Nursing can be complicated and overwhelming, but once it comes to an end, feeding doesn’t become simple. To succeed, you need the right tableware, or you’ll end up with a mess. Shopping for the right baby bowls and plates can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. Once you know what you need, and have the best baby bowls and plates in front of you, choosing the perfect set will be easy.
We’re going to take you through everything you need to know about baby bowls and plates and show you the ten best products to get you started. If you’re looking for the perfect baby tableware set, read on.
- Factors to Consider When Choosing Baby Bowls and Plates
- Top 10 Best Baby Bowls and Plates 2023
- 1. Best Baby Bowls Overall: Munchkin Stay Put Suction Bowl
- 2. Best Budget Baby Bowls: NUK First Essentials Bunch-a Bowls
- 3. Best Premium Baby Bowl: Bumkins Suction Silicone Baby Feeding Set
- 4. Best Premium Baby Plate: Bumkins Silicone Grip Dish
- 5. Best Value Baby Bowl: Munchkin Love-a-Bowls 10 Piece Feeding Set
- 6. Best Portable Bowls: The First Years Take & Toss Toddler Bowls
- 7. Babie B Baby Bowls
- 8. Best Natural Plates: Bamboo Bamboo Baby Plates
- 9. Re-Play Divided Plates
- 10. Best Fun Set: The First Years Disney Baby Minnie Mouse Feeding Set
- Everything You Need to Know About Baby Bowls and Plates
- Final Thoughts
Factors to Consider When Choosing Baby Bowls and Plates
Age
First and foremost, you need to consider the age recommendations for baby tableware. There is a reason that some bowls and plates are recommended for infants and others that are recommended for toddlers. Bowls and plates for infants tend to include lids, suction, and other features that keep the tableware firmly in place. Bowls and plates for toddlers may consist of these same features, but they focus more on different types of solid foods.
If you’re shopping for infants, focus on bowls, and for toddlers, switch your focus to plates. Bowls are better for holding liquid baby food, and dishes are designed to contain solid food or adult food. Also, for toddlers, try and find a plate that has dividers. The good news is that the dishes we feature all come with up to three dividers to keep food separate for picky eaters.
Type
Baby tableware comes in many different shapes and sizes. You’ll come across plates, bowls, forks, spoons, and even small dull knives. So, before you consider a product, make sure it has everything you need. You can find sets that offer just bowls, plates, or utensils, and sets that provide a combination of all three. Consider what you need out of a set before you finalize your decision. Sets are a great way to get started, so shop for a set based on the age and needs of your child.
Material
There are a few different materials that companies use to make baby tableware. While most tableware may seem similar, this is not the case. Each has benefits and drawbacks that you should be aware of. We’re going to take a look at what those are.
Plastic
There are a few different plastics that companies use to make bowls and plates, but for the most part, they all serve the same purpose. Plastic plates lack flexibility, but they make up for it in durability. On average, plastic plates typically last longer than silicone and bamboo plates. Also, plastic bowls and plates are the most affordable of the three. Plastic bowls and plates are for parents shopping on a budget, or parents buying in bulk.
Silicone
Silicone plates are a great option, and companies use silicone due to its flexible design. While silicone is less durable than plastic, silicone plates and bowls tend to last just as long as their plastic counterparts, and they don’t stain as easily. Silicone plates are more expensive, but they can be safer than plastic plates.
Bamboo
Bamboo plates are less common than silicone and plastic plates, but they offer a natural approach to tableware. Bamboo is a great surface to eat off of because it lacks harmful chemicals that can be created by, or present in, plastic or silicone. While bamboo is safe, bamboo products tend to be bulkier, more expensive, and less durable.
Pieces
Every set you look at is going to include the number of pieces that it comes with. The number of pieces can be misleading at times because a ten-piece set might consist of five bowls and lids, not ten bowls. The pieces of a set are a good indication of what you get, and the more pieces a set has increases the value. For example, some sets come with everything you need right out of the box, like forks, spoons, bowls, lids, and plates. A good rule to follow is that more pieces are better. When shopping for baby bowls and plates, keep an eye out for the pieces to make sure you’re getting what you need.
