Your baby’s first experiences with starting solid foods can be quite the adventure. (If you’ve ever cleaned sweet potatoes out of their ears, you feel me.) Generally those first bites are delivered directly from the high chair tray, but as their motor skills and hand-eye coordination improve, it’s time to make the big-kid transition to plates and bowls.
However, it’s not like you’re going to hand over your regular dishware and call it a day. For one thing, tiny tummies need smaller portions. But more importantly, since hurling things to the ground is a toddler’s favorite pastime, you’re going to want to invest in a collection of unbreakable toddler plates and bowls.
How to choose toddler plates and bowls
Mealtime can be stressful enough, so we’re always on the hunt for ways to make it less so. Here’s what we look for in the dishware we give our littles.
Material, durability and safety
Toddler plates and bowls come in a variety of kid (and planet!) friendly materials these days. Most of our favorite brands stick to silicone, BPA and phthalate-free plastics, stainless steel and even bamboo. Of course they’re all safe from the inevitable drop or throw, but we’ve found plastic and silicone to withstand the most abuse. Stainless steel is obviously incredibly durable as well, but you may want to wait until they’re out of the throwing phase. (The sound of it clattering to the floor can be near heart-attack inducing.) Bamboo is up to the challenge, but with the amount of washing dishes endure, we’ve had to toss one on occasion due to cracking.
Washability
When it comes to kids’ dishes, easy-to-clean is a non-negotiable. Most are designed to be dishwasher-safe, but be sure to check the brand’s washing instructions just in case. Some are top-rack only, and in the case of bamboo, need to be left out altogether. And if you go the silicone route, don’t leave food to sit in them or leave them soaking in the sink, as they can stain or take on the soapy taste.
Kid-friendly features
If there’s an invention that’s prevented more mealtime messes than suction toddler plates and bowls, we can’t think of it. (Besides your basic splat mat of course!) If you’ve got a little one who likes to try to wear their bowl as a hat, or test the presence of gravity with their plate, opt for silicone with suction features. You’ll have to police the situation less and enjoy mealtime a little more.
You’ll also find a lot of dishware that features dividers. While some dietitians prefer giving toddlers undivided plates to prevent pickiness, we also know you have to pick your battles. (We’ve also served many-a-meal on divided plates to kids who’ve grown up to have impressively adventurous palates.)
And while we also don’t condone bribery, fun designs and colors they love are always a good idea. And if giving them the plate with the monkey on it means you get them to nosh on something other than puffs, it’s totally a win.
So whether you’re dealing with a picky eater or an aspiring food critic, we’ve got you covered.
Our favorite toddler plates and bowls
WeeSprout
• $21.45
Amazon’s choice for baby plates with suction, these top-rated silicone plates are lauded for their ability to stick (and stick well!) to all kinds of surfaces. The sides are nice and high to keep as much food as possible on the plate, and three sections keep foods apart. They’re perfectly toddler-sized at 7.25 inches across and stack easily in the cupboard as well. Optional lids allow you to easily store leftovers in the fridge or freezer. We also love the wide variety of aesthetically pleasing color options!
Dishwasher safe: Yes
Microwaveable: Yes
BabyBjorn
• $34.99
BabyBjörn has created innovative baby gear for decades, so it’s probably no surprise to see them mentioned here. The trefoil shape, along with the added depth of their baby plate is designed to help little ones learn to scoop up food with a spoon and fork. The depth, as well as a rubber ring on the bottom also helps keep it from tipping or falling as they perfect their technique. When it’s time to clean, the two-part design comes apart and can be popped right into the dishwasher.
Dishwasher safe: Yes
Microwaveable: Yes
Bumkins
• $17.95
If you’d rather skip the dividers but still want the convenience of suction, this style from Bumkins is our top pick. It does a great job of staying in place and features a flat edge that lets them get right up in there without dropping food between the plate and highchair tray. It’s also got deep walls to help get the perfect bite.
Dishwasher safe: Yes
Microwaveable: Yes
OXO Tot
• $10.99
With three main compartments and a center section that’s perfect for dips, we’ve used this plate from OXO longer than most. The suction base readily defeats even the most determined toddler, and the two-piece design easily comes apart for a through washing. It’s not as deep as some of our other picks, but still has enough depth to keep food contained.
Dishwasher safe: Yes
Microwaveable: Technically, yes, though one reviewer did note that hers melted a bit!
Munchkin
• $21.24
These simple BPA-free bowls and plates hold up incredibly well, even with near constant use. The portions are great for toddlers and preschoolers alike, and the steep walls keep messes to a minimum. There’s no suction, but a clever rubber grip on the bottom keeps them from slip-sliding around. We also appreciate that they stack neatly for storage!
Dishwasher safe: Yes
Microwaveable: Yes
Munchkin
• $13.99
There’s probably no better bang for your buck in the kids’ dish department than this 12-piece set from Munchkin. Yes, they’re super simple, but that’s the beauty of them. The four bowl, four cup, four plate set will last you through the baby phase all the way through elementary school and likely even longer. They’re made from BPA-free plastic and at just over a dollar each, you can’t go wrong!
Dishwasher safe: Yes
Microwaveable: Yes
Ahimsa
• $64
Not only does the kid-friendly dishware from Ahimsa make any table brighter, the stainless steel construction ensures it’s totally free of nasties as well. Designed by a pediatrician and mom, everything from the portion sizes to the material takes toddler development into account. The durable pieces won’t break or peel and they can easily be washed in the dishwasher. Best of all, they come with a lifetime guarantee. (And trust us, you’ll have them for as long!)
Dishwasher safe: Yes
Microwaveable: No
Kiddobloom
• $37.98
Another stainless steel option we recommend is the three piece set from Kiddobloom. The simple divided tray, handled bowl and cup are perfectly portioned for littles and easy for small hands to maneuver. Holding the bowl with one hand and scooping with the other is a common way for kids to who are learning to serve themselves, which makes this design even more desirable! They’re sturdy and heavy enough not to slide around and super durable against bangs and drops. Of course they’re also dishwasher safe.
Dishwasher safe: Yes
Microwaveable: No
