You might think you can get by with regular placemats when you have a baby, but if you try, you’ll be in for a surprise. Babies tend to fling things around, make messes, and chew on things, so you want to make sure their placemats are safe for them—and won’t make a mess in your kitchen.
Baby placemats are small placemats that rest underneath the surface that your child is eating on. They’re not needed during newborn nursing, but once you begin to spoon-feed your child, you should use a baby placemat to keep your kitchen clean.
- Things to Consider when Shopping for Baby Placemats
- Top 10 Best Baby Placemats 2023
- 1. Best Overall Placemats: Neat Solutions Table Topper Disposable Stick-on Placemats
- 2. Best Budget Placemats: Munchkin Silicone Placemats for Kids
- 3. Best Plate and Placemat Combination: Ezpz Happy Mat
- 4. Best Portable Placemat: Skip Hop Zoo Fold & Go Placemat
- 5. Cutest Baby Placemats: Little Oochoos Safari Disposable Placemats
- 6. Best Disney Placemat: The First Years Disney Minnie Mouse Silicone Placemat
- 7. Best Placemat for Liquid Foods: BabyMumbo Food Catching Baby Placemat
- 8. Best Suction Placemat: SILIVO Baby Suction Placemat
- 9. Best Placemat for Finger Foods: green sprouts Finger Food Platemat
- 10. Best Disposable Placemats for Multiple Uses: Tidy Tyke Collection Extra Sticky Disposable Placemats
- Everything You Need to Know About Baby Placemats
- FAQ
- Final Thoughts
Things to Consider when Shopping for Baby Placemats
Material
First and foremost, you should consider the material of a baby placemat. Some placemats are disposable and made of a thin plastic that’s easy to fold and roll. These placemats are great for children’s parties, and some of them have some fun designs. Disposable paper placemats are also popular, especially for on-the-go use, and are often the most affordable choice.
You can also find silicone baby placemats. Silicone placemats are the best for durability, and the best products use suction to remain in place. Silicone placemats can be used often, and most of them are dishwasher safe, making them easy to clean. In fact, some silicone baby placemats can be folded for travel.
Size
When shopping for a set of baby placemats, you should always consider how large or small they are. Little placemats won’t be able to cover enough space, and placemats that are too large might not fit high chairs; bigger isn’t always better. While there is no one-size-fits-all placemat size, great sizes to start with are 12″ by 10″ and 12″ by 18″.
Themes
Some baby placemats have themes, and others don’t. Silicone placemats are less likely to have patterns because they’re reusable, while disposable placemats typically have fun themes. Plus, some can even be educational. While the design doesn’t make or break a product, it’s something you should keep in mind.
Baby placemats can also come in all different shapes and sizes. Some placemats resemble clouds, while others showcase happy faces and animals. Keeping your child entertained while they’re eating is critical. If your child isn’t engaged during mealtime, they’ll be more inclined to make a mess or cause a fuss.
Amount
Finally, you want to look at how many placemats you’re getting. Some baby placemats come in a set of sixty, while others offer one or two. If you see that a set of baby placemats comes with more than two or three, there is a good chance that they’re not reusable. In cases like that, it’s about your preference.
Price
Placemats might seem inexpensive, but some products cost more than others. The good news is that most products are budget-friendly, and offer a lot of value for their low price. Still, we noticed a lot of price variation among different baby placemats. We’ve grouped each placemat into three separate price categories:
$: Around $5
$$: Around $15
$$$: Around $25
Baby placemats come in all different shapes and sizes, so we’re going to help you find the one you need—read on!
Top 10 Best Baby Placemats 2023
1. Best Overall Placemats: Neat Solutions Table Topper Disposable Stick-on Placemats
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Price: $$
- Material: Paper
- Theme: Animals
- Amount: 60
- Size: 12″ by 18″
The Neat Solutions Table Topper Disposable Stick-on Placemats will last you a long time. The set comes with sixty disposable placemats that have fun animal-themed drawings. Each placemat is made without BPA and PVC, which creates a safe eating environment if food happens to end up on the placemats. These placemats will fit most high chairs and cover a large amount of surface area to keep messes to a minimum.