Price
Baby tableware is affordable, but some products are more expensive than others. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that price doesn’t always equal value. For example, a product that’s in the $20 range might offer more pieces than a product in the $10 range.
With these factors in mind, let’s look at the some fantastic tableware for your baby so they can look forward to mealtime and you don’t have to dread cleaning up afterward.
Top 10 Best Baby Bowls and Plates 2023
1. Best Baby Bowls Overall: Munchkin Stay Put Suction Bowl
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Ages: 6 months+
- Type: Bowls
- Material: Plastic
- Pieces: 3
The Munchkin Stay Put Suction Bowl is designed to make mealtime a breeze. Babies are known to play with their food, and the result is tableware going flying. To combat this issue, the Munchkin Stay Put Suction Bowl uses suction to hold the bowl firmly in place. So, even if your little one takes a swing, the bowl stays where it’s supposed to be. The Munchkin Stay Put Suction Bowl is also very affordable for the amount of bowls you get.
The bowls are made out of BPA-free plastic that’s safe for children of all ages, and they’re even dishwasher safe. If you’re concerned about sizes, this three-pack of bowls comes with three different unique sizes which can accommodate children over the age of six months. Also, if suction seems like a hassle to disengage, there is no need to worry because the suction can be disabled by quick-release tabs on each side of the bowl.
What Sets it Apart
There are a lot of bowls that offer suction for grip, but the Munchkin Stay Put Suction Bowls offer suction that’s easy to work with. The suction is excellent, it keeps the bowl in place, but the problem comes when you try to unstick it from a surface. This leads to tugging that can end up sending a bowl flying, which you know it leads to a mess. The Munchkin Stay Put Suction Bowls offer a unique disengage feature for their suction cup, which mitigates this common issue, as it can often be frustrating to detach the bowl once mealtime is over.
Things to Consider
While the Munchkin Stay Put Suction Bowls are top-notch, they’re not perfect. The design is excellent, but the plastic is not very durable. While these bowls should last you a few months, compared to bowls that last years, the longevity isn’t there. The Munchkin Stay Put Suction Bowls also lack lids, which can reduce portability and make food storage difficult. If you need a bowl that offers more portability, durability, and a lid, you might want to consider a silicone bowl like Bumkins Suction Silicone Baby Feeding Set.
Who It’s For
The Munchkin Stay Put Suction Bowls are for parents looking to get started. These bowls come with everything you need to begin spoon-feeding, especially with the three different sizes that they offer. Starter sets usually lack good quality, but the plastic that Munchkin uses is perfect to start with because it’s forgiving in the sense that you won’t have to worry about stains or cleaning the bowls by hand.
Pros
- Three different stackable sizes
- Made without BPA
- Affordable
- Compact storage
Cons
- Lids are not included
2. Best Budget Baby Bowls: NUK First Essentials Bunch-a Bowls
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Ages: 4 months+
- Type: Bowls
- Material: Plastic
- Pieces: 8
The NUK First Essentials Bunch-a-Bowls is a product that provides exceptional quality at a low cost. The set includes four bowls that come in different neon colors designed to pique your child’s interest, and the bowls also feature a personalization section so you can have a separate function for each bowl. While many bowls claim to be leak-proof, all four of these bowls come with lids that feature a snap-lock design to ensure there is no leakage.
These bowls are also BPA-free
The NUK First Essentials Bunch-a-Bowls are also easy to work with. For cleaning, the bowls can be placed anywhere in the dishwasher for a quick and hassle-free clean. NUK is also aware that baby food needs to be stored and heated at different temperatures. For this reason, the company made sure that their bowls are safe to freeze or microwave. When it’s time to store the bowls, they stack well for compact storage.
What Sets it Apart
The NUK First Essentials Bunch-a-Bowls are unique because of their price. While you can find plenty of affordable bowl sets, most cheap bowls leave out essential features. These bowls come with high-quality features like leak-proof lids, BPA-free plastic, stackable storage, and multi-purpose use. While these bowls are feature-rich, they’re some of the most inexpensive bowls around. It’s a win-win for bargain shoppers with the NUK First Essentials Bunch-a-Bowls.
Things to Consider
The NUK First Essentials Bunch-a-Bowls are competitively priced and designed well. Keeping this in mind, that doesn’t mean they’re perfect. Unfortunately, the bowls don’t come with any size variation. The four bowls you get are all the same size, which can make them lose value as your child gets older.
