Stainless steel baby feeding set
Stainless Steel Baby Spoon - Etsy.de
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Best Non-Toxic Baby Utensils, Spoons & More
Home > Toddler > Feeding & Nutrition, Feeding & Nutrition, Health & Safety > Non-Toxic Baby Feeding Practices - Utensils, Dishes & More
Has your tot reached the magical milestone of starting solids? Non-toxic Expert, Aida Garcia-Toldedo shares her insights on how to avoid potentially toxic chemicals lurking in your family’s kitchen and baby’s feeding products.
When feeding their little ones, many parents understand the importance of choosing organic baby food to avoid exposure to pesticides and added hormones, but many might not realize that the tools used to cook and serve a child’s food can also be a source of harmful chemicals.
Many parents limit themselves to lower quality plastic dishware for children, not realizing that there are many safe, non-toxic and stylish alternatives that are widely available to serve food in.
In this article, we’ll go over:
- Baby & toddler feeding: toxic chemicals & materials to avoid
- Safer baby & toddler feeding product materials
- Cooking tools: what to avoid
- Safer cookware options
- Our non-toxic baby & toddler feeding product picks
Scroll down to learn more.
Just because something says ‘BPA-Free’ does not mean that it doesn’t contain a whole slew other other potentially harmful chemicals.
At The Tot, we never use or recommend anything that hasn’t passed the Tot Safety Test. This means I’ve reviewed third-party testing, certifications, ingredients and the composition of every product on the site and deemed it safe.
When it comes to food storage containers, drink bottles, dinnerware, utensils and cookware, it’s EXTRA important to consider what something is made of because the materials are coming in direct contact with food and liquid.
Generally speaking, for hot or acidic meals, you should avoid plastic or melamine plates, as the heat (from the baby food itself, as well as from reheating or even from the dishwasher) can cause the plastic to leach chemicals like phthalates, BPA, and other endocrine disrupting chemicals.
Here’s a list of chemicals we avoid in baby feeding products and why:
PVC
PVC, also known as polyvinyl chloride, or vinyl, is an incredibly toxic chemical that is harmful to our bodies and to the environment right from the production phase through to disposal.
It contains additives like phthalates, lead, cadmium, organotin that are quite toxic and have been linked to asthma, allergies, reproductive problems and cancer.
Harmful phthalates
Many phthalates are known endocrine disruptors associated with asthma, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, breast cancer, obesity, type II diabetes, neurodevelopmental issues, behavioral issues, autism spectrum disorders, altered reproductive development and male fertility issues.
BPA + BPS (bisphenols)
Bisphenols mimic the hormone estrogen and have been linked to prostate cancer, breast cancer, female infertility, and obesity. BPA is an especially dangerous endocrine disruptor since even small amounts of this chemical have been shown to cause serious reproductive damage, especially when the exposure occurs in utero.
Lead and other heavy metals
Exposure to heavy metals can cause nerve damage, learning and behavioral problems, reproductive damage and irreversible brain damage.
PFAS chemicals
PFAS (poly-fluoroalkyl substances) are a large family of different chemicals that have been shown to cause developmental and other adverse effects in laboratory animals.
Click here to view the full list of ingredients we avoid.
Great alternatives to plastic for baby plates, spoons, sippy cups and storage include:
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Food-grade silicone (dishwasher safe)
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Wood (with a non-toxic finish)
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Eco-friendly bamboo
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Stainless steel (dishwasher safe)
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Glass (dishwasher safe; for little kids consider a silicon sleeve to protect glass)
- Bamboo fiber with food-grade melamine (not to be confused with the other plastic melamine option.)
Non-stick
Non-stick cookware is a staple in the majority of kitchens across the world today.
While the convenience of non-stick is clear, the technology behind it is not so clear.
Non-stick teflon pans: Up until recently, the go-to chemical used to make non-stick pans was the ‘Teflon chemical’ (Perfluorooctanoic acid or PFOA for short). This chemical is so toxic that the company that makes it agreed to phase it out of its products. It is a carcinogen (causes cancer), and prenatal exposure to perfluorinated chemicals may affect the immune system in early childhood.