The Neat Solutions Table Topper Disposable Stick-on Placemats also feature four adhesive strips that run along the sides of each placemat. The adhesive strips keep the placemats from shifting during use, and while they’re sticky enough to remain in place, they’re easy to remove from most surfaces. Simply fold the placemat, and throw them away to make cleanup a breeze.
What Sets it Apart
The Neat Solutions Table Topper Disposable Stick-on Placemats are unique because the set is more versatile than other products. Sixty placemats are a lot, and even after you throw each one after you use it, the set can last you a few months. Plus, since you get sixty of them, they’re great for themed parties when your child gets a little older. For the value they provide, it’s hard to find better baby placemats.
Things to Consider
While the Neat Solutions Table Topper Disposable Stick-on Placemats perform as advertised, they’re not a perfect fit for parents that will be using placemats with every meal. While sixty placemats are enough to last you a few months, you’ll need to purchase more eventually.
If you’re looking for a set of placemats you can use daily, consider a silicone baby placemat like Munchkin Silicone Placemats for Kids.
Who it’s For
The Neat Solutions Table Topper Disposable Stick-on Placemats can be useful for a lot of different situations. That said, parents planning to host frequent children parties will get the most value out of these products. The amount that you get and the fun animal pattern allows you to add some creativity to a celebration. Parents that don’t feel like adding another dish to the dishwasher can also benefit from this product.
Pros
- Comes with a generous amount of placemats
- Fun animal pattern
- BPA and PVC free
- Adhesive grip to keep them in place
- Reusable package
Cons
- Each placemat is only suitable for one use
2. Best Budget Placemats: Munchkin Silicone Placemats for Kids
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Price: $
- Material: Silicone
- Theme: Blue and purple
- Amount: 2
- Size: 11″ by 15″
Munchkin Silicone Placemats for Kids are great placemats that offer durability and simplicity to meals. The placemats are made with high-quality silicone that’s BPA-free and safe enough to eat on. These placemats also feature grippy bottoms that stick onto most non-porous surfaces, making them great for restaurants and high chairs.
The Munchkin Silicone Placemats for Kids are also portable. You can roll them up to bring them wherever you’re going, and while they’re big enough to keep messes contained, their size is perfect for restaurant settings. Once you’re done using them, simply place them in the dishwasher for an easy clean.
What Sets it Apart
The Munchkin Silicone Placemats for Kids are unique because they feature raised edges that catch spills and messes. These raised edges are barely visible, but any liquid spills that hit the placemat stay on the mat. The portable roll-up design also makes these placemats a great choice if you need to take your child out of the house for a meal.
Things to Consider
While the Munchkin Silicone Placemats for Kids are great, they have their limits. While the colors are bright and engaging, it’s not the same as fun animals or a safari adventure. This isn’t an issue for most shoppers, but it’s something worth noting.
If you prefer patterned placemats, consider a set like Neat Solutions Table Topper Disposable Stick-on Placemats.
Also, while Munchkin Silicone Placemats are BPA-free, the company fails to mention if these placemats are free of PVC and other harmful chemicals. Munchkin is a reputable company, and all of their products are safe, but that’s something we would like to see listed in the description.
Who it’s For
Munchkin Silicone Placemats are for parents shopping for a set of placemats that they can use every day and in every situation. Not all parents use placemats, but if you plan on using one with each meal, these placemats are a great way to do so. Plus, you can take them on the go or even outdoors. If your child is a messy eater, we recommend a set like this.
Pros
- Raised edges prevent spills from escaping the placemat
- Bright and engaging colors
- Dishwasher safe
- BPA-free
Cons
- Lacks a fun pattern
- No mention of being PVC-free
3. Best Plate and Placemat Combination: Ezpz Happy Mat
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Price: $$$
- Material: Silicone
- Theme: Happy face
- Amount: 1
- Size: 15″ by 10″
The Ezpz Happy Mat is a creative product that brings a lot to the table, literally. The placemat functions as a placemat, but it also includes a plate with age-specific sections to make it inclusive for all ages. From solid foods to liquid-based foods, this placemat contains a section for it. The placemat is made with durable silicone that’s free of harmful chemicals like BPA, PVC, phthalates, and latex. For cleaning, simply place the entire placemat in the dishwasher for a quick and easy clean.
