The 3 Best Baby Plates of 2024 | Tested & Rated

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Best Overall Dinnerware Set

Kiddobloom Dinnerware Set

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80

OVERALL
SCORE

• Eco-Health

  10.0

• Ease of Cleaning

  8.0

• Ease of Use

  7.0

Material: Stainless Steel | Suction: No

REASONS TO BUY

Eco-healthy

Durable

Dishwasher safe

REASONS TO AVOID

Avoid dry cycle

Cost

Stainless Steel |No

If your toddler is ready for a dinnerware set, the Kiddobloom Dinnerware Set may meet your needs. Encouraging a tot's sense of independence is important to us, and we think this child-size set may be a handy mealtime accessory in that quest. The set includes a bowl, a cup (an item no other competitor offers), and a three-sectioned divided plate. Besides the plain stainless steel design, one with frog engravings is available - if you would like to add a dose of cuteness. All the pieces have smooth edges, and the material is inert stainless steel, which is non-toxic and doesn't impart flavor to the contents. Its durability will withstand the rage of toddlers, and we are confident this set will last the test of time.

Although dishwasher safe, the packaging lists some special care instructions. The manufacturer recommends removing the dinnerware after the last rinse cycle and allowing it to air dry to help avoid discoloration and corrosion. They further advise not to use detergents containing bleach or chlorine. This option does not offer suction or anti-skid material, so you may want to look elsewhere if you want this feature. The Kiddobloom's cost is an investment, but considering the durability and longevity of stainless steel, there is potential for it to become a family heirloom. Stainless steel is non-toxic, which we believe outweighs any minor drawbacks. If you feel the same, we highly recommend the Kiddobloom to you. But if you're shopping on a budget, the Bamboo Fox Suction Plate is an eco-friendly option at a fraction of the cost.

The Kiddobloom is designed with non-toxic and durable stainless steel that offers longevity.

Credit: Abriah Wofford

Best Budget-Friendly Option

Munchkin Splash Plate & Bowl Set

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46

OVERALL
SCORE

• Eco-Health

  1.0

• Ease of Cleaning

  7.0

• Ease of Use

  4.0

Material: Plastic | Suction: No

REASONS TO BUY

Inexpensive & good value

Anti-skid material

REASONS TO AVOID

Easily scratched

Plastic |No

On a budget? Check out the Munchkin Splash Plate & Bowl Set, which includes two BPA-free plastic plates and bowls. The set is durable, and the colors are vibrant, including a blue and green option for those who prefer them to pink/purple. We believe the plates and bowls are easy for little hands to carry. The plate has three sections with deep sides, and the bowl is deep, making it great for snacks, yogurt, and cereal. The set is microwavable and dishwasher safe, with anti-skid material on the bottom to reduce slipping. We appreciate that the plates and bowls are easily stackable for storage.

Despite being advertised as microwavable and dishwasher safe, we don't recommend doing either, as high heat is not great for plastic or food stored in plastic. We understand that handwashing is not always convenient, but the task is easy, and avoiding high heat is worth the effort. Users report that the plates and bowls easily scratch, so we recommend avoiding metal utensils to prolong product longevity or being willing to toss them when this occurs. Admittedly, plastic is not our favorite material, but it does come with a lower cost. We recommend this set to families who want to purchase multiple plates and bowls without breaking the bank and don't mind plastic. On the contrary, parents who want to reduce plastic use should consider the more durable and eco-healthy Kiddobloom Dinnerware Set.

The Munchkin Splash Plate and Bowl Set is the only product in the review that offers an anti-skid bottom.

Credit: Abriah Wofford

Best Bamboo Option

Bamboo Fox Suction Plate

66

OVERALL
SCORE

• Eco-Health

  7.0

• Ease of Cleaning

  6.0

• Ease of Use

  7.0

Material: Bamboo | Suction: Yes

REASONS TO BUY

Impressive suction power

Adorable

REASONS TO AVOID

Handwash

Monthly maintenance

Bamboo |Yes

Make mealtime fun with the Bamboo Fox Suction Plate. Bamboo is a renewable resource; therefore, this plate is eco-friendlier and healthier than some of the competition. This bamboo plate features impressive suction power, with a suction base that is removable when your child outgrows it. The plate comes in various shapes and suction base colors.