Young children also tend to make a fuss when learning to eat, which can lead to bowls being tossed around. These bowls don’t use suction, which means that they can end up making a mess if your child takes a swing at one. If you prefer a set of bowls that offers different size options and suction, you should consider the Munchkin Stay Put Suction Bowl.
Who It’s For
If you like the sound of a homegrown product, the NUK First Essentials Bunch-a-Bowls are a perfect choice. These bowls use BPA-free plastic from the United States, and the bowls are manufactured in the US too. While where a bowl is made in doesn’t matter to everyone, it’s important to note that the US has some of the strictest guidelines for baby products.
Knowing that a company has to make sure their products are held to a high standard adds peace of mind, especially when the bowls are inexpensive. Other than being made in the US, these bowls are a great fit for any parent that needs four leak-proof, easy to work with, affordable, and portable baby bowls.
Pros
- Manufactured in the United States
- Leak-proof lids and portable design
- Durable BPA-free plastic
- Dishwasher safe
- Microwave and freezer safe
Cons
- No suction to keep bowls in place
- Lack of size variation
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Ages: 4 months+
- Type: Bowl and spoon
- Material: Platinum-cured silicone
- Pieces: 3
The Bumkins Suction Silicone Baby Feeding Set is a high-end set of tableware for your child. The bowl and spoon is made with BPA-free silicone that’s safe, flexible, and durable. Plus, for cleaning, the bowl and spoon are both dishwasher safe. Bumkins also offers a lot of variety with this product. For example, you can customize the amount you get, the size of the bowl, and even the color. While customization is offered, it will impact the price.
The Bumkins Suction Silicone Baby Feeding Set also includes suction and a leak-proof lid. The suction cup is located at the bottom of the bowl and keeps it firmly grounded to any surface to prevent it from spilling over. The lid fits firmly over the bowl and comes with a lip to make the lid easy to remove. For portability, the spoon fits inside the bowl with the lid on. This also makes it easier to store.
What Sets it Apart
The Bumkins Suction Silicone Baby Feeding Set is a premium set of baby tableware that offers excellent value. While there are plenty of great bowls around for a lower price, you get what you pay for with this bowl. Instead of using traditional silicone, Bumkins uses platinum-cured silicone. Platinum-cured is more robust, more flexible, and lighter than traditional silicone compounds. The spoon is made from the same silicone and features an ergonomic handle that encourages baby-led weaning when the time comes.
Things to Consider
The only downside to the Bumkins Suction Silicone Baby Feeding Set is that it’s expensive. While the bowl is high-quality, you’re only get one bowl and spoon per set. There are plenty of products that offer similar quality and more options. While this bowl is great to use as a primary bowl, if you need more options and sizes, you might want to consider a product like the Munchkin Stay Put Suction Bowl.
Who It’s For
The Bumkins Suction Silicone Baby Feeding Set is a premium bowl that works well for parents teaching their children to eat on their own. More specifically, the bowl is great for parents shopping for a premium primary bowl that they can trust. Material and feature-wise, it’s challenging to find a better bowl to work with daily.
Pros
- Platinum-cured, BPA-free silicone
- Includes a spoon and lid that enhances portability
- Comes with suction to keep the bowl in place
- Dishwasher safe, freezer and microwave safe
Cons
- High price for only one bowl
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Ages: 6 months+
- Type: Plate
- Material: Platinum-cured silicone
- Pieces: 1
The Bumkins Silicone Grip Dish combines high-quality features with a simple design. The plate uses three dividers to help you separate food on your child’s dish, which is great for older babies as you introduce different food groups.
Bumkins uses platinum-cured silicone to ensure that no by-products are created, which reduces potential hazards from frequently using and washing the plate. The silicone that Bumkins uses is also BPA-free and made without harmful chemicals like phthalates. While the materials maintain high-quality, they’re dishwasher safe, freezer-friendly, and safe to use in the microwave.
The Bumkins Silicone Grip Dish is also easy to work with because it’s small size makes it easy to store. The plate also comes with suction to keep the plate secured to any surface while your child learns to eat on their own. These plates are built to last, and serve their purpose for years, not just months.