The Ezpz Happy Mat also includes high-quality features that keep in place while your child is eating. For example, the placemat is made with beveled edges that make it difficult for older children to move them, and it also includes suction to keep it secured to the surface it’s on. If spills happen to reach the edges, the placemat has raised edges that prevent spills from escaping the placemat.
What Sets it Apart
The Ezpz Happy Mat is unique because of its creative design. There are plenty of silicone placemats that include suction, but this placemat includes a plate with non-specific sections. While you can shop for plates separately, this product is a convenient way to get a plate and placemat in one place. It’s tough to find a placemat that provides more value than that.
Things to Consider
The Ezpz Happy Mat is a great product, but it’s too specific. If you already have a set of baby plates, you might want to focus on just the placemat. In fact, if your child is still eating liquid-based foods from bowls, this placemat is going to collect dust until they’re old enough for a plate.
If you just need a placemat, the Munchkin Silicone Placemats are a great alternative.
Who it’s For
If you have an older child, between nine and twelve months, this product is a great fit. The placemat and plate combo is excellent for older children learning to eat on their own, and the happy face design makes it exciting for them to do so. On the other hand, if you have a younger child, you might want to consider the Ezpz Happy Mat at a later date.
Pros
- Placemat and plate combination
- Made without latex, phthalates, BPA, and PVC
- Dishwasher safe
- Fun, happy face design
Cons
- Not useful for children under the age of nine months
- Placemat can't be used with bowls
4. Best Portable Placemat: Skip Hop Zoo Fold & Go Placemat
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Price: $$
- Material: Silicone
- Theme: Monkey
- Amount: 1
- Size: 16.5″ by 12″
The Skip Hop Zoo Fold & Go Placemat is an excellent placemat for any child that loves animals. The placemat is made with premium silicone that’s free of BPA, PVC, phthalates, lead, and latex. To add peace of mind, the product is approved by the FDA. The silicone is food-grade, and it’s not hard to clean either. For cleaning, simply place the placemat in the dishwasher for a quick clean.
The Skip Hop Zoo Fold & Go Placemat is also great for toddlers because it uses non-slip silicone to keep it fastened to your table. While staying in place is essential, this placemat also features raised edges to prevent spills from escaping the placemat. The Skip Hop Zoo Fold & Go Placemat is also foldable, making it an excellent portable placemat.
What Sets it Apart
The Skip Hop Zoo Fold & Go Placemat is unique for a few reasons. While many silicone placemats can be rolled up, this Skip Hop takes their roll-up design a step further. There is a loop attached to the top right corner of the placemat, allowing you to secure the placemat while it’s folded. This keeps it from unrolling in your diaper bag and can be used as a clip to let it air dry on a hanging rack.
The Skip Hop Zoo Fold & Go Placemat is also unique because it features life-like animals that pop out of the plate. While we’re featuring the monkey, there are a few different animals you can choose from. With life-like animals, this placemat is bound to keep your child engaged at home or on the go.
Things to Consider
While the Skip Hop Zoo Fold & Go Placemat is well-rounded, there is one downside. The product is expensive for what you get. While the life-like animal design and hook are unique, other silicone placemats come in a set of two for half the price. For example, the Munchkin Silicone Placemats offer similar performance with a cheaper price tag.
Who it’s For
The Skip Hop Zoo Fold & Go Placemat is for parents that need a reliable travel placemat. While the placemat is large enough to use at home, you only get one, which makes it ideal to use for restaurants. Compared to other portable placemats, the Skip Hop Zoo Fold & Go Placemat is superior.
Pros
- Life-like animal design
- Durable silicone that's made without PVC, BPA, lead, and latex
- FDA approved
- Roll-up portable design
Cons
- Expensive for only one placemat
5. Cutest Baby Placemats: Little Oochoos Safari Disposable Placemats
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Price: $$
- Material: Plastic
- Theme: Safari
- Amount: 60
- Size: 12″ by 18″
Little Oochoos Safari Disposable Placemats are great disposable placemats that have a fun and engaging safari design. Not every placemat in the set is unique, but there is enough variation to keep your child filled with anticipation for what they’ll be looking at during mealtime. While the placemats are disposable, they don’t feel like it. They’re well-made, and keep out harmful chemicals like BPA, PVC, led, latex, and phthalates.
