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Best baby bowls and plates

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You can start feeding your baby solidsOpens a new window once they turn 6 months, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). And although you may be excited to see them try the foods you love, you’ll be less excited for the mess that follows. Fortunately there are bowls, plates, and feeding mats designed specifically for babies that can make meals more enjoyable and less messy.

Baby dinnerware is perfectly sized for your baby's mini meals and unbreakableOpens a new window in case your baby decides to send it flying. Additionally, baby bowls and plates can encourage your child to self-feed,Opens a new window which the AAP recommends to help your child self-regulate their food intake. But before your baby's ready for that stage, pint-sized bowls and plates make it much easier to spoon-food your baby during meals, and clean up afterwards.

How we chose the best baby bowls and plates

We talked with three parents on BabyCenter's editorial team who have three children between them and have used several of the bowls, plates, and mats on this list. They told us which were easy to use and easy to clean.
We utilized results from the BabyCenter Feeding awards, in which more than 300 parents in the BabyCenter community voted on their favorite baby bowls and plates. Their votes and comments helped inform our decision on which baby bowls and plates are most helpful at mealtime.
We analyzed reviews from the 4 million members of BabyCenter's Community seeking a consensus of opinions on the best-looking and -performing baby bowls and plates from as diverse a group of caregivers as possible. All of the bowls, plates, and mats on this list received overwhelmingly positive reviews for:
- Ease of use
- Ease of cleaning
- Appropriate sizing for baby meals
- Good looks

Best baby bowl overall

Munchkin Stay Put Suction Bowls

Photo credit: Amazon

Three graduated-size suction bowls are included in this set that BabyCenter parents selected as their very favorite baby bowl in the 2022 BabyCenter Food Awards. "They help reduce mess. Plus, they're fun colors which makes them more attractive to toddlers," one Food Awards voter commented, while another wrote that they are "simple and easy to clean."

Caregivers appreciate that each bowl is a different size: The small bowl holds 7 ounces, the medium bowl 9 ounces, and the large bowl 12 ounces. This makes it easy to serve small snacks and larger meal-sized portions without overfilling. BabyCenter Senior SEO Content Strategist Sarah Darby adds that the bowls are perfect for soft or liquidy foods like soup or yogurt.

The "stay put" in these bowls' name is also apt, fans say, as the wide base grips onto smooth, flat surfaces. Though Sarah notes that the bowls won’t stay put if you try to adhere them to a wet surface, so be sure to dry both the base and the surface.

Parents say that these bowls made self-feeding more peaceful and less messy, as children find it easy to scoop food out of them using their fingers or a spoon, but can't remove the bowls to upend or throw them. Despite being difficult for even determined toddlers to budge, the bowl is easy enough for parents to remove: just lift up the suction release tab at the bottom of each bowl.

Heads up
Munchkin says these bowls are top-rack dishwasher-safe but the AAP recommends plastic food containers be washed by hand.

Parents say
"Munchkin Stay Put Suction Bowls work awesome for us! We take them everywhere and he can't get them up, even when he hangs onto the edge."

"The Munchkin Stay Put suction bowls and plates stick to our Graco highchair."

"We use the Munchkin brand suction bowls and plates! Even my husband has to struggle to pull them up, and he’s a U.S. Marine lmao."

"We now use the munchkin bowls...they suction so well!! He tries to pull them off and he can’t then whines about it, haha. They are also made of plastic and have the silicone bit on the bottom which suctions. No issues with soap smells now!"

Specs

Dimensions: Not listed
Capacity: 7, 9, and 12 ounces
Material: BPA-free plastic
Care: Dishwasher-safe (top rack only)
Age range: 6 months and up
Color options: 2

Best baby plate overall

Mushie Square Dinnerware Plates

Photo credit: Amazon

For simple, easy-to-clean, non-suction indestructible plates that will last for years, Mushie is the brand to beat. At almost eight inches square, these plates are about the size of an average mouse pad and lightweight enough that they're easy for babies to hold. They can drop them, bang them, or throw them; the tough polypropylene plastic won't break or dent no matter what treatment they're given.

BabyCenter Senior Health Editor Olivia DeLong says she uses these plates to feed her 3-year-old every single day: "They are so easy, come in adorable colors (I'm all for the blush and sage green tones!) and are super durable."

Olivia started out using a different Mushie product, silicone suction bowls, but found that they picked up the taste of the dish soap she used, which would then transfer into the food. No such issues with the plastic plates, says Olivia.

Heads up
These plates also come in 7.5-inch round versions, but the square ones are easier for most babies to hold since they can grip the corners.

Specs

Dimensions: 7.5 x 7. 5 x 1 inches
Capacity:Not listed
Material: BPA-free polypropylene plastic
Care: Dishwasher-safe
Age range: Not listed
Color options: 4

Best baby plate with storage

WeeSprout Kids Divided Suction Plates With Lids

Photo credit: Amazon

If your child doesn't finish their meal at one sitting, pop on one of WeeSprout's plastic transparent lids for super-easy storage that doesn't require you to dirty another dish. The lids also make these dishes great for travel: You can bring along your baby's dinner to a restaurant or relative's house and have them seated and eating in seconds.