What Sets it Apart
The Bumkins Silicone Grip Dish is unique because it becomes more useful as your child gets older, and is one of the highest quality baby plates around. It’s easy to work with when your child is young, and the dividers on the dish make it easy to introduce new foods as your child learns to eat on their own. Plus, since the platinum-cured silicone doesn’t create any by-products, the dish is safe to use for years instead of months. Compared to other silicone, bamboo, and plastic plates, the Bumkins Silicone Grip Dish is top-tier.
Things to Consider
While the Bumkins Silicone Grip Dish is a premium dish by all standards, it’s expensive and ineffective for the first few months of spoon-feeding. The plate is inefficient during this time because it doesn’t hold liquid foods properly. So, in the early stages, we recommend using a bowl or set of bowls instead.
If you like the quality of Bumkins silicone, and the suction feature, consider using the Bumkins Suction Silicone Baby Feeding Set for those early months of spoon-feeding.
Who It’s For
The Bumkins Silicone Grip Dish is for parents in need of a dish that’s built to last. If your child is around the age of twelve months, this dish is ideal. Plus, as your child gets older, the plate only becomes more useful. Overall, if you need a solid plate that will give you a few years of value, the Bumkins Silicone Grip Dish is the perfect dish.
Pros
- Platinum-cured BPA-free silicone
- Three dividers to split up food groups
- Suction to keep the plate in place
- Useable for years
Cons
- Expensive
- Useless during the first few months of spoon-feeding
5. Best Value Baby Bowl: Munchkin Love-a-Bowls 10 Piece Feeding Set
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Ages: 4 months+
- Type: Bowls, lids, and spoons
- Material: Polypropylene plastic
- Pieces: 10
The Munchkin Love-a-Bowls 10 Piece Feeding Set features plenty of bowls, lids, and spoons to get you started. Every piece of the set is made with high-quality polypropylene, which is a thermoplastic polymer. This plastic is excellent for babies because it’s BPA-free, dishwasher safe, and can be heated up or frozen without cracking. Overall, this gives the bowls exceptional versatility and performance that can last through months of abuse.
The Munchkin Love-a-Bowls 10 Piece Feeding Set also makes sure that you have everything you need to keep messes to a minimum. While the bowls lack suction, they make up for it with easy-to-grip sides that reduce the chance of dropping them. For storage, the bowls stack to reduce the amount of space you need. The spoons are also a great addition to this set because they feature a soft tip that’s gentle on your child’s gums, and an ergonomic handle to encourage them to eat on their own.
What Sets it Apart
The Munchkin Love-a-Bowls 10 Piece Feeding set is unique because of the two spoons that it comes with, and the value that it brings to your table. You would think that they would be cheap spoons, but these spoons are ideal for spoon-feeding. Each spoon features an ergonomic handle that makes it easy for parents to work with, and the tips of the spoons are soft enough to be used on developing teeth and gums. Overall, with the Munchkin Love-a-Bowls, 10 Piece Feeding Set, you get everything you need to begin spoon-feeding your child solid foods.
Things to Consider
While the Munchkin Love-a-Bowls 10 Piece Feeding Set offers excellent value, its lack of suction can be an issue for some parents. Sure, it’s nice to have easy-to-grip sides, but when it’s time for your child to start the process of baby-led weaning, a lack of suction can be problematic because they might send the bowl flying.
Even though the bowls include guards to reduce spills, if they end up upside down on the floor, there is going to be a mess. If you like Munchkin products, but need suction, consider the Munchkin Stay Put Suction Bowl.
Who It’s For
The Munchkin Love-a-Bowls 10 Piece Feeding Set is ideal for parents making the switch from nursing or bottle-feeding. The easy-to-grip sides make it easy for parents to hold the bowl and spoon for spoon-feeding, and the bowls are durable and easy to clean. These bowls are best for stage one and stage two baby foods, but lose usefulness once baby-led weaning begins. Still, the spoons can still be used for baby-led weaning once the time comes.