The Little Oochoos Safari Disposable Placemats are also easy and safe to use. A reusable bag houses the sixty placemats, making them great for travel, and they’re not hard to get out of the bag. When placing them on a surface, sit back, and let the four adhesive strips keep the placemats in place. For cleanup, fold them up, and toss the mess away.
What Sets it Apart
Little Oochoos Safari Disposable Placemats are unique because there is so much attention to detail in each placemat. Plenty of disposable placemats use fun animal designs, but the level of detail to each leaf, animal, and blade of grass is second to none. Also, while other placemats focus on using one animal per placemat, your child can learn about all of the safari animals like elephants, lions, owls, birds, and more!
Things to Consider
Little Oochoos Safari Disposable Placemats are disposable placemats, and while they work as such, they’re not great to use as a primary placemat. If you need a portable placemat that’s reusable, you might want to consider silicone placemat like the Skip Hop Zoo Fold & Go Placemat. It shares a detailed animal-influenced design, but it’s better for travel.
Who it’s For
If your child is a big animal lover, they won’t be able to get enough of these placemats. The Little Oochoos Safari Disposable Placemats have plenty of fun animal designs to keep your child busy while they’re eating, and they can also be educational. Feel free to make mealtime learning time.
Pros
- Engaging safari design
- Adhesive strips to keep them in place
- Made without harmful chemicals like BPA, phthalates, lead, latex, and PVC
Cons
- The material is thin, which can lead to spills reaching your table
6. Best Disney Placemat: The First Years Disney Minnie Mouse Silicone Placemat
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Price: $$
- Material: Silicone
- Theme: Minnie Mouse
- Amount: 1
- Size: 8.25″ by 7″
The First Years Disney Minnie Mouse Silicone Placemat is an excellent placemat that features a bowl and two plates. The theme is fun and bound to get Disney fans excited to sit down and eat. The placemat is small enough to fit most high chairs, and it uses suction to keep the placemat from being tossed around by fussy toddlers. Cleanup is also a breeze because it’s dishwasher safe on the top rack.
The First Years Disney Minnie Mouse Silicone Placemat is made with premium silicone that’s safe for your child to eat off of. There are no harmful additives like BPA, PVC, lead, or latex. The placemat can be folded, and it’s small enough to take with you on the go.
What Sets it Apart
The First Years Disney Minnie Mouse Silicone Placemat is unique because it features a Disney themed design. While some products have fun themes, nothing will grab your child’s attention like the Disney Minnie Mouse theme. The First Years Disney Minnie Mouse Silicone Placemat is also innovative because it features a bowl and two plates. Most placemat combinations include one or the other, but with this product, you get both.
Things to Consider
While The First Years Disney Minnie Mouse Silicone Placemat is a great product, it has two pitfalls. The first problem is that it’s not gender-neutral because young boys don’t always love Minnie Mouse; they usually prefer Mickey—so parents of little boys should take a look at the Mickey Mouse version of the same placemat. The second drawback is that due to its ridges, you can’t use this placemat with other bowls and plates.
Who it’s For
The First Years Disney Minnie Mouse Silicone Placemat is for parents that love Disney movies, and have babies that love Disney even more. Specifically, this placemat is an excellent choice for parents that have young girls.
Pros
- Fun Minnie Mouse design
- Bowl, plate, and placemat combination
- Made with food-grade silicone
- Bright neon pink color
Cons
- Not gender neutral
- Can't be used with other tableware
7. Best Placemat for Liquid Foods: BabyMumbo Food Catching Baby Placemat
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Price: $$
- Material: Silicone
- Theme: Blue
- Amount: 1
- Size: 16″ by 10″
The BabyMumbo Food Catching Baby Placemat is a large baby placemat that provides plenty of table coverage and spill protection. The vibrant blue color is fun to eat with and keeps children engaged during mealtime. While the placemat is fun to look at, it also performs well. The silicone is food-grade and made without harmful chemicals, including PVC, BPA, phthalates, latex, and lead. Even after months of washing, no toxic chemicals make their way to the surface.
The BabyMumbo Food Catching Baby Placemat also features raised edges and a tray at the bottom to catch stray spills. For cleaning, the placemat is simple. Just place it on the top rack in your dishwasher, and let the machine do the rest. This placemat is also large enough to cover a large surface, but not too bulky.