If you have older non-stick pans at home they probably contain PFOA. Stop using these pans to cook or reheat your children’s meals. If you have to use them, make sure you use medium to low heat, since the higher heat temperatures are what cause the chemical to be released into the air and food. Also, make sure the pan has no scratches. Once it is scratched you should throw the pan away immediately.
New non-stick technology: There are various new chemicals and technologies being used in newer non-stick pans.
Because these technologies are so new, proper long-term studies are needed to confirm if they are, indeed, completely safe. When cooking for a younger child, it is a good idea to err on the side of caution and avoid anything that has not been proven to be completely safe.
Aluminum
Due to its physical resemblance to stainless steel, aluminum is often mistaken for a safer cooking material. Unfortunately, pans made of aluminum can release heavy metals into food- aluminum is considered a neurotoxin (high exposures to it has been linked to Alzheimers). Acidic foods, such as tomato sauce, high heat and wear and tear cause more aluminum to leach from this cookware into the food.
Although the amount of aluminum that a pan would give off is actually very low, as always with young children I prefer to err on the side of caution and when possible simply choose a safer option.
Lucky for parents everywhere, there are many tried and tested pots and pans that will not leach chemicals into your family’s food:
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Cast iron: When properly seasoned, cast iron is virtually non-stick.
An added bonus is that cast iron pans add iron to the food you are cooking and can last decades, making them a great investment. -
Stainless steel: Widely available, stainless steel is another great option for cooking that will not leach any chemicals into your tot’s meals. Many stainless steel pan users complain about their food sticking to their pans. However, although it does take a bit of practice, there are easy ways to avoid having your food stick when cooking such as ensuring you are cooking on a high heat to seal the food so it doesn’t stick and ensuring the pan is properly oiled and seasoned just before adding the food. An extra bonus is that stainless steel is dishwasher safe!
Babies are far more susceptible than adults to the dangerous effects of toxins and chemicals. Because they spend so much time exploring their new environment, babies spend a lot of time crawling on the floor and putting all sorts of things in their mouths.
As they a result, they will naturally absorb and ingest whatever is around them.
By switching to safer baby products, from clothes and toys to meal time, personal care and cleaning products, you will lessen their exposure some potentially dangerous chemicals that can have serious long-term health effects.
All Tot Safety Test Approved, the below products are all free of:
- Harmful phthalates
- BPA + BPA
- PVC
- Added formaldehyde
- Heavy metals
Scroll down to see my favorite non-toxic baby & toddler mealtime picks.
The Tot Feeding Sets: Baby-led Weaning (6m +)
$89
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The Tot Feeding Sets: Starting Solids Stage 1 & 2 (6 – 9m)
$139
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The Tot Feeding Sets: Stage 3 Solids Self Feeding (9 – 12m)
$109
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The Tot Feeding Sets: On-The-Go (1 year +)
$119
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The Tot Feeding Sets: Mastering Mealtimes (18m +)
$119
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Mushie Silicone Baby Bib
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EZPZ Silicone Tiny Spoon Set
$15
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January Moon Bamboo & Silicone Fork & Spoon Set
$18
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EZPZ Silicone Happy Mat
$25
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Avanchy Le Petite Baby Set
$46.99
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Avanchy Bamboo Classic Plate
$22.99
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Avanchy Bamboo Stay Put Suction Toddler Plate & Spoon
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Avanchy Stainless Steel Toddler Plate
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Austin Baby Collection Silicone Bento Box Set – Camper
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EKOBO Bamboo Fiber Bambino Baby Feeding Set
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EKOBO Bamboo Fiber Bambino Dinner Set – Coral
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EKOBO Bamboo Fiber Bambino Dinner Set – Royal Blue
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PlanetBox Stainless Steel Rover Lunchbox
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Zip Top Silicone Snack Containers
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Thinkbaby Sippy of Steel
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- We know that choosing safe and non-toxic baby products can be confusing and overwhelming. There are so many issues to consider – BPA-free, lead-free, toxic dyes, flame retardants, organic cotton vs. regular cotton, so our Tot Expert & Green Living Consultant, Aida Garcia-Toledo has answered some of your pressing questions about choosing safer products for your family in The Tot Q&A on the best non-toxic baby products.
