surface like a kitchen countertop, but, surprisingly, the bowl still worked well on my textured wood dining table and on my son’s plastic high chair tray. Of all the bowls we tested, the OXO Tot Stick & Stay Suction Bowl is the largest. So, if your toddler is like mine and can pack away quite a bit of oatmeal or spaghetti, then you’ll appreciate how much food this bowl can handle without causing a big mess.

One of my least favorite parts of suction plates and bowls of any kind is the removal process, but OXO makes it easier than ever. The suction portion of the bowl is separate from the bowl itself. When you’re ready to clean up, turn the bowl counterclockwise until it detaches from the suction base. Then, remove the suction base from the table by lifting up on the side. The whole process takes less than 10 seconds, and you can put it straight in the dishwasher for an easy clean.

Pros

  • Easy to clean

  • Great suction

  • Larger than most

$10.99 from Amazon

Buy now at Home Depot

$10.99 from Bloomingdale's

$10.99 from Walmart

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Credit: Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser

The Bamboo Bamboo plate is made from bamboo and has good sticking power on certain surfaces.

Best Novelty

Bamboo Bamboo Fox Suction Plate

We really loved the Bamboo Bamboo Suction Plates because they stuck to the majority of surfaces we tested and are made from sturdy bamboo materials, but the price point is higher than most other models we tested. It feels like a high-end plate that you’ll want to keep for years and years.

The quality and performance of these plates are nearly identical to another bamboo plate we tested from Avanchy (keep reading for our review), but the Bamboo Bamboo plates are about $6 less expensive for basically the same product and offer a variety of designs depending on what you’re looking for. Unlike Avanchy, which only sells circle plates in three different sizes, the Bamboo Bamboo plates incorporate playful animal designs including a fox, rabbit, and sheep, as well as regular circle plates that can easily be stored in your kitchen cabinet.

Bamboo Bamboo warns that the plate may break if dropped, however, we tossed the product onto a tile floor and threw it against the wall several times without any damage. The suction piece on the bottom is removable and can be cleaned in the dishwasher, but, like other Bamboo suction plates and bowls featured in our roundup, this one plate will need to be hand-washed and dried.

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How We Tested Suction Plates and Bowls

The Tester

Hi, I’m Rachel Murphy. But, most of the time, I’m better known as “mom” to my son, Arlo, age 16 months, and my daughter, Reese, age 6. Ever since I became pregnant with my daughter over six years ago, I’ve spent countless hours researching children’s products, searching for the best options for my family. So, rest assured you’re in good hands (because I don’t want a big mess all over the floor any more than you do).

When my son began eating regular table foods, I wanted him to get the real experience of eating from dishware designed with toddlers in mind instead of just straight off his plastic Stokke high chair tray every time. I knew that basic plates and bowls weren’t going to cut it, so I turned to the power of suction to help me find the right mix of dishware that would actually stay in place.

The Tests

For nearly a month, my toddler and I tested 13 different suction plates and bowls that are suitable for children ages 6 months and up. To identify which products to test, I researched the top suction plates and bowls from well-known kids companies like OXO, NUK, and even fancy bamboo suction dishware that’s sold at Pottery Barn. I spent time scouring Amazon, looking for recommendations from other parents of plates and bowls that can stand up to my toddler’s growing strength and determination to make as many messes as possible with his food.

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I tested the plates and bowls on a variety of surfaces such as glass patio tables, wood dining tables, quartz kitchen countertops, and plastic high chair trays to find out which ones work best. The suction plates and bowls were also tested on crumb-covered surfaces and wet surfaces using a few drops of water to a giant puddle. Surprisingly, a few drops of water seemed to offer better suction to some of the products we tested.

Of course, since you’re a busy parent like me, cleaning is another important factor to consider. Most of the suction bowls and plates we tested are dishwasher-safe, but some are made of certain materials that aren’t made to be submerged in water. We took other essential details into consideration, too, like how easy it was to use the plate or bowl, the quality, portability, storage, and if it offered any special features or not.

What You Should Know About Suction Plates and Bowls

Securing the plates and bowls before (and sometimes during) mealtime

Most of the plates and bowls we tested must be pushed down onto a surface in order to trigger the suction. The extra pressure helps secure the plate to the surface—most of the time. Some of the products we tested, like the First Essentials by NUK Tri-Suction Plates, needed to be pressed down multiple times during mealtime. So, if you’re hoping for a few minutes to yourself while your toddler chows down, just know that won’t always be the case without having a big mess to clean up.

Consider how you’ll store the dishes

Suction plates and bowls can be odd shapes and sizes, meaning that they won’t always fit nicely and neatly inside of your kitchen cabinets. The larger plates may need to be stored separately from your everyday dishes due to their large and cumbersome sizes. But, we did find that some of the bowls, especially the ones that come in a two or three-pack, easily stack on top of one another for clutter-free storage. If you’ve got a tiny kitchen, you may want to consider how you’ll store the bowls before making a decision.