Pros
- Four bowls, four lids, and two spoons
- Easy-to-grip sides
- Leak-proof lids
- Spill-proof
- Dishwasher, freezer and microwave safe
Cons
- Lack of suction
- Less useful for children over nine months
6. Best Portable Bowls: The First Years Take & Toss Toddler Bowls
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Ages: 9 months+
- Type: Bowls
- Material: Plastic
- Pieces: 12
The First Years Take & Toss Toddler Bowls offer everything you need for the price of a disposable bowl. The set includes six bowls and lids, which adds up to twelve total pieces. While these bowls are small, they’re perfectly safe and portable. The material used is plastic, but there are no harmful additives like PVC, Nitrosamines, BPA, phthalates, latex, or dyes. For cleaning, the bowls are dishwasher safe to make everything hassle-free.
The First Years Take & Toss Toddler Bowls are also spill-proof and feature snap-on lids that keep a tight seal. These bowls are designed for toddlers because they can take punishment without the lid popping open and making a mess. For storing food on the go or even at home, these bowls get it done for the cost of disposable bowls.
What Sets it Apart
The First Years Take & Toss Toddler Bowls are unique because of their portability. While the age recommendation is for children around the age of nine months, you’ll find that you can send your little one off to school with these portable bowls. So, potentially, these bowls can last you a few years. Their tumble-free design and secure lids make them perfect for transporting small portions of food and keeping your child from losing their lunch due to clumsiness.
Things to Consider
While The First Years Take & Toss Toddler Bowls are perfect for toddlers on the go, they lack any unique features for infants, and they’re primarily for storage. Sure, they’re safe, do what they’re supposed to, and cheap, but they don’t have any notable design features for younger children. If you need a travel container, these bowls are great, but for anything else, we recommend one of the other bowls on the list.
Who It’s For
The First Years Take & Toss Toddler Bowls are for parents that need a portable bowl for carrying baby food or school snacks. The bowls are great for transporting meals, but you’re better off with a traditional baby bowl or plate for primary use. When looking at these bowls, make sure you know they’re designed for storage instead of eating.
Pros
- Leak-proof lids
- Sturdy tumble-proof lids
- Portable design great for transporting food
Cons
- Lacks unique design features
- Only suitable for toddlers
7. Babie B Baby Bowls
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Ages: 4 months+
- Type: Bowls
- Material: Plastic
- Pieces: 6
The Babie B Baby Bowls are fun, exciting, and get the job done. The set comes with a handful of unisex color choices and features matching snap-on lids to safely store food. The Babie B bowls are also made with high-quality plastic that’s free of BPA, PVC, phthalates, and lead. For cleaning, all you need to do is place them in the dishwasher wherever they fit.
The Babie B Baby Bowls also features a suction grip on the bottom of their bowls. Once the suction is locked into place, there is no need to worry about your child swatting the bowl away, which is guaranteed to prevent messy spills.
What Sets it Apart
The Babie B Baby Bowls are unique because they provide excellent customer service and feedback. While the company operates through Amazon for sales, they offer the option to contact them if there are any issues directly. The reason they allow this is to make sure that you’re satisfied with the product, and it’s nice to know that the company cares. It feels like Babie B takes care of you after the sale.
Things to Consider
While the Babie B Baby Bowls are great, they don’t offer a lot of unique features. The suction portion of the bowls is great, but for the most part, the rest of the bowl is basic. This isn’t always a bad thing, but shoppers looking for a premium bowl should look elsewhere. A great premium bowl you can look at as an alternative is the Bumkins Suction Silicone Baby Feeding Set.
Who It’s For
The Babie B Baby Bowls are great for parents shopping for a simple set of baby bowls to get started. While they don’t offer premium features, the suction at the base of the bowl is all you need during the first few months of baby-led weaning.
Pros
- Suction grip
- Compact storage
- Affordable
- Unisex
- Snap-on lids
Cons
- Lack of unique features
8. Best Natural Plates: Bamboo Bamboo Baby Plates
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Ages: 9 months+
- Type: Plate
- Material: Bamboo
- Pieces: 1
The Bamboo Bamboo Baby Plates are premium plates made with natural materials. The plate is designed with bamboo, which is safe for children to interact with because there are no harmful chemicals like BPA, phthalates, lead, or PVC. Bamboo Bamboo Baby Plates are also dishwasher safe, which makes them easy to clean.