Sets of dishes for children - why are they convenient and how to choose?
When a child begins to eat on his own, he moves on to a new important stage in his life, in which he should have his first own dishes.
The question arises: is it worth buying tableware separately or buying a whole set? What material should the dishes be made of, what color, size and shape is it best to choose dishes for a child?
Cookware selection criteria
- First of all, any dishes must be safe: do not contain harmful substances in their composition, for example, Bisphenol A and Phthalates.
- Ergonomic and lightweight, so that the child can independently hold it in his hands. This is especially true for mugs and cups.
- Children's dishes should be resistant to different temperatures so that they can be heated in the microwave oven or stored in the refrigerator.
- It is important that the dishes keep the food warm, but do not get hot..
- The attention of the child is more attracted to dishes with an unusual shape and interesting patterns.
In the photo: Liewood cookware
Benefits of set
Complete sets of dishes are convenient in everyday life, since mom does not need to “allocate” a separate plate, spoon, mug for feeding.
She always has a one-piece set at hand, which belongs exclusively to the child, and cannot be confused with the main dishes in the kitchen. If there is more than one child in the family, it is convenient to purchase several sets at once, so that everyone has their own individual set at their disposal.
The child perceives reality in a playful way, so the process of eating for him is a game. Dinnerware with the same style, pattern, or shape can provide a framework for developing a child's imagination and making dinner fun. Mom does not have to use auxiliary techniques (cartoons, toys, etc.) to attract the attention of the child and feed him.
Choice of cookware based on appearance and functionality
In addition to its main and primary task, dishes help parents achieve several more important goals, and one of them is to instill in the child a sense of style and form a good taste, so you need to carefully choose a set for your baby. It is best to focus on calm pastel colors with a simple clear pattern.
Too bright colors will only irritate the child's nervous system and distract him from eating.
In the photo: Liewood cookware set wheat mix
There are various thematic sets with a stylish unusual design and thoughtful functionality. For example, sets where the plate is divided into several sections or cells, each of which can contain individual products. This option will allow the child to independently organize the space, choose products that he likes more and create new combinations.
In the photo: Bamboo tableware Love Mae
Buying one set does not mean that you need to use it everywhere and always. Some sets are more suitable for home use and daily feeding of the baby, while others will be more appropriate as a hiking option, for outdoor recreation or a picnic.
In the photo: Liewood children's dinnerware set, gray-blue
The number of items in the set also depends on the age and needs of the baby.
If your child is just starting to eat complementary foods, then a plate, spoon and cup will suffice. If the baby is already older, then you can choose a set with more items of various sizes.
In the photo: A set of children's bowls Liewood "Cosmos"
Advantages of different materials
The choice of materials is great. Some parents still prefer to purchase glassware or chinaware, but many are already switching to safer materials for children's tableware, which are much easier to handle and care for.
Silicone:
Silicone products are absolutely harmless and safe for the child, as they do not contain bisphenol and phthalates. They do not slip on the table and do not break when dropped. Silicone utensils are very easy to clean. It can serve both hot and cold food without fear that it will go bad. It is silicone dishes that are chosen for babies who are beginning to introduce complementary foods and for children 2-3 years old.
A set of silicone dishes can be taken with you on the road and on a picnic, as it is very light and takes up little space.
From PLA
PLA is a food grade plastic that is made from corn starch or sugar cane. PLA dishes can be purchased for the smallest and older children. In terms of properties, this material is almost identical to silicone, but is biodegradable. Like silicone, it does not absorb odors and is odorless itself. Dishes made of PLA do not break, do not slip on the table and in hands. If it accidentally falls on the floor, it will not break, so it will serve you for a long time.
In the photo: A set of children's dishes Liewood "Bear"
Bamboo:
Bamboo tableware is universal for all ages, but is more suitable for children 6-7 years old. Bamboo cookware is light, durable and eco-friendly. The natural composition of bamboo and wood fibers with the addition of corn starch makes it 100% biodegradable.