Once you're actually at the table, WeeSprout's suction plates stick to smooth surfaces with a tenacity that reminds some parents of barnacles on the bottom of a boat; turn one over and you'll see why: Four sturdy suction cups line the bottom of these plates, so even if your child manages to get one unstuck, it's unlikely they can pry the whole plate up. The WeeSprout plate is made of soft, squishy silicone, comes in gorgeous colors, and has three sections so foods don't touch.

Heads up
Each set of three includes three different colors; you can't buy a set with two or three the same.

Parents say
"Easy to clean and store."

"Easy wash and rinse and can be used on the go."

Specs

Dimensions: 8.7-inch diameter
Capacity:Not listed
Material: Silicone (plates), BPA, PVC, and phthalate-free plastic (lids)
Care: Dishwasher-safe
Age range: Not listed
Color options: 14

Best wooden baby bowl

Avanchy Bamboo Suction Baby Bowl

Photo credit: Amazon

Beautifully handcrafted in sustainable bamboo, this set is lovely to look at and a favorite of parents who value simple, natural materials. Bamboo is naturally non-toxic, and this bowl is finished with food-grade varnish, so you don’t have to worry about your child’s food “absorbing” any toxic materials. The ergonomic matching spoon has the same varnish, and is tipped with soft silicone that won't hurt tender gums or tongues.

When your baby is small, the bowl fits into the silicone ring to keep it snugly on the table; when your baby outgrows the throwing-and-dropping stage, you can remove the ring and use the bowl and spoon without it. Both spoon and bowl are sized for smaller hands, and parents say it feels good to hold, and babies love holding, playing with, and sometimes even feeding themselves with the pretty and well-balanced spoon.

Heads up
Avanchy recommends hand-washing both spoon and bowl

Parents say
"I've had the most success with the Avanchy bamboo bowls. The suction seems to work a bit better than with other brands."

"Avanchy bamboo plates and bowls have worked great for us! We also like the Munchkin bowls but they don’t stick as well/often as the Avanchys do."

"Avanchy products - bowls, plate and spoons are amazing but they are pricey compared to others because they are made of bamboo and silicone. "

Specs

Dimensions: 5-inch diameter
Capacity: 10 ounces
Material: Bamboo, silicone
Care: Handwash
Age range:4-72 months
Color options: 9

Best baby feeding mat

The Mini Mat by Ezpz

Photo credit: Amazon

Designed by a feeding specialist, the Ezpz mat is an innovative alternative to bowls and plates. Fill each section with food, adhere the mat to your table or highchair tray, then spoon-feed your child or allow them to self-feed. Either way the mat stubbornly clings to tables and trays so your child can't tip it or drop it. Parents also like how easy it is to roll up tidily into its included travel bag and bring with you to restaurants or Grandma's house.

The entire mat is made of food-safe silicone, and is available in eight sophisticated colors like sage green, coral, and aqua blue.

One downside some parents mention: This mat is about the size of a piece of notebook paper, so it might not fit on smaller highchair trays. Jeanne Beacom, BabyCenter's Senior Campaign Reporting Manager and Sarah say they have this issue with the Stokke Tripp Trapp and Stokke Clikk, respectively. But Sarah says that once her child was old enough to pull up to the table for meals, the Mini Mat became supremely useful: "He can lift it up if he tries, but he isn't throwing it every meal!" says Sarah, who adds that the Mini Mat is easy to clean because it doesn't have corners that goop can gather in.

Heads up
For a few extra dollars you can buy a matching lid for this tray so you can store food in it.

Parents say
"We have two and they're great! My daughter likes to throw her bowls and plates, but she can't throw the mat. I like the different compartments."

"The Ezpz mat comes in a travel bag and is great for eating out."

Specs

Dimensions: 10.75 x 7.75 x 1 inch
Capacity: 8 ounces (4-ounce and two 2-ounce spaces)
Material: Silicone
Care: Dishwasher-safe
Age range: 6 months and up
Color options: 8

Best baby bowl for food prep

Nuby Garden Fresh Mash N' Feed Bowl

Photo credit: Amazon

The easiest way to feed your baby is to simply mash up some of what you're eating. The Nuby Garden Fresh bowl makes it even simpler with this set, which includes a hand masher, a mashing bowl with a non-slip base, a sealing lid, and a long-handled feeding spoon. You can quickly mash fruit, steamed veggies, potatoes, and other nutritious foods to whatever texture you want for your baby, then use the spoon for feeding. The sealing lid allows you to store larger batches for later or keep food secure while in transit, and the whole set stores easily in your diaper bag.

Parents who appreciate this set like that the bowl has ridges at the bottom that makes it much easier to break up food. They also say that the lid snaps on quite firmly, and resists falling off even when the bowl happens to get turned upside down in transit.