No plate or bowl is perfect

In my dream world, there’s an affordable suction plate and bowl that my toddler won’t be able to mess with during mealtime, but after testing 13 different options, there was no perfect product. However, some suction plates and bowls performed better than others, but much of it hinges on the kind of surface you’ll be placing the plate or bowl on. Even our favorite picks slide around ever-so-slightly when nudged, but they still offered enough suction to prevent dinnertime from becoming a total mess.

Other Suction Plates and Bowls We Tested

Avanchy Bamboo Suction Toddler Plate + Spoon

Avanchy, a brand sold at Pottery Barn and other retailers, is the other brand of bamboo plates and bowls we tested. This bowl, like the Bamboo Bamboo products, is a bit of a splurge, but if you’ve got the budget, this bowl is a great choice. It performed similarly to its plate sibling, sticking to clean and dry textured and smooth surfaces with no problem. The suction ring on the bottom of the bowl is removable, so you can pull it right off to clean by tugging on the tab located on the suction piece.

Again, the quality of this bowl is above and beyond the plastic and silicone options we tested. The outer rim of the bowl does not bend like the Bumkins Silicone Grip Bowl since Avanchy makes its products from 100 percent bamboo. As for the other materials, the plate is biodegradable, environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and is coated with an FDA-approved, food-grade varnish. It also comes with a baby spoon, so you don’t have to worry about buying additional products to use with it.

Pros

  • Sticks well to clean, dry surfaces

  • The suction ring is detachable

  • Environmentally friendly

Bamboo Bamboo Baby Suction Bowl and Matching Spoon Set

This bowl looks and feels just like the Avanchy set, and to be quite honest, there doesn’t seem to be any immediate differences in the two bowls. When placed side by side, the Bamboo Bamboo bowl and the Avanchy bowl are the same sizes, but the logo for Bamboo Bamboo is printed on the side of the bowl, while Avanchy’s logo is on the base of the bowl.

The two bowls are very close in price depending on where you purchase. Like Avanchy, the Bamboo Bamboo bowl also comes with a spoon, and the cleaning process is basically the same. However, Bamboo Bamboo does recommend applying a teaspoon of coconut oil to the bamboo each month to moisturize the product.

As for suction, Bamboo Bamboo recommends placing it on a non-porous surface, which explains why it stuck so well to my quartz countertops. The suction was OK on our plastic high chair tray, but it needed a few firm presses throughout mealtime to stay in place to keep it from coming loose.

Bumkins Silicone First Feeding Set

The Bumkins suction bowl is made from bacteria-resistant silicone and is BPA-free. It can also be placed in the microwave, freezer, and dishwasher. The silicone is pretty thick, but, unlike other hard plastic bowls we tested, this one is easy to bend when you pick it up (or if your toddler pushes in on the sides). The base of the bowl features a small tab to pull when you’re ready to remove the bowl from the surface.

While we love the Bumkins Grip Dish, the Bumkins suction bowl didn't stick well to crumb-covered surfaces, nor did it adhere to my plastic high chair tray for very long. If you're going to use this bowl with your toddler, make sure to do it on a clean, dry, smooth surface to avoid food on the floor.

Pros

  • Bacteria resistant

  • Nice and flexible

Cons

  • Poor suction

Munchkin Stay Put Suction Bowls

The Munchkin Stay Put Suction Bowls offer the most bang for your buck since they come in a three-pack. The bowls, which are designed for ages 6 months and up, can be placed in the microwave and in the top rack of your dishwasher. Made without BPAs, the bowls feature three different sizes including small, medium, and large. However, the largest Munchkin bowl was still smaller than our favorite suction bowl for toddlers from OXO.

For the most part, this bowl stays in place and doesn’t slide around when stuck to a clean and dry flat surface. But, this bowl did not stick for long and was easy to slide around on textured surfaces and it didn’t stick well on water or crumbs. You’ll have to give this bowl a hard press in order to get it to stick on a smooth surface, and when you’re ready to remove it, just pull the tab on the bottom portion of the suction piece.

First Essentials by NUK Tri-Suction Bowls

Although these suction bowls are from the same line as the First Essentials by Nuk Tri-Suction Plates, the bowls offered more suction and, therefore, performed better than the plate version. The bottom of the bowl has three large suction cups, but this bowl still isn’t perfect. It barely stuck to our high chair tray for more than a few seconds during use and I had to reattach the bowl several times so my son could finish eating without making a mess.