Bamboo becomes dry when exposed to water repeatedly, eventually leading to cracking and splitting. Therefore, this plate requires some maintenance to help prevent this from happening. An application of oil, like coconut oil, should be applied once a month to keep the material hydrated. Also, bamboo is less durable than some other materials and could break if dropped or misused. This plate is not microwavable or dishwasher safe and requires handwashing with warm soapy water. When handwashing the plate, you need to remove the silicone base to dry the parts thoroughly to avoid trapped moisture and mildew. We recommend this eco-friendly, healthy, non-toxic plate to those who aren't put off by minor maintenance. Another eco-friendly option we recommend checking out is the stainless steel Kiddobloom Dinnerware Set. It is durable, dishwasher-safe, and includes a few pieces.

Our link to this product might vary to other animal shapes from the same manufacturer. The plates are of the same material and are virtually identical other than their shape.

The Bamboo Fox Suction Plate has an easy-release tab on the suction base.

Credit: Abriah Wofford

Compare Products

select up to 5 products to compare Score Product Price

80

Kiddobloom Dinnerware Set

Best Overall Dinnerware Set

$40

66

Bamboo Fox Suction Plate

Best Bamboo Option

$24

56

ezpz Mini Mat

$23

52

Bumkins Silicone Grip Dish

$18

48

Kiddiebites Flexible Plate

$30

46

Munchkin Splash Plate & Bowl Set

Best Budget-Friendly Option

$12

44

Re-Play Divided Plate

$13

38

First Essentials by NUK Tri-Suction

$7

The Bamboo Fox Suction Plate is not dishwasher safe and you will need to wash it by hand.

Credit: Abriah Wofford

Why You Should Trust Us

Our testing included lots of use and washing to emulate everyday real-world use and compare performance. Little ones took turns using the plates, and we assessed plate design, durability, ease of cleaning, and more to determine ranking and award winners. We preferred plates that were difficult to break, used eco-healthy materials, were intriguing to little ones, and held enough food for a full dinner.

Led by a pediatrician and mother of two, the BabyGearLab team has been testing gear since 2013 and holds incredible experience and knowledge. Conducting our review is Molly Bradac, Senior Review Editor and nanny with over 14 years of experience. So, when it comes to mealtime and dishware for babies and toddlers, Molly is the perfect expert to help guide your search. We purchased each product in our review, and each contender experienced hands-on testing and a side-by-side comparison to evaluate performance.

The Kiddiebites Flexible Plate is soft and pliable.The Bamboo Fox Suction Plate has a removable suction base.

Analysis and Test Results

Our lineup includes a range of plates with varying qualities. Therefore, evaluating each contender across key metrics, such as eco-health, usability, and ease of cleaning, is important.

Value

Depending on the plate's material, a product's cost will vary. We consider the Munchkin Splash Plate & Bowl Set to be a budget-friendly set among the competition. It includes plates and bowls, which sport anti-skid material to reduce the dishware from sliding around. If your budget is not limited, we encourage selecting products that use healthier materials, such as stainless steel or bamboo, like the Kiddobloom Dinnerware Set. This dishwasher-safe option offers outstanding durability and longevity, making it worth the splurge. The value is in the long-term use you get with this set.

Our review includes products of varying materials, including plastic, silicone, bamboo, and stainless steel.

Credit: Abriah Wofford

Eco-Health

Plates come in various materials, and each one holds pros and cons. To score eco-health, we assessed a product's material, the material's projected lifespan, and where the product is manufactured. We value manufacturers who make a conscious effort to create products with less impact on the environment and carry fewer health concerns. Products that fit this profile rank higher.

The Kiddobloom Dinnerware Set is an environmental and health-conscious winner among the competition. Stainless steel is one of the healthiest materials, an essential quality when dealing with developing bodies, and it offers impressive durability and longevity. It will likely be of service beyond your child's needs and perhaps a family heirloom to pass on. With landfills engorged with plastic that will never be recycled or degraded, we think stainless steel is worthy of consideration. Of course, one downside of this material is that it is not microwavable. However, we don't recommend microwaving silicone or plastic, either. So, this drawback isn't as significant as it may seem at first.