Heads up
The ridges inside the bowl are handy for prep, but can be a pain to clean without a scrub brush.

Parents say
"I love being able to mash fresh foods for my little one."

"So easy to use. "

Specs

Dimensions: Not listed
Capacity: 10 ounces
Material: BPA-free plastic
Care: Dishwasher-safe
Age range: 4 months and up
Color options: 2

Best stainless steel baby bowl, cup, and plate

Kiddobloom Baby/Kids Stainless Steel Dinnerware

Photo credit: Amazon

No need to worry about the potential toxins in plastic when you choose stainless steel, naturally non-toxic and practically indestructible. Parents say that their kids love having their own little set of dinnerware at the ready, and enjoy eating more when foods are served in all three together. They also say that the double handles on the bowl makes it easier for babies to hold, and that picky kids appreciate the sections in the steel plate that prevent food from touching.

Like most kids' dinnerware, this set is dishwasher-safe and won’t be warped by the heat. Thanks to the stainless steel material, you don’t have to worry about the set absorbing off-flavors from food or detergent. It comes out of the dishwasher with a beautiful mirror shine, and it'll hold on to that shine for so many years, you might someday find yourself serving grandkids meals in it.

Heads up
Stainless steel conducts temperature well, so beware when serving warm food.

Specs

Dimensions: Bowl: 4.2 x 2 inches; cup: 2.5 x 2.9 inches; dish: 9.5 x 6.3 x .9 inches
Capacity: Bowl: 13 ounces; cup: 6 ounces
Material: Stainless steel
Care: Dishwasher-safe
Age range: None listed
Color options: 1

What to look for in baby bowls and plates

The right baby bowls and plates can make mealtimes easier for your baby and cut down on the mess involved. Baby plates and bowls are typically made from unbreakable materials and sized down for smaller bodies. Some suction to a table or highchair tray, so your little one can't pick up a meal and fling it to the floor; most have curved sides to help your baby get food onto the spoon and keep soft foods like oatmeal and yogurt contained.

Baby bowls and plates are made from many different materials. Here are the pros and cons of the most common kinds:

Plastic: Plastic bowls and plates are light, inexpensive, and easy to keep clean. The AAP warns that plastic may also contain additives that are linked to health concerns; heat may cause substances like BPA and phthalates to leak into food. For this reason, the AAP recommends washing plastic utensils and food containers by hand rather than in the dishwasher, avoiding microwaving food or drinks in plastic, and serving hot food on dishware made of alternate materials like stainless steel.
Silicone: Food-grade silicone is unbreakable like plastic but softer; it can be heated or frozen without leaching toxins, so many parents prefer it to plastic for baby utensils and dinnerware. Silicone is generally dishwasher-safe, but can develop lingering stains and odors over time. Silicone is generally inexpensive, but more expensive than plastic.
Wood: Wood baby bowls and plates are usually more expensive than both silicone and plastic. Often made of sustainable wood like bamboo, wood dinnerware is light and unbreakable. Most wooden baby bowls and plates are dishwasher-safe, but like silicone, stains and odors may permeate the surface and need special treatment to remove.
Stainless steel: Stainless steel bowls and plates are the most expensive compared to wood, silicone, and plastic. They're very light and easy to clean; stains and smells do not cling to them. They may dent over time, and paint or powder coatings may chip off.

Baby bowls and plates also come in different shapes and styles. Here are some common types.

Square: Square plates and squared-off bowls may be easier for you or your baby to hold as you can grip a corner.
Rimmed: Most baby bowls and plates have rims to keep soft foods or liquids from running and to help you and your baby scoop food into spoons.
Suction: Many baby bowls, plates, and food mats come with suction cups or otherwise adhere to the table to keep your baby from picking it up and throwing it. Very determined or strong kids can still sometimes defeat these devices, but they can be useful for many situations.
Sectioned: Baby plates are often compartmentalized into three or four sections, so you can expose your baby to a variety of flavors and textures. (Divided plates are also helpful for picky toddlers who don't like foods to touch.)

Baby bowls may seem too big for the small servings your little one needs during the early months of eating solids, but they're designed for longevity, so your child can keep using them for years to come.

Brenna Howsepian, R.D. contributed to this story.

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Joyce Slaton

Joyce Slaton is the commerce editor at BabyCenter, the world's number one digital parenting resource. She is a certified child passenger safety technician who loves to write, sew, and cook. Slaton lives in San Francisco with her husband and daughter.

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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.

Benefits of special baby dishes

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.
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.
Convenience. 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).
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Wash immediately after meals to prevent bacterial growth.
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.
Do not wipe the dishes with a towel to avoid leaving dust and fluff on them. Dry naturally or use paper towels.
Periodically pour boiling water over dishes to disinfect them.
Use only safe, certified detergents or do not use them at all - first foods can be easily washed off with plain hot water.
Do not allow other family members to use baby's utensils.
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.

— 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

#Complementary food