The bowl comes with a lid in case you need to save any food for later. Another bonus? The bowls can be stacked on top of one another for easy storage in your kitchen. As for cleaning, the bowl can be placed in the dishwasher, however, I recommend washing it by hand if you’re serving a meal like spaghetti to remove any saturated stains.

Pros

  • Dishwasher safe

  • Includes a lid

  • Stackable

Cons

  • Poor suction

Silikong Suction Plate + Flexible Spoon

The Silikong Suction Plate is similar to the Bumkins Grip Dish in appearance and quality. It's made from 100 percent food-grade silicone, and like many others we tested, it is free of BPA, PVC, phthalates, and lead. Aside from our favorite suction plate, the Bumkins Grip Dish, the Silikong Suction Plate is the only other one that says it can be placed in the oven.

The plate didn’t play nice with crumb-covered surfaces, but it mostly stayed in place on my kitchen countertop when sprinkled with a few drops of water. By now, you probably know that you’ll need to push down on any suction plate to activate the grip, and Silikong is no exception to this rule. Although it offered substantial suction, my toddler was able to move this plate on his high chair and our dining room table.

There’s a very small tab on the underside of the plate to help you detach it from the surface, but it’s hard to find. You’re better off sliding your finger under the suction base and removing it that way.

Avanchy Bamboo Suction Toddler Plate + Spoon

We tested two sets of suction plates and bowls made from bamboo, and the Avanchy Suction Plate was one of them. Like many of the plates we tested, this one is divided up into three sections to keep foods separated. It’s also one of the most expensive suction plates we tested, but it does come with a matching spoon so you don’t have to spend extra on utensils.

One thing to note is the quality of this plate (and the other bamboo options in general). It’s durable without being heavy, and, due to its hefty construction, feels like it would last a very long time. In addition to Amazon, you can find this plate for sale at Pottery Barn, and other stores.

This plate stuck to smooth and textured surfaces, but it does lose its suction over time. If you have a toddler who likes to play with their dish ware, they may try to slide this one around, but it will take some real muscle to pull it up from whatever surface you’ve got it stuck to.

These plates aren’t dishwasher safe either, so you’ll have to wash and dry them by hand. However, my husband accidentally ran this plate through the dishwasher and everything was fine, but I wouldn’t recommend that as a regular method of cleaning for this plate.

Silivo Silicone Child Feeding Plate

The Silivo Baby Placemat with Suction Cups says it fits most high chairs, but it was too large for my Stokke high chair tray. However, I was able to test this mat on my dining room table and quartz kitchen countertop.

Before I dive into the plate’s performance, it’s worth noting that the plate emitted a very strong chemical-like odor when I opened the package. That smell goes away after washing (you can run it through the dishwasher), but it was rather unpleasant and was the only plate that gave off an odor upon arrival.

The plate features four suction cups (one in each corner) that you’ll need to press down on to secure it to the table or tray. When it comes to wet and crumb-covered surfaces, the suction is less than stellar. Silivo’s suction plate does move on clean and even surfaces, but, thanks to the non-skid silicone bottom, it should stay in place long enough for your toddler to get through dinner without tossing the plate across the kitchen. Fingers crossed.

One thing we liked about this plate is that it comes in several kid-friendly animal designs like elephants and ducks. We also like that it’s made without BPA, BPS, PVC, lead, or phthalates. However, it’s also the largest plate that we tested, making it difficult to store inside of a cabinet.

OXO Tot Stick & Stay Suction Divided Plate

OXO is one of my favorite brands for kitchen and bathroom items, so I had high hopes for the company’s version of suction plates for toddlers. However, my experience was not the one I was hoping to have. The plate offered barely any suction on my wood dining room table, which has a slight texture to it. I found that this plate works best on smooth and flat surfaces like my quartz kitchen countertop or glass patio table, but it didn’t offer enough suction to last the duration of mealtime like our favorite, the OXO Tot Stick & Stay Suction Bowl. Ultimately, this plate became very easy for my toddler to slide around.

One place this plate excels, though, is the multiple divided sections for food, including a circle compartment in the center of the plate, which is a great place for dips and condiments like hummus or mustard. The plate is dishwasher safe, but I found it’s best to scrub by hand with soap and a sponge, then rinse with hot water. Make sure to remove the bottom suction piece first, which unscrews, to clean all the nooks and crannies.

Cons

  • Poor suction

$10.99 from Amazon

Buy now at Home Depot

$10.99 from Bloomingdale's

$10.99 from Walmart

First Essentials by NUK Tri-Suction Plates

The First Essentials by NUK Tri-Suction Plates are the most affordable suction plates we tested. But, if you’re looking for a plate that’s going to last and stays in place, this one probably isn’t for you. The plates feel flimsy and cheap, and like you’re probably going to replace them after a few weeks of continuous use. However, they are very lightweight, making them ideal for traveling or using sparingly at a grandparent’s house.