The Kiddobloom is the only contender in our review that offers a plate, bowl, as well as a cup, making this option attractive to those who seek a dishware set.

Credit: Abriah Wofford

Considering plastic degradation over time and the potential chance of chemicals leaching into food, we are not big fans of plastic. Plastic doesn't compare to stainless steel, which shows in our test results. The First Essentials by NUK Tri-Suction and Munchkin Splash & Bowl Set are plastic contenders that rank low. Our investigation and evaluation show that these products do not have any significant nods to environmental friendliness. We believe this material is less likely to provide durability and longevity than other contenders, such as stainless steel. A shorter lifespan increases your chances of purchasing additional plates in the future, causing waste and expense. With that said, the Re-Play Divided Plate is another plastic contender that ranks slightly higher. Re-Play uses recycled milk jugs to produce products, giving new life to plastic that would otherwise end up in a landfill; therefore, a slight increase in its score reflects this eco-friendly effort.

Goto HEORSHE to know more.

Since you'll be washing the plate after each use, select one that works for your needs.

Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Cleaning

We are big fans of convenience, and there is no doubt that a dishwasher saves time. However, not all products are dishwasher safe. We believe you should hand wash plastic as the dishwasher's high temperatures can break down plastic and potentially increase the chances of leaching chemicals into foods. Other factors that influence the scoring in this metric include the product's susceptibility to staining and if it requires ongoing maintenance.

The Kiddobloom Dinnerware Set wins a gold medal in this metric. Stainless steel is dishwasher safe, making the cleaning task easy-peasy. Keep in mind that the manufacturer does advise some special care instructions, such as using non-bleach and chlorine-free solutions and removing the set from the dishwasher after the final rinse cycle to air dry. Of course, you'll not always be available for this step, but we think the product's dishwasher compatibility overrides this drawback.

The ezpz Mini Mat has a happy-face design and is the only all-in-one product in our review.

Credit: Abriah Wofford

On the flip side, the silicone plates in our lineup rank the lowest, and these contenders include the Bumkins Silicone Grip Dish], Kiddiebites Flexible Plate, and ezpz Mini Mat. A common complaint among users is that a soapy taste can develop on the silicone plate over time. Some manufacturers say oil residue from dish detergents, such as those with anti-bacterial agents, oils, or moisturizers, may leave a soapy taste. Others say phosphate-free soap is to blame. Although we did not experience this issue while testing, we believe there's potential for silicone to require extra attention and cleaning care. In contrast, our lineup's plastic and stainless steel contenders don't necessitate any notable ongoing maintenance, which is why they scored higher. Nonetheless, if you select a silicone plate, we recommend seeing what the manufacturer suggests for soap.

You may be interested in reading: Are Plastics Safe for Baby Bottles and Sippy Cups?

Silicone, as seen on the Bumkins, is flexible and shatterproof.

Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use

To score this metric, we focused on essential qualities, like the plate's durability and whether or not it offers suction or anti-skid material, giving bonus points to contenders with outstanding, removable suction.

Among the competition, the Bamboo Fox Suction Plate and Kiddobloom Dinnerware Set rank high. The Bamboo plate sports impressive suction. Of course, no suction will not stop a determined child from lifting a plate to toss onto the floor, but a good suction may deter or give you a few extra seconds to react to your tot's decision to explore cause and effect. Keep in mind that the table's surface plays a significant role in a product's suction performance, and you'll likely experience better results with a smooth, non-porous surface. The Kiddobloom holds a superior spot, mainly due to its strong durability, which others can't match.

The suction on the First Essentials by NUK is minimal and not the strongest.

Credit: Abriah Wofford

The First Essentials by NUK Tri-Suction is the lowest-scoring product in this metric. The plate feels low-quality, thin, and flimsy, which doesn't scream durability. Also, its suction power is weak, leaving us unimpressed.