The Bamboo Bamboo Baby Plates also comes with helpful features to make mealtime a breeze. The plates come with dividers to keep food groups separate, which can be helpful when toddlers begin to experiment on their own. These plates also feature suction to keep them in place, and there is a quick-release button to disengage the suction easily. Overall, it’s a high-quality plate.
What Sets it Apart
The Bamboo Bamboo Baby Plates are unique because they’re made with natural bamboo. Bamboo is an excellent material to use in plates because there are fewer by-products and wear when you wash them, plus they’re generally safer to eat off of. While other dishes use plastic and silicone to cut costs, Bamboo Bamboo offers a premium bamboo plate that’s priced competitively.
Things to Consider
While bamboo is an excellent material to work with, it does have its drawbacks. The main issue is that the plates are heavier than plastic and silicone counterparts. The weight can make it hard to work with because the weight difference is notable, especially when you try to remove the suction. If you like the idea of a durable plate, and the dividers, the Bumkins Silicone Grip Dish. is a great alternative.
Who It’s For
If you like the sound of a natural plate, the Bamboo Bamboo Baby Plate is perfect. These plates are designed for parents that need a primary plate to work with, and they’re durable enough to last a year or two. Natural bamboo aside, these plates are perfect for parents getting ready to let babies start to feed themselves.
Using a natural plate is also great for children that have allergic reactions to plastic or silicone. If you find that your child is struggling with silicone or plastic tableware, it might be time to give natural bamboo a try.
Pros
- Natural and durable bamboo
- Dishwasher safe
- Suction grip
- Three dividers to keep food separate
Cons
- High price for only one dish
9. Re-Play Divided Plates
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Ages: 9 months+
- Type: Plates
- Material: Plastic
- Pieces: 3
The Re-Play Divided Plates come with three simple plates that are easy to work with. The plastic is made without harmful chemicals like BPA, PVC, and phthalates. These plates also feature three dividers to keep food separate for toddlers learning to eat on their own. While the dishes are useful, they also come in a wide assortment of fun neon colors to keep children interested.
The Re-Play Divided Plates are easy to clean. All you need to do is place them in the dishwasher, and they quickly come clean. These plates are also safe to be used in the microwave, making it easy to heat food for your little one. If you need to freeze food that’s left on the plate, you can also store them in the freezer.
What Sets it Apart
The Re-Play Divided Plates are unique because of their value. It’s challenging to find a set of divider plates for a low cost because most individual plates are expensive. While Re-Play Divided Plates are affordable, they don’t leave out the essential features. The company that makes the plates, Re-Play, is also family-owned and operated, which offers a personal touch.
Things to Consider
There is a lot to like about the Re-Play Divided Plates, but there are a few issues too. The primary problem is that they lack suction. When toddlers are learning to eat on their own, it’s helpful to have suction keeping the plate in place. The Re-Play Divided Plates also stain easily when used in the microwave, and while it doesn’t ruin the quality, it can be an eyesore to look at a dirty plate. If you need a divided plate, but need better quality, the Bumkins Silicone Grip Dish is a great alternative.
Who It’s For
If you have a toddler entering the first few months of self-feeding, these plates are handy. They come with everything you need to keep food separate, for picky eaters, and the plastic is strong enough to last well over a year. The Re-Play Divided Plates are also made in the United States, which is appealing to parents that like to support local companies.
Pros
- Dividers to keep food separate for picky toddlers
- Dishwasher safe
- Microwave safe
- Made without BPA, PVC, and nitrosamines
Cons
- Expensive
- Lack of suction
10. Best Fun Set: The First Years Disney Baby Minnie Mouse Feeding Set
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Ages: 1 year+
- Type: Plate, fork, spoon, bowl
- Material: Plastic
- Pieces: 4
The First Years Disney Baby Minnie Mouse Feeding Set is a set that comes with everything you need right out of the box. The plates are divided, and the two bowls at the top of the plate are deep enough for scooping, while the sizeable primary dish is perfect for finger food. This set also features a fork and spoon that have ergonomic handles for self-feeding success. Also, the bowl that it comes with has plenty of depth for scooping out baby food.
The First Years Disney Baby Minnie Mouse Feeding Set is also made with high-quality plastic that’s free of BPA, PVC, and nitrosamines. For cleaning, the entire set is dishwasher safe. The forks and spoons fit safely on the top shelf, while the plate and bowl can be placed anywhere there is room. Also, their small size makes each item from the set easy to store.