As for how it sticks to surfaces, the underside of the plate features three suction cups, but they’re pretty useless. I had to keep applying pressure to this plate multiple times during mealtime—which isn’t ideal when there’s food on the plate—to get it to stay in place for even just a minute.

My toddler was able to move this around, undoing the plate’s grip from my dining room table and countertop. It didn’t stick very well to the plastic high chair tray, either. The plates, which are designed for ages 6 months and up, are microwave and dishwasher safe.

Pros

  • Extra lightweight

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  • The Best Bibs for Babies of 2019
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  • My toddler tried this sustainable straw cup—is it worth it?
  • All the chores your kids should be doing, based on their age

Meet the tester

Rachel Murphy

Editor, Home

@rachel_murphy

Rachel Murphy is Reviewed's home editor. She holds a journalism degree from the University of Central Florida. Prior to joining the team, she worked as a freelance writer for publications like Insider and Mashable, and as an associate editorial producer for Good Morning America. Aside from smart home tech, her interests include food, travel, parenting, and home renovation. You can usually find her sipping on coffee at any time of the day.

See all of Rachel Murphy's reviews

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Best Baby Plates and Bowls of 2022

If baby has just started sampling solids, they’re probably not a food connoisseur just yet—but that doesn’t mean they still don’t have taste. Sometimes getting your little one to start loving mealtime is as simple as organizing their fare on a festive baby plate or in a fun shaped baby bowl. They’ll feel like they finally have a place at the table (literally), and they’ll be more excited to dig into what you’re putting down. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of playful plateware on the market today. From sectioned plates that let your kiddo explore different colors, shapes and textures to bowls with suction bases that can stand up to your willful little eater (if and when they start flinging purees and finger foods), these are the baby dinner sets you’ll want to stock up on.

In this article:
Overall best baby plate
Best baby suction plate
Best silicone baby plate
Best bamboo baby plate
Best metal baby plate
Best baby placemat plate
Best budget-friendly baby plate
Overall best baby bowl
Best baby suction bowl
Best silicone baby bowl
Best bamboo baby bowl
Best metal baby bowl
Best budget-friendly baby bowl
Best baby dinner set

What to Look for in Baby Plates and Bowls

At this age, baby’s standards are almost non-existent, but they will show preferences for certain colors over others, and might even ask for a particular baby plate or bowl at snack or mealtime (their froggy plate, their smiley-sun bowl or the set with the spoons that have eyes!) because it just makes what they’re noshing on more fun and even yummier.

As the parent, though, your dinnerware wish list is probably more motivated by what the baby plates and bowls are made of, how easy they are to clean and keep in one piece, if they can promise less of a mess at mealtimes and what kinds of extras they might come with. It’s the little things that prove to be the most important sometimes, like travel-ready lids for eating on the go or easy-grip handles that let you feed your finicky toddler one-handed. Keep the following considerations in mind:

  • Material and durability. When it comes to baby plates and bowls, there are a number of material options to choose from: silicone, plastic (certified non-toxic BPA- and phthalate-free plastic, that is), eco-friendly bamboo and even stainless steel. Silicone and plastic are your best bets when durability and longevity are a concern, but bamboo also has great endurance and is naturally antimicrobial. Stainless steel is certainly durable and has a cool look to it, but it’s better suited for older toddlers who have more experience eating and are no longer (or less frequently) tossing their plates, bowls and utensils with reckless abandon.
  • Suction features. If baby gets a kick out of dumping their food onto the floor, try to scout out baby suction plates and baby suction bowls that will stick to the high chair or table. Knowing that your mess-prone omnivore has their purees, cereals, yogurts or first finger foods in a container that stays put might help you fret a little less.
  • Easy cleanup. For the most part, baby plates and bowls can safely go in the dishwasher post-dining. You’ll still want to cross-reference the manufacturer’s washing instructions, though, to ensure you’re not putting baby’s tableware through more than it can handle. It also depends on the material; bamboo dishes should always be hand-washed, since the protective glosses and varnishes that cover bamboo pieces can be compromised in a wash cycle, leaving them dry, cracked and porous—and you won’t want baby eating from a plate or bowl that’s harboring bacteria.
  • Fun factor. Adorable animal-shaped plates and bowls and pastel-colored baby dinner sets that can bring smiles to even the grumpiest little ones. After all, the best baby dishes are the ones they will consistently reach for to eat both their favorite and not-so-favorite foods. If baby’s green froggy plate will get them to eat one or two broccoli florets (instead of throwing them on the floor), then you’ll want to keep it around!

Best Baby Plates

Ready to add some new baby plates to your kitchen cabinets? These are our top picks that serve up everything needed for a mess- and stress-free meal session.