Places to Sit
Depending on your space and needs, consider one of the

Depending on your space and needs, consider one of the best high chairs or a top-ranked booster seat to have a designated sitting space for your baby's mealtime. It can often help to have a designated eating spot for little ones that is fun and easy to clean.

The Re-Play Divided Plate is made from FDA approved recycled milk jugs.

Credit: Abriah Wofford

Conclusion

Mealtime is an opportunity for children to develop and strengthen self-feeding skills. Of course, each child will progress at different rates and ages, but providing the right supplies for exploration is job one. Whether your little one is beginning to explore food or you have an experienced toddler, we are confident that our review and recommendations will help you find a plate that will satisfy your needs and budget.

Mealtime is an opportunity for children to develop and strengthen self-feeding skills. Of course, each child will progress at different rates and ages, but providing the right supplies for exploration is job one. Whether your little one is beginning to explore food or you have an experienced toddler, we are confident that our review and recommendations will help you find a plate that will satisfy your needs and budget.

As a parent, you want to provide your baby with the best toys to support their growth and development. With so many options on the market, knowing which materials are safe and beneficial for your child can be challenging.

Silicone is a popular material used for baby toys, but it has pros and cons. On one hand, silicone is easy to clean, non-toxic, and durable. But on the other hand, good-quality silicone toys tend to be more expensive than other options and get hot if left in direct sunlight or near a heat source.

So, do the pros outweigh the cons? Let's talk about it so you can decide whether you want to give your little one silicone baby toys.

What is Silicone?

 

Silicon is one of Earth's most abundant elements. When reacted with methyl chloride and then with water, you get silicone polymers incredibly resistant to high heat and low temperatures. That resistance to temperature makes silicones useful in everything from health care to textiles to transportation to electronics (source).

Construction, tools, cooking, kid toys, a Mars rover---you name it---a type of silicone is likely already employed somewhere in that context. But why? Simply put, silicones can take a lot of heat, cold, and ultraviolet radiation, while also being flexible and moisture resistant (source).

Even more impressive is that the flexibility of different silicones means they can replace less sustainably produced materials in vehicles, electronics, solar panels, keyboards, cell phones, and many, many other modern, everyday conveniences.

Is Silicone Safe for Humans?

Study after study has shown that silicone is indeed safe for humans, from silicone teethers and bottle nipples for babies to surgical implants and cookware (source).

Though made of silica dug out of the Earth, one should consider silicone to be something between synthetic rubber and a synthetic plastic polymer due to how it is created. That's because factories must process the silica to form silicon, which, after more processing, becomes siloxane (silicone).

Moreover, the backbone structure of silicone is silicone, oxygen, and hydrocarbons, not purely raw, organic material. But this is precisely what makes silicones stable: they don't break down easily.

Silicone stability is highly sought-after in the medical field, where implants and equipment really don't need to chemically break down in the midst of an operation or medical procedure. And no one wants anything leaching into a person's bloodstream, either.

Some silicones are not suitable for human health, particularly low-molecular weight silicones or high-quality silicone that has been filled or mixed with low-quality silicone. Such silicones can actually seep through your skin and build up in your system but are still considered either totally non-toxic or toxic to a very low degree (source).

Is Silicone Safe for Infants?

High-quality silicones, which are high-molecular-weight silicones free of impurities, are considered safe for the medical field. You can also call these "medical-grade silicones." A step below is food-grade silicones, rated for their stability in cooking and food processing (source). Both of these silicone grades are common in baby products, teethers, toys, and bottles.

But how do you know if a silicone toy is high-quality silicone? Pinch a part of the toy and twist it. If it turns white, then there is likely a filler in the silicone, and therefore, not to par safety-wise. Additionally, if a clear silicone bottle nipple gets cloudy, then it is best to replace it with a new one.

If you want to be absolutely above any potential problems with silicone baby products, don't let them get super hot, like in an oven, on a heating element, or on the dashboard of a car in the summertime. You can check the maximum temperature recommendation to keep your silicone products from getting hot enough to pass on chemicals (source).

Moonkie's Silicone Products

At Moonkie, we are well aware of silicone quality. We seek to design practical, durable silicone baby products, and that all starts with choosing high-quality, food-grade silicone. We never mix food-grade silicone with lower-quality silicones to ensure little ones have safe toys, teethers, and dishes.

