Baby Plates and Bowls
Key Summary:
Suction plates and bowls stick to highchair trays
Divided plates keep foods separated for toddlers who decree "nothing shall touch!”
Silicone, bamboo, and BPA-free plastic options suit different priorities (durability, eco-friendliness, budget)
Most are microwave and dishwasher safe—because life's too short for hand-washing tiny bowls
What Key Features to Consider When Choosing Baby Plates & Bowls?
The perfect plate won't stop the chaos entirely, but the right features help. Here's what actually matters:
Material: Silicone (soft, flexible, unbreakable), BPA-free plastic (lightweight, budget-friendly), bamboo (eco-conscious, sturdy)
Suction strength: Strong suction bases prevent plate-throwing Olympics
Size and portion capacity: Toddler portions are smaller than you think as oversized plates make meals look sad and lonely
Ease of cleaning: Smooth surfaces without crevices dry faster and harbour less gunk
Microwave and dishwasher compatibility: Check before buying as not all materials handle heat
Age suitability: Bowls with curved edges help toddlers scoop and flat plates work better for older kids mastering forks
What are the Types of Baby Plates & Bowls?
Different plates solve different dinnertime dramas:
Suction Plates & Bowls: The peace-keepers of mealtime. These have suction bases that stick to surfaces and resist curious hands testing gravity. Perfect for the ‘throw everything’ phase.
Divided Plates: Three compartments keep pasta, veg and protein in their designated zones. Essential for toddlers with strong opinions about touching foods.
Silicone Plates & Bowls: Soft, flexible, and virtually indestructible. They bounce when dropped (and they will be dropped). Microwave and dishwasher safe.
Training Bowls for Toddlers: Deep curved sides help little hands scoop food onto spoons without launching it across the room. Builds confidence in self-feeding.
Check our full range of feeding sets for coordinated plates, bowls and cutlery. We love a bit of matchy matchy!
Baby Plates vs Bowls: What Do You Need?
Feature | Plates | Bowls |
Best for | Finger foods, self-feeding practice, older toddlers | Purees, cereals, soups, early eaters |
Portion control | Visual sections help with balanced meals | Harder to gauge portions |
Scooping ease | Requires more utensil skill | Curved sides assist beginners |
Mess factor | Food can slide off edges | Contains liquids better |
Age range | 12+ months | 6+ months |
Versatility | Works for most meals | Limited to wet/soft foods |
Realistically? You'll end up with both. Start with bowls for first foods and then add plates as your toddler masters self-feeding.
For more advice on managing toddlers and dinner time, we've got you covered.
Final Word
The right plates and bowls won't stop the mess entirely (that's what bibs and floor mats are for), but they'll give your toddler the tools to master self-feeding. Chef's kiss to that.