Overall Best Baby Plate

Green Sprouts Baby Learning Plate Made from Silicone

Parents of little ones who demand that their peas and carrots don’t touch will appreciate this clever dish. It has four separate sections that help you serve up perfect toddler portions from each food group. The learning plate is made from food-grade silicone and is free from PVC, BPAs and petroleum. It also has a suction base to prevent toppling and an easy-release tab to help you unpeel it from a high chair or table. Better yet, it’s heat-resistant, dishwasher-safe and virtually indestructible.

Best Baby Suction Plate

WeeSprout Divided Suction Plates with Lids

WeeSprout’s silicone divided plates are microwave-, dishwasher-, oven- and freezer-safe and feature an extra-strong suction base that will keep everything in place. Parents will appreciate that the three divided sections have higher sides than other similar products to better reduce spillage. Plus, these baby plates are made of 100 percent BPA-free silicone and come in sets of three vibrant colors.

Best Silicone Baby Plate

Bumkins Silicone Grip Toddler Dish

This stylish option from Bumkins is a natural pick for the best silicone baby plate. Made from soft silicone, the dish features three perfectly proportioned sections and a strong suction base that secures to any surface. It’s also dishwasher-safe and free from BPAs and other harmful chemicals, and comes in a variety of colors to keep things playful. Talk about an all around win!
Best of Baby Winner for Best Baby Tableware

Best Bamboo Baby Plate

bamboo bamboo Fox Suction Plate

Your own wiley fox might not be a fan of what this woodland creature feasts on, but the bamboo baby plate is an adorable way to get them to eat! Made from bamboo that’s free of plastic, melamine and toxins, the fox plate provides three curved compartments for different types of foods (foxes do love apples and raspberries, which are great finger foods for your scavenger!) and easy scooping. Plus, the trusty suction bottom clings to any smooth surface, so you don’t have to worry about the plate toppling over.

Best Metal Baby Plate

Ahimsa Balanced Bites Stainless Steel Plates

Looking for an alternative to silicone baby plates and bowls? Check out this stainless steel tableware from Ahimsa. Created by a real-life mom (who also happens to be a pediatrician), the plates are free of BPA, PVC, phthalates, melamine and lead. Plus, steel dishes are incredibly strong and non-porous, meaning they won’t retain bacteria or become discolored over time. Each plate is divided into three sections to help you serve up a balanced meal. Granted, they’re a little pricey, but they’ll surely last a lifetime.

Best Fun-Shaped Baby Plate

Loulou Lollipop Silicone Suction Snack Plate

Up baby’s mealtime motivation with these adorable animal-shaped baby plates. They come in a variety of shapes, including an elephant, lion, bunny, alligator and rhino—all sure to inspire even the picker of eaters. The bowls are made of 100 percent silicone that’s free of BPA, PVC, phthalates, lead and cadmium, and can safely be popped into the microwave and dishwasher for easy heating and cleaning. Plus, they have a suction base to help keep mealtime messes to a minimum. All reasons why these baby plates earned a Best of Baby award!

Best Baby Placemat Plate

ezpz Mini Mat

Outsmart baby’s tendency to toss their plate on the floor with this mini baby placemat from ezpz, a one-piece silicone plate and placemat combo that suctions to the table (or any flat surface). Divided sections encourage parents to serve a variety of foods, and the plate lightweight enough to bring along on trips or dinners out. Made from 100 percent food-grade silicone, it’s BPA-, BPS-, PVC-, lead- and phthalate-free, as well as dishwasher safe. These baby plates even come in a variety of colors. As an added bonus, you can take 15 percent off sitewide with the code BUMP15.

Best Budget-Friendly Baby Plate

Re-Play 4pk Divided Plate

We love that these hard, textured plastic baby plates are virtually indestructible and completely BPA-, phthalate-, PVC- and melamine-free. Plus, the environmentally friendly divided plates, available in fun, bright colors, are made from recycled milk jugs and 100 percent recyclable at their end of use! Best of all, they come in a pack of four and are super affordable.

Best Baby Bowls

How about some new baby bowls for their chunkier purees, yogurts, pastas and soft scrambled eggs? Here you’ll find seven creative crocks with suction bases, high sides and lids to help keep things tidy when baby sits down to eat.

Overall Best Baby Bowl

Avanchy Baby Bamboo Stay Put Suction Bowl and Spoon

If you like the idea of a plastic-free baby bowl but still want it to stay put, this pick from Avanchy is an excellent choice. The bowl itself is made out of organic, biodegradable bamboo, and the ultra strong, BPA-free silicone suction base easily attaches to any flat surface—seriously, it has the best (read: babyproof) suction base we’ve yet to come across. Included with the bowl is a bamboo and silicone spoon that’s perfectly sized for baby’s hands, but not so small that parents will find it difficult to use. Just make sure to wash this one by hand since it’s not dishwasher-safe.