When you examine a Moonkie silicone baby toy, teether, or other product, you will see that it passes the pinch test, has no oily patches, and has no stickiness. As one of the most flexible, durable, and safe materials available to humans, silicone is far better than plastic baby toys.

Though not a "100% natural" material, such as rubber, food-grade silicone is a polymer mostly made from sand (silica) and is non-toxic to humans. Read on to learn more about the benefits of silicone baby toys.

Pros of Silicone Baby Toys

 

The pros of silicone baby toys are plentiful! Silicone is durable, flexible, easy to grasp, and clean.

Here is a list of silicone baby toy pros and a quick comparison to other common materials.

Safety

One of the main advantages of silicone baby toys is that they are non-toxic and safe. Unlike plastic toys, silicone toys do not contain any harmful chemicals such as BPA, phthalates, or PVC.

Compared to wooden baby toys, silicone toys hold up much better to little teeth because they don't dent or splinter when chewed on. 

The closest comparison to silicone baby toys is natural rubber, which, though natural, eco-friendly, and softer does not stand up to silicone's durability and cleanliness standards.

For example, natural rubber is not nearly as temperature-resistant as silicone and can be slowly reformed over time (especially pacifiers). Moreover, natural rubber doesn't last as long as silicone as it begins peeling or becoming sticky with wear and tear, especially rubber teethers and pacifiers. 

And if you or your little one has a latex allergy, natural rubber baby toys, teethers, and pacifiers may cause issues.

Cleanliness

Silicone baby toys are outstanding for cleanliness because they are odor and stain-resistant, hypoallergenic, and easy to clean. You can simply wash them with soap and warm water or put them into the dishwasher.

If you have furry family members at home, their hair will not stick to your little one's silicone baby toys. Did they get left outside for a couple of days? No problem!

Should your dog or cat chew on your baby's silicone toys, don't worry! Give them a good wash or boil them for five minutes on the stove to sterilize them. Once cool and dry, baby can have them back!

Even better, silicone baby toys are less likely to get moldy or develop bacteria, making them a hygienic choice for your baby.

Wooden and plastic toys just cannot be cleaned as well as silicone. With too much cleaning, wooden blocks will either chip off paint or soak up water. Plastic toys cannot withstand heated cleaning or sterilization without weakening or leaching chemicals.

Durability and Versatility

Silicone baby toys resist damage and can withstand rough play and chewing. They are less likely to break or crack than plastic or wooden toys, which means they will last longer and save you money in the long run.

Silicone can be molded into all kinds of shapes and textures, making it practical for different stages of development. To read more on what works for each early stage of your little one's development, read our article From Teething to Tummy Time: The Top Sensory Toys for Every Stage of Babyhood.

By carefully choosing baby toy designs, you can have a set of silicone baby toys that your infant can explore early on, teeth on in her teething stage, stack as a crawler, carry around as a toddler, and build with as a young child. This long-lasting fun and versatility is one of our joys in designing Moonkie silicone baby toys.

If your pet punctures a toy, however, you should replace it to avoid bacteria hiding spots and keep your curious little one from digging into those holes when more adept and able to break little pieces off.

Soft and Gentle

Silicone baby toys are soft and gentle to touch, making them ideal for teething babies. They are also less likely to cause injury if your little one accidentally hits himself or someone else with the toy.

The softness also makes silicone baby toys exceptionally graspable for tiny hands, which builds hand-eye coordination and builds hand muscles.

Cons of Silicone Baby Toys

 

No guide on silicone baby toys would be complete without a quick overview of the cons of silicone baby toys. Knowing the facts will help you weigh what is best for your baby.

Here are a few common cons parents have for silicone baby toys.

Cost

One of the main drawbacks of silicone baby toys is that they can be more expensive than other types of toys. Silicone is a high-quality material that is durable and safe for babies (and the higher the grade, the more costly it is).

However, the cost of silicone baby toys is justified by the fact that you will not need to replace them as often. If you intend to have more children, silicone is the way to go!