What Sets it Apart
The First Years Disney Baby Minnie Mouse Feeding Set is unique because of the Disney theme. It can be hard to encourage eating habits in toddlers, but with a fun theme, it can make the whole process simple. While other products feature neon colors, it’s just not the same as a Minnie Mouse design.
Things to Consider
The First Years Disney Baby Minnie Mouse Feeding Set is great for toddlers but ineffective for children under nine months. The fork and spoon are soft, but for children with sensitive gums, they’re too rough. While the plate and bowls are useful for younger children, they’re better suited for older toddlers. If you need a tableware set for infants, the Munchkin Love-a-Bowls 10 Piece Feeding Set is a great alternative.
Who it’s For
The First Years Disney Baby Minnie Mouse Feeding Set is for parents that have older children. The set features everything you need for self-feeding and comes with plenty of tableware. As a bonus, if your child is a fan of Disney films, these plates will be an instant hit. For shoppers in the market for a gift item, this set is also perfect. If your child isn’t a fan of Minnie Mouse, the set is also available featuring Mickey Mouse and the Cars franchise.
Pros
- Fun Disney theme design
- Everything you need right out of the box
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Only useful for older toddlers
Everything You Need to Know About Baby Bowls and Plates
Shopping for baby bowls and plates is no simple task. There are a lot of features to consider, and every set serves a different purpose. It’s crucial to shop based on your specific needs. To help, we’re going to take you through everything you need to know about baby bowls and plates so you can make an informed decision.
The Different Stages of Baby Food
When it’s time to transition from nursing to spoon-feeding, there can be a lot of anxiety. It’s hard to tell what your child needs, but it’s easy to figure it all out once you understand the different stages of baby food. There are four stages of baby food, and for each one, you’ll need a different set of tableware.
Stage One
Stage one food is the first food that you’ll start giving your child once you wean them off of nursing. Stage one foods are optional, and you can skip this step by continuing to nurse instead. The first stage begins at around four months and can last up to six months. While some bowls claim to be usable for children four months plus, in most cases, this is not true. When you’re using liquid food, you don’t need to go crazy finding bowls or plates; all you need is a spoon.
While this may be the case, there is nothing wrong with getting a head start. The Munchkin Love-a-Bowls 10-Piece Feeding Set is a great set to start with because it comes with plenty of bowls, lids, and even includes two spoons. The spoons are soft and ergonomic, making them ideal for spoon-feeding.
Stage Two
Stage two is when you’re going to start needing tableware. Stage two food is generally used for children between the ages of six and eight months and consists of small solid foods. The food is usually no large than two inches, which means you’ll want to use a bowl to hold this food because it’s mostly liquid. A great set of bowls to start with is the Munchkin Stay Put Suction Bowl because it comes with three different sizes.
Stage Three
Stage three foods grow to four inches in size and shift from a liquid to a solid base. The third stage begins when your child is between nine and twelve months. While it might be tempting to use a plate during this stage, you should still primarily use bowls to reduce the chances of spills.
When you move to the third stage, we recommend finding a primary bowl that you can use for a few months. A great bowl to start with is the Bumkins Suction Silicone Baby Feeding Set because it comes with a spoon, lid, and sturdy silicone material.
Stage Four
The fourth stage of baby food is not necessarily a stage, but it’s the time where your child will begin to eat regular foods that adults eat. This stage can be tricky because you’ll want bowls, spoons, and plates. To start, we recommend choosing a reliable and safe plate like the Bumkins Silicone Grip Dish. This Bumkins dish is a great option because it has suction to keep it in place, and dividers to keep food separate.
Choosing a Primary Set Based on your Child’s Age
Once you familiarize yourself with the stages of food, you’ll want to consider the tableware you’ll need to start different methods of feeding. The three main feeding types you’ll hear about spoon-feeding, baby-led weaning, and self-feeding.
Spoon-Feeding
Spoon-feeding is all about the parent holding the spoon and guiding it to your child’s mouth. Spoon-feeding occurs during the first two food stages, and while you don’t need much, you should consider getting bowls that can be stored in the freezer to help food last longer. We all know how much of a fuss babies can make when learning to eat, so storage should be your main focus.