Best Baby Suction Bowl

Munchkin Stay Put Suction Bowls

Next up on our list is Munchkin’s set of three different sized bowls. The strong suction base keeps baby from trying to throw it across the room, while the quick-release tabs make it easy for parents to remove. These baby bowls are BPA-free as well as microwave- and dishwasher-safe. Given that they’re a best-seller among parents, you might want to get your hands on them fast!

Best Silicone Baby Bowl

Olababy Silicone Suction Bowl

This baby bowl from Olababy is a microwave-, freezer- and dishwasher-safe pick with a super-strong silicone suction base. (Based on our experience, even the most dexterous of babies are no match for this bowl’s suction abilities.) Made from 100 percent nontoxic, food-grade silicone that’s durable and bacteria-resistant, it’s a choice you can feel good about. It even comes with a handy lid to save whatever leftovers baby doesn’t polish off. (Also checkout Olababy’s amazing silicone plates, which won a Best of Baby award!)

Best Bamboo Baby Bowl

Wild and Stone Baby Bamboo Bowl and Spoon Set

Searching for baby bowls made from eco-friendly materials? Check out this tableware set composed of sustainably sourced bamboo and food-grade silicone. Designed to look like a smiling sun, the bowl has a removable suction base that adheres to any smooth surface. It comes with a silicone-tipped spoon, with no sharp edges or corners that could harm baby’s sensitive gums or newly emerged teeth, giving you one less thing to worry about.

Best Metal Baby Bowl

Avanchy Stainless Steel Baby Bowl and Spoon Set

We love pastels and bright punchy colors for little ones, but for parents looking for something to match their own sleek design aesthetics, this black and stainless steel baby bowl is right up your alley. The pick from Avanchy adheres firmly to any flat surface with its silicone suction ring, making sliding, tipping or hangry Hulk moments a non-issue at mealtime. When baby is done eating, simply pull on the easy-release tab to pluck the bowl off their tray and into the sink for easy cleaning. It’s crafted from double-walled, non-heat transferring, 18/8 stainless steel, so the bowl can go through the ringer without getting ruined. And most importantly, food stays hot, but chubby baby fingers remain cool! Be warned, this bestseller has a tendency to fly off store shelves.

Best Budget-Friendly Baby Bowl

Skip Hop Easy-Grab Bowls

Designed with parents’ comfort in mind, Skip Hop’s baby bowls feature a unique comfort-grip handle to take the hard work out of feeding time. Thanks to the ergonomic design, you can easily grip the bowl in one hand, leaving your other hand free to coax baby to eat. The set includes two phthalate- and BPA-free bowls complete with lids, so storing leftovers is easier than ever. And at less than $12 for a dual pack, they’re a total steal!

Best Baby Dinner Set

Baby Bjorn Baby Feeding Set

Here’s a dinner set that not only looks good but also works well for little eaters. The unique shape of the baby plate makes it easy for tots to scoop up food and harder to tip the plate. Meanwhile, the silverware handles have a ring to prevent baby’s hand from slipping down too far, and a groove to prevent the fork and spoon from sliding into the plate. The set also comes with a grip-friendly cup and an adjustable bib with a spill pocket. (And who wouldn’t be obsessed with the delightful color palette?)

checklist from a pediatrician for parents - article on TCHK

Like most children's devices, utensils for babies should first of all make life easier for parents. It is much more reasonable, for example, to buy a plastic plate than to collect glass fragments from the floor several times a day. And it’s safer to give a plastic mug to a child so as not to run after him, insuring family china.

And yet, in this matter, as in everything else, you should know the measure: do not buy too much and do not delay the transition to the usual "adult" plates and cutlery. Pediatrician Ekaterina Volkova spoke about the basic rules for using children's dishes. nine0003

Benefits of special baby dishes

  1. Safety. Smooth shapes and the absence of sharp elements will protect the child from accidental injuries, and unbreakable material will allow you not to worry about the fact that the baby will drop the dishes and get hurt by splinters.
  2. Hygienic. The child in the first years of life should have separate dishes. If you choose a special children's kit, it will be easy to track that only the baby uses it.
  3. Convenience. nine0011 Children's tableware is light and unpretentious in use, you can easily take it with you, for example, for a walk. Many models are as ergonomic as possible and are equipped with details that facilitate the feeding process (suction cups, valves and non-spill pockets, rubberized handles, non-slip bottom, temperature indicator).
  4. Design. Bright colors, favorite characters from fairy tales and cartoons will surely attract the attention of the child. With such dishes, it will be easier to seat him at the table and persuade him to finish eating soup or porridge in order to get to the picture at the bottom. nine0012