Not Eco-Friendly

Silicone baby toys are not eco-friendly because they are not biodegradable. This means they will not decompose and will remain in landfills for a long time. This concerns environmentally conscious parents who want to reduce their carbon footprint.

The counter to this is, of course, the durability of the silicone baby toy. You can get years of entertainment for multiple kids out of one silicone baby toy. And, if it has no pockmarks, punctures, or cracks, then you can pass it along to a new family once your kids have outgrown it.

If a silicone baby toy does become damaged, you can take it to a special recycling facility. You cannot put it in your regular recycling because it takes a unique process that most normal recycling facilities do not do. You can call your local recycling center for options locally or mail your used silicone to a silicone recycling program.

Unfortunately, silicone can only be recycled a certain number of times and loses quality with each recycle. However, it can be ground up and used in playground mats, track surfaces, or machine oil.

Chemical Fillers

Not all silicone baby toys are created equal. Some are mixed with lower grades of silicone to keep manufacturing costs down or filled with a silicone gel for teething. Both of these are unsafe for your little one.

As mentioned earlier, "food-grade" and "medical-grade" silicone are the safest grades for humans. They are the most durable, free of impurities, resistant to temperature, and less likely to release siloxanes into the body.

Silicone gel fillers for gel teethers are comfortable for teething babies and, after being chilled in the fridge for thirty minutes, even deliver a cool teething treat for sore gums. However, if your little one manages to puncture the outer silicone (which would be surprising), he or she would likely ingest some of that gel.

If your baby prefers silicone gel teethers, make sure you keep a close eye on him or her to avoid anything like that happening!

Heats Up

Silicone toys can become hot if left in direct sunlight or close to a heat source for a time. So, if your little one grabs a hot toy, it will be an unpleasant surprise!

To avoid this, make sure silicone toys are brought inside soon after playing outdoors or riding in the car. Furthermore, never directly place them on a stove, furnace, or other heating element! You can boil silicone baby toys and teethers on the stove for up to five minutes, but ensure they cool down before giving them back to your baby.

Potential for Choking

As with any toy, there is a risk of choking if a baby manages to bite off a piece of the toy. You can get around this by choosing smart designs: no small parts to bite off, texturing that doesn't stand tall, and no small individual pieces.

For this reason, teething jewelry is a bad idea!

Comparison to Other Materials

 

When compared to other baby toy materials, silicone is simply excellent. When cared for properly, it's the best of nearly every category combined!

Check out this chart to see what we mean:

Category

Wood

Rubber

Plastic

Silicone

Safe

✓

✓

 

✓

Easy to Clean

 

✓

✓

✓

Durable

     

✓

Versatile

✓

✓

✓

✓

Cost

✓

 

✓

✓

Eco-friendly

✓

✓

   

Safe: How safe a toy is by common safety standards

Easy to Clean: Ease of cleaning thoroughly

Durable: A toy's unbreakability

Versatile: The range of designs, colors, and textures available

Cost: Cheap upfront or cheap cost-per-use (i.e. greater durability is cheaper with more uses)

Eco-friendly: Biodegradability or recyclability

Tips for Choosing and Using Silicone Baby Toys

 

Tips for choosing and using silicone baby toys come down to the silicone's grade, the toy's design, regular cleaning, and looking for signs of wear and tear.

A silicone baby toy is well worth the cost if you opt for a safe design that will engage your little one in multiple stages of development and has no pieces that can be bit off easily. Try as you might; your little one is bound to chew on each toy at some point.

As a general rule of thumb, washing your little one's silicone baby toys once a week with warm water and soap (or in the dishwasher) is a superb way to safeguard your baby's health and prevent bacteria buildup. More frequent washing is a good idea during cold and flu season or when you have other little friends visit.

If you want to know more about choosing and caring for silicone baby teethers, check out our article Are Silicone Baby Teethers Safe? What You Need to Know.

In a Nutshell

 

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Silicone baby toys can be a safe and durable option for parents looking for toys that support their child's development. However, as with any material, there are pros and cons to weigh when making your decision. By understanding the benefits and drawbacks of silicone toys, you can make an informed choice that meets your child's needs and preferences.

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