If you’re looking for a good set of bowls to help you spoon-feed, make sure that they have a lid, and they’re freezer safe. A great set to start with is the NUK First Essentials Bunch-a-Bowls. These bowls come with plenty of bowls and lids that are dishwasher, freezer and microwave safe.
Baby-led Weaning
Baby-led weaning begins during the second or third stage of baby food, whichever you prefer. Baby-led weaning requires care, patience, and the right set of bowls and spoons. You’ll want to make sure that your child gets some time with the spoon in their hand, but you also want the bowls to be spill-proof. A great set of bowls for baby-led weaning is the Munchkin Love-a-Bowls 10-Piece Feeding Set because the set comes with bowls, spoons, and lids.
Self-Feeding
Self-feeding is the final phase and relies on normal foods and stage three foods. This stage is more about when your child is ready than how old they are. To encourage self-feeding, you’ll want to have both bowls and plates that remain firmly in place. When self-feeding begins, we recommend getting yourself a few dishes to work with. An excellent set for self-feeding is the Re-Play Divided Plates.
Choosing Portable Bowls
Regardless of where you are, at some point, your child is going to need to eat. During the first few months of spoon-feeding and baby-led weaning, it’s not necessary to have a portable set of bowls, but as your child gets older, it can come in handy. For example, once your child reaches pre-school and elementary school age, they’re going to need a safe and reliable container.
The perfect product to send your child off to school with is the The First Years Take & Toss Toddler Bowls. This set comes with plenty of bowls, and they cost as much as disposal containers in case they get lost or thrown out.
Shopping for a Gift?
When you’re shopping for a gift for new parents, it can be difficult. It’s hard to determine what they have already, or what they might need. Baby bowls and plates make a great gift because every parent needs more tableware and utensils.
A great gift choice is the The First Years Disney Baby Minnie Mouse Feeding Set. The Minnie Mouse design is kid-friendly, and there are plenty of other Disney characters to choose from.
FAQ
Why can’t Babies and Toddlers use Normal Bowls and Plates?
Standard bowls and plates work fine to an extent, but sometimes they can contain chemicals like BPA that are harmful for babies and toddlers. Adult bowls and plates also lack features that keep them from being easily broken, spilled, or chewed on.
What is the Best Material for Baby Bowls and Plates?
The best material for baby plates depends on what you’re looking to get out of a dish. Plastic can melt, and bamboo is heavy, which makes silicone the best bowl and plate to work with nine times out of ten. Keep in mind, if natural materials or price is a factor, there are all suitable options.
Is Melamine Safe for Babies?
Melamine is not safe for babies, especially when it’s heated up. While melamine is generally safe if it’s not placed in the microwave, it’s not a risk that you should take with your child. Melamine isn’t reliable because if it heats up, it can melt and leak into your child’s food. Therefore, baby bowls and plates don’t use it.
Are Silicone Plates Microwave Safe?
Knowing if a plate is microwave safe is essential and varies based on the plate, regardless of the material. While this is the case, silicone plates are generally microwave safe.
Why are Baby Plates Divided?
When your child switches from liquid food to solid adult food, it’s going to be strange for them to see different foods grouped. Baby plates are divided to make sure that foods don’t mix. During the early months of self-feeding, mixing foods can intimidate your child. Using divided plates is an excellent way around this, and teaches your child to learn about different types of food.
Final Thoughts
Shopping for baby bowls and plates seems like a hassle, but once you know what you’re looking at, it’s simple. When you’re looking at baby bowls and plates, always make sure you’re shopping for the future. Some bowls and plates will only last you a few months, whereas others can last you years. So, make sure you over-prepare instead of under-prepare.
When you’re looking at baby tableware, it’s important to make sure you have enough. You should always be mixing and matching sets because having bowls, spoons, and plates separately is not going to give you everything you will need, and if you only have one of each, you’ll have to worry about washing constantly. Everything needs to work together; this way, you’re ready for any situation your little one sends your way. So, feel free to try a few sets! Having a main bowl or plate to work with and then a cheaper set to accompany it is a great way to ensure mealtimes go as smoothly as possible.