Pros and cons of different materials for baby dishes

Plastic is the most common material. It is lightweight, impact resistant and inexpensive. Plastic utensils can have a variety of shapes and colors, perform any task. It is important to carefully study the label - not every plate or plastic mug can be put in the microwave and washed in the dishwasher. In this case, it is better to take dishes from trusted world brands. They have certificates that guarantee that products during active use will not be damaged and will not emit harmful substances. The disadvantage of plastic utensils is that they are not environmentally friendly. Try to properly dispose of it after use or hand it over to collection points. nine0003

Silicone is a safe material from which many baby accessories are made: pacifiers, teethers, toys, dishes. He does not beat and almost does not give in to children's teeth, is not afraid of high temperatures and washing in the dishwasher. High-quality silicone does not emit harmful substances and does not react with food. The downside is that the dishes are quite thick. In addition, there is a risk of falling for unscrupulous manufacturers who use harmful dyes and chemicals. It is important to pay attention to the service life of silicone utensils and the rules for caring for them. nine0003

Bamboo is a lightweight and fairly durable material. Bamboo tableware is beautiful and safe. However, the cymbal may not withstand a strong blow and still break. Another important point is that such dishes cannot be used in the microwave and it is better not to wash them in the dishwasher, as they can be deformed from prolonged contact with water.

glass and ceramic are safe in composition, but break easily and may injure a child. They are best used when the children grow up or when an adult is still feeding the baby himself, who does not have the opportunity to reach the plate. Pay attention: there should be no chips or cracks on the dishes. Say goodbye to broken plates without regret, and even more so do not give them to children: a tiny piece of glass or enamel can get into the esophagus and damage internal organs. nine0003

Metal is not the best option for children's dishes. It heats up quickly and cools down for a long time, the child can get burned. Leave metal bowls and cups for hiking.

Wood is a safe and environmentally friendly material, but it is not suitable for children's dishes: dishwasher and microwave are contraindicated for wood. In addition, over time, it will accumulate germs, dirt and harmful substances.

What dishes to buy for a baby: a checklist for parents

1. Spoon. She will be needed in 4-6 months for the introduction of complementary foods and for medication. The first is better to take a silicone spoon. It is not too deep, hypoallergenic and safe for baby's delicate gums. However, some mothers prefer silver or plastic - this is also quite acceptable if used carefully. However, you should not “flirt” with silicone and plastic spoons. It is better for a child to learn to eat on his own with metal appliances. Spoons can be a special small size, but the more they resemble real "adults", the better. nine0003

2. Plug. It will come in handy closer to the year or to the moment when the child begins to actively learn to eat on his own. In addition to its direct purpose, it will also help develop coordination, manual dexterity and fine motor skills. Give preference to metal appliances with rounded teeth. They are easier to use, easier to clean, and more durable than plastic ones.

3. First plate. She appears after the spoon at the same time when the baby tries the first complementary foods. It is better to start with a small plate, since the portions are also small at first. Later, when the menu becomes diverse, two more plates will be needed - deep for the first courses and flatter for the second. nine0003

There are plates on sale with a rubberized base that prevents slipping on the table, which is convenient for a baby and an adult. The option when the bottom of the plate is attached to the countertop with a suction cup is not so straightforward. On the one hand, it securely fixes the plate, making it stable. On the other hand, in order to move such a plate, you will have to make an effort, and from a sudden movement, the contents can splash on the table and floor. However, this option is good when you need to give your child chopped fruits or berries, that is, something that is convenient to eat with your hands. nine0003

4. Non-spill cup. This is the bottle-to-cup transition where the baby is trying to drink a liquid that flows freely (as opposed to a breast or a bottle with a nipple that must be sucked on to get the contents). Someone needs it for 2-3 months. Some have been using it for a year or more.

The cup usually has two handles, so it is convenient for the baby to get used to drinking on his own. The main difference between a drinking bowl and a mug is that it has a lid, thanks to which the liquid will not spill. The lid can be with a straw, with a silicone or plastic spout, with interchangeable nozzles. The choice is yours, or rather, your child's. Most often, you have to buy several options so that the baby can choose the one that suits him best. Remember: the more complex the design of the drinker, the more difficult it is to wash it well. Some parents skip the sippy stage and go straight to the regular cup. nine0003

5. Cup. Her turn will come after the drinker (or instead). Someone masters the cup as early as 8–10 months, someone closer to 1.5 years. In any case, the cup must meet two main criteria - to be comfortable and safe. She can have two handles or one, 100–150 ml is enough in volume so that it is not difficult and convenient for a child to hold her. By kindergarten age, as a rule, the baby calmly copes with small ceramic cups and glasses.

