A Parent's Guide to Choosing the Best Baby Bowls and Plates

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Editor's Note:

This article was originally a "best of" list from 2019. To provide more timeless and useful advice, it has been updated to be a comprehensive guide on the features and materials to look for when choosing the perfect mealtime gear for your little one.

 

When your baby reaches 6 months old, an exciting new adventure begins: starting solid foods! As you move beyond breastmilk or formula, the gear you use becomes incredibly important. The right bowls and plates can make the transition to self-feeding smoother, less messy, and more successful.

Learning to self-feed is a critical milestone that practices fine motor skills and fosters independence. To set your baby up for success, here’s our guide to the essential features to look for in baby bowls and plates.

The #1 Feature: A Strong Suction Base

Let's be honest: babies and toddlers love to test gravity. Outsmart your child's tendency to toss their plate on the floor by choosing bowls and plates with a strong suction base. This provides a stable foundation for little ones learning to scoop and feed themselves, keeping the food on the table and off your floor. Look for a strong lock mechanism that lets you know it's securely stuck in place.

Choosing the Right Material: A Head-to-Head Comparison

Silicone

This is the go-to material for convenience and durability.

  • Pros: Virtually unbreakable (aka toddler-proof!), lightweight, and flexible. It's almost always dishwasher, microwave, freezer, and even oven safe. High-quality, food-grade silicone is also free from BPA and other toxins and won't have a strange taste or smell.

  • Cons: Can sometimes be stained by brightly colored foods like carrots or beets.

Bamboo

For parents looking for an eco-friendly and stylish option.

  • Pros: Made from a sustainable, biodegradable resource. It's naturally resistant to mold and mildew. Bamboo dishes are lightweight and have a beautiful, modern look.

  • Cons: Most bamboo products are hand-wash only and cannot be used in the microwave. They are more rigid than silicone and can crack if dropped from a significant height.

Stainless Steel

A durable and safe alternative to plastic.

  • Pros: Extremely durable, will not break, and won't stain or hold onto food odors. Many stainless steel bowls come with airtight lids, making them perfect for storing leftovers or packing snacks for outings.

  • Cons: Cannot be used in the microwave.

The Power of Divided Plates

A simple but brilliant feature to look for is a divided plate.

  • Encourages Variety: The separate compartments naturally prompt parents to serve a variety of foods from different food groups.

  • Appeals to Picky Eaters: Many children prefer their foods not to touch. Divided sections can make mealtimes less overwhelming for them.

  • Great for Portioning: The sections provide a simple visual guide for appropriate portion sizes.

Bonus Features to Consider

  • Steam-in-the-Bowl Design: Some innovative silicone bowls are designed to be placed directly in a pot to steam veggies or warm up purées, which helps preserve nutrients.

  • Stackable Designs: If you have more than one little one, look for plates that are designed to stack neatly for easy serving and storage.

Choosing What’s Right for You

Now that your child has a whole new, edible world to explore, meals become one big adventure. What you use to feed your little one should make life easier for you and more fun for them. Whether you prioritize convenience (silicone), sustainability (bamboo), or durability (stainless steel), the right gear is out there.

Bon appétit