What Sets it Apart
The BabyMumbo Food Catching Baby Placemat has an innovative spill catcher that you don’t see on a lot of placemats. While raised edges are typical, they perform differently for this placemat. The edges guide liquid spills into the spill catcher, allowing your child to spend more time at the table without needing to worry about spills pilling up.
Things to Consider
The BabyMumbo Food Catching Baby Placemat has one of the most unique designs you can find, but we think you’ll agree that it’s bland. While the placemat is high-quality, the design doesn’t pop. When you’re paying for one placemat, it’s hard to justify shopping for a bland placemat.
For example, the Skip Hop Zoo Fold & Go Placemat is a single placemat that incorporates a fun monkey-themed design. In fact, it shares many of the same features, too, like raised edges that keep spills contained.
Who it’s For
The BabyMumbo Food Catching Baby Placemat is a premium placemat that most parents can benefit from. If you have a child that’s in the early stages of baby-led weaning, this placemat is perfect thanks to the spill catcher that holds a generous amount of liquid.
Pros
- Built-in spill catcher
- Raised edges
- Premium silicone
- Made without toxic chemicals like BPA and PVC
- Bright neon color
Cons
- High price for only one placemat
8. Best Suction Placemat: SILIVO Baby Suction Placemat
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Price: $
- Material: Silicone
- Pattern: Elephant
- Theme: 1
- Size: 10.7″ by 7.7″
The SILIVO Baby Suction Placemat brings a fun elephant-themed placemat to the table. The placemat can be used as both a plate and a placemat and has a handful of different sections for different baby food types.
The silicone is made with food-grade materials that are free of toxic chemicals like BPA, PVC, lead, and latex. While the material is safe, it’s also easy to clean. You can rinse it off or simply place it on the top rack of your dishwasher.
The SILIVO Baby Suction Placemat is great for both toddlers and babies because it remains fastened to your table and keeps spills contained. Raised edges contain spills, and strong suction cups keep the plate from being tossed around by rowdy toddlers.
What Sets it Apart
The SILIVO Baby Suction Placemat is unique because it features a plate within the placemat and four strong suction cups. A lot of silicone Placemats use suction, but they can end up being too weak because they’re small. The four suction cups that this placemat has are large, and do a great job keeping the placemat in place, as it should be.
Things to Consider
While the SILIVO Baby Suction Placemat is an excellent plate and placemat combination, it’s not suitable for younger infants. The plate in the center doesn’t allow you to use other tableware with it, and bowls are out of the question. So, if you need a placemat that you can use with other tableware, we recommend a set like the Munchkin Silicone Placemats for Kids.
Who it’s For
The SILIVO Baby Suction Placemat is for older children that are starting to eat on their own. With a plate centered on the placemat, it’s a natural product to work with. You don’t need to worry about cleaning different plates and tableware; instead, let this placemat do all of the work. Unfortunately, if you have a newborn or infant, you should consider holding off on this product for now.
Pros
- Plate and placemat combination
- Large size covers a lot of surface area
- Four sturdy suction cups to keep the placemat secured to tables
- Fun elephant design
Cons
- Can't be used with other tableware
- Not suitable for younger children
9. Best Placemat for Finger Foods: green sprouts Finger Food Platemat
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Price: $$
- Material: Silicone
- Theme: Blue
- Amount: 1
- Size: 14″ by 10″
The green sprouts Finger Food Platemat is a well-rounded placemat that covers a large area. Compared to other placemats, this product features a generous area of coverage. The placemat is made with premium silicone, and there are no harmful chemicals or additives. While the placemat lacks a pattern, the bright neon blue color makes up for it.
The green sprouts Finger Food Platemat is also easy for parents to work with. The sides are raised almost an inch, and keep spills from escaping the placemat. When spills do happen, the placemat can be quickly cleaned on the top rack of most dishwashers.
What Sets it Apart
The green sprouts Finger Food Platemat is unique because it can be used as both a plate and a placemat. The edges are raised higher than other placemats, keeping spills contained and making it ideal for teaching your child to eat finger foods. The design is versatile, and it’s one of the safest silicone placemats you can find. The large raised edges also help this placemat act as a plate. While the size resembles a placemat, the raised edges make it a great choice for finger foods. Your child can eat directly from the plate and have fun doing so.