Seven golden rules for caring for children's dishes

  1. Wash immediately after meals to prevent bacterial growth.
  2. Dry upside down and do not put wet dishes in the cupboard, otherwise there is a risk that residual water will dry out or also become a source of bacteria.
  3. Do not wipe the dishes with a towel to avoid leaving dust and fluff on them. Dry naturally or use paper towels.
  4. Periodically pour boiling water over dishes to disinfect them.
  5. Use only safe, certified detergents or do not use them at all - first foods can be easily washed off with plain hot water. nine0012
  6. Do not allow other family members to use baby's utensils.
  7. If possible, store children's dishes separately from adults.

These rules apply both to special children's dishes and when the child eats from ordinary plates and uses ordinary spoons. Try to label and store them separately so as not to expose the fragile organism to additional contact with "adult" bacteria.

How to choose your food utensils

Kizino Polina Alexandrovna

pediatrician, perinatal psychologist

Beautiful bright dishes for the first feeding - a whim of the parents or should the child have their own special spoon and plate? Do dishes really increase appetite and arouse interest in new foods in babies? And what about safety if small children strive to play with food, turn everything over or throw it on the floor? Pediatrician Polina Alexandrovna Kizino has her own experience in choosing the first children's dishes. How much this is a necessary and difficult task for parents, read below. nine0003

— Polina Aleksandrovna, is it necessary to purchase separate dishes for feeding babies?

- Baby needs his own dishes - this is a factor that pushes him to eat at the table, and not just drink milk or formula in his mother's arms. It also eliminates contact with foreign microbes and reduces the risk of catching intestinal and other infections that are transmitted orally.

— Does baby utensils help establish weaning?

- It makes eating more interesting. Mom does not resort to games, does not distract the child, does not fix attention on a process other than eating, but at the same time, the meal for the baby becomes brighter and more attractive, which inclines him to eat from a plate and from a spoon. nine0003

Main types of children's tableware

Cutlery

Food tableware

Drinking tableware

— Thermal spoons, thermal plates change color if you put very hot food in them. There is no urgent need for such devices, because you can always independently check the temperature of the dish. But on the other hand, such additional informational assistance may be appropriate and will warn mother and baby against dangerous food. nine0003

HOW TO CHOOSE CHILDREN'S DISHES

— Can tableware cause allergies?

— Such situations are rare. Now manufacturers are trying to make dishes from permitted materials. But there are people with allergies even to plastic, dyes. Here, the reason for the reaction of the body will not be in low-quality materials, but in individual characteristics.

It is difficult to suspect an allergy to dish materials. And, unfortunately, there is no separate marker - an allergy to a component in the dishes will manifest itself in the same way as a food allergy. The only thing that can be done is to compare the fact of feeding and the appearance of allergic symptoms. For example, they bought a new plate and did not give new products, and the child developed an allergic reaction (rash, stool thinning) - in this case, one can assume a reaction, including to the materials from which the dishes are made. nine0003

Read also
  • Does watching cartoons or playing at the table affect the baby's proper nutrition and eating habits?

— How to choose baby food utensils?

— The choice of children's utensils for babies depends on the convenience of the parents and their capabilities. The feeding bowl should match the portions, because it makes no sense to spread five spoons of mashed potatoes on a large plate. It is desirable that the volume of food does not embarrass or frighten the baby. It is better to put small portions in small plates, focus on the child, how he eats, in what quantity. nine0003

Requirements for children's dishes


HOW TO CARE FOR CHILDREN'S DISHES

— How to wash children's dishes?

— When caring for children's dishes, it is important to choose products that are approved for use on babies. Aggressive household chemicals are not needed: there is a risk of not washing off the substances to the end, which can adversely affect children. Therefore, it is better to choose the most gentle cleaning products for washing dishes, toys, vegetables, fruits.


— Can children's dishes be washed in a dishwasher?

— Dishwasher compatible with labeled dishes. And here you also need to follow the choice of detergent. The same with heating in the microwave - information about whether the dishes are suitable for this is written on its packaging.

I would like to draw your attention: if the child has not finished his meal, it is better not to put the leftovers in the refrigerator. Here everything is the same as with the mixture in bottles: if there was contact with saliva and microbes - a spoon into a plate, then into the mouth, then back into the plate - then food remains are not stored. nine0003

If possible, it is better not to refuse children's dishes. It will diversify the process of eating for your child. A spoon, a plate, a bowl of bright colors and a convenient shape will arouse children's interest, the desire to try something new, and feeding an interesting and tasty discovery.

* Breast milk is the best food for babies. WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of a child's life and continued breastfeeding after complementary foods are introduced until the age of 2 years. Before introducing new products into the baby's diet, you should consult with a specialist. The material is for informational purposes and cannot replace the advice of a healthcare professional. For feeding children from birth. nine0186

#Complementary food

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When to start complementary foods. First food

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