In the photo: Love Mae "Jungle" plate set
Metal:
Stainless steel cookware is very practical for any age. Of the options listed above, this is the only material in which you can reheat or cook food in the oven, which is certainly its advantage. Stainless steel cookware is safe and won't break or deteriorate over time.
Care of dishes
How to take care of baby feeding utensils? There are several general recommendations. Never use food-grade plastic and silicone utensils in the oven, as the plastic may melt. Unlike food-grade plastic, silicone can be heated in the microwave and used at temperatures up to 230 degrees. Dishes made of both materials can be placed in the freezer at a temperature of up to -20 degrees and washed in a dishwasher at a temperature of no more than 65 degrees.
The rules for caring for bamboo cutlery are very similar. The main thing is not to use them in the microwave and oven, as natural materials do not withstand high temperatures.
They are allowed to be washed in the dishwasher and used at a temperature not higher than 80 degrees and not lower than 20 degrees.
Metal utensils or stainless steel utensils are the most unassuming to care for. It can be placed in the oven and microwave, but it is not recommended to heat it on the stove. Dishwasher safe and rinse in hot water before use. It is very convenient and practical in everyday life.
It is better to store children's dishes in a separate place from common dishes and always keep them dry and clean so that they serve you longer and retain their original appearance for a long time.
tableware, pastel colors, bright accents, children's room
A good set of children's dishes - what is it like?
08/16/2019 As the baby grows older, parents have to deal with a huge number of issues. One of the most important of these is catering. And if in the first months of life everything is quite simple with this, then later, when full-fledged food and drinks are introduced into the child's diet, it will be time to think about purchasing a set of children's dishes.
Why is this important?
Of course, you can also use ordinary "adult" plates and mugs, but this is quite inconvenient and not entirely safe.
The need for a separate set of children's dishes can be justified immediately from 4 positions:
- Hygiene. A separate plate, mug and cutlery will reduce the chance of transmission of diseases from adult family members.
- Security. Children's tableware must have a quality certificate confirming the safety of the materials used for children's health.
- Strength. Many children remain very active even at the table, so the dishes must withstand minor blows or even falling off the table. Accordingly, the older the child becomes, the less important this parameter is.
- The child must like it. This will help make the boring process of feeding interesting.
Material selection basis
Children's utensils can be made from various materials.
Each of them has both its pros and cons.
Metal
The strongest and most durable material. In addition, it is heavy enough for a plate or mug to stand steadily on the table. Dishes can be enameled or shiny, made of stainless steel, but in no case made of aluminum (this also applies to cutlery), which tends to oxidize under the action of fruit and vegetable juices.
Despite its strength, it is inferior to all other varieties in terms of practicality: it is difficult to find children's series of metal utensils for sale, it gets very hot from hot soup or tea, and after falling, the enamel can break off, and the metal in this place will begin to rust.
Plastic
Plastic products are a good option as a first set of dishes for a child. Plastic is not afraid of falling, it is easy to clean, and among the variety of models, you can easily find the one that the future owner will like.
The most important thing is to make sure that food-grade plastics are used in the production - polypropylene (PP marking) or polystyrene (PS), and in the absence of an unpleasant "chemical" smell.
The presence of the latter will immediately indicate that the dishes are of poor quality and it is better to refuse to buy them.
Plastic has another disadvantage - it scratches over time. This leads to the loss of the original appearance. And yet, every scratch, especially a deep one, is a potential breeding ground for bacteria, especially if the dishes are not washed very carefully.
Ceramic
This is just as good and convenient an option as in the case of dishes for adults. Ceramics, due to a thin layer of glass glaze, does not absorb odors and tastes of dishes, does not smell itself and is perfectly washed, while not being afraid of scratches at all. In addition, modern methods of applying images to ceramic products make their assortment truly limitless - among all the variety, you can easily find a set with your favorite cartoon characters or just funny animals or cars that children like.
A set of ceramic children's dishes is an almost ideal choice, but with one caveat: due to its relative fragility, it is better not to purchase it for children under 3 years old.