Things to Consider
While the Green sprouts Finger Food Platemat performs as advertised, it’s not a good fit for everyone. The dish and placemat capabilities are great, but the product is bulky. When used in restaurant settings, it can be a hassle to work with, and it’s difficult to store in a diaper bag.
If you need a portable placemat or one that’s smaller in size, we recommend a product like the Munchkin Silicone Placemats for Kids.
Who it’s For
Green Sprouts has been around for over thirty years, and they’ve spent that time developing premium baby products. Green Sprouts strives to be safe, and their attention to detail is evident in their products. If you’re a parent that’s teaching a child to eat on their own, this placemat is a great choice. We recommend holding off on this placemat until you start feeding your child adult foods.
Pros
- Large eating area
- Placemat can be used as either a placemat or plate
- Made without BPA, PVC, phthalates, latex, and lead
- Affordable price
- Raised edges
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Bulky
- Not great for travel
10. Best Disposable Placemats for Multiple Uses: Tidy Tyke Collection Extra Sticky Disposable Placemats
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Price: $$
- Material: Plastic
- Pattern: Swirls and whirls
- Theme: 60
- Size: 12″ by 18″
The Tidy Tyke Collection Extra Sticky Disposable Placemats is a set of disposable baby placemats that features a fun design. While the swirls and whirls design isn’t as fun as animals, it still pops out and intrigues infants. Each placemat is made without harmful chemicals like BPA, PVC, phthalates, lead, and latex. Once it’s time to clean a mess, simply fold the placemats and throw them away.
The Tidy Tyke Collection Extra Sticky Disposable Placemats are also large enough to cover large surfaces. Even if you want to use them for playtime, they can keep your child safe from germs. These placemats also feature adhesive strips on all four sides to keep them firmly in place. While the adhesive is strong, it’s weak enough for a parent to remove with no trouble.
What Sets it Apart
The Tidy Tyke Collection Extra Sticky Disposable Placemats are unique because of the safety precautions the company takes to create each one. The company, founded by a mother that uses her own products, is up to code on both FDA and California Prop Code regulations for food-grade safety.
These placements are also back-printed to make sure no ink reaches the surface your child eats on. When it comes to safe disposable placemats, it’s hard to find a company that puts more care into each product.
Things to Consider
The Tidy Tyke Collection Extra Sticky Disposable Placemats are unique and easy to work with, but their pattern is not as engaging as other disposable placemats. For example, the Neat Solutions Table Topper Disposable Stick-on Placemats have a more engaging animal theme for a similar price. While this isn’t a critical feature for everyone, it’s a feature worth considering if your child is not an enthusiastic eater.
Who it’s For
The Tidy Tyke Collection Extra Sticky Disposable Placemats are for any parent that needs a safe set of disposable placemats. Most disposable placemats are safe, but no other company focuses on safety as much as Tidy Tyke. Also, if you plan on reusing a disposable placemat, these placemats are your best option.
Pros
- Made without BPA, PVC, lead, phthalates, and plastic
- Adhesive grips to keep them in place
- Portable and reusable carry bag
- Suitable for a few uses
Cons
- The swirls and whirls design is lackluster
Everything You Need to Know About Baby Placemats
Shopping for baby placemats might seem straightforward, but when you look through the products, there is a lot of variation. Each placemat serves a different purpose, which means you need to shop based on your needs. The process is more straightforward when you have the ten best products in front of you, so we’re going to help you narrow down your options.
Getting to Know Your Food
Let’s start with some food. Baby placemats seem simple, but there are different placemats you use for different food types. For example, you don’t want liquid food sloshing around on a plate. So, knowing what your child will be eating can help you find the perfect placemat. There are a few stages of food, and they’re classified as stages 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Stage 1
Baby food comes in a few different styles, but if you see stage 1 on the jar, it means that the food is pureed fruits, vegetables, and rice-based grains. Stage 1 foods are made for babies less than six months old, and they’re primarily liquid-based. Also, these foods are mostly single-ingredient foods.
If you need a placemat for stage 1 foods, you should choose a placemat that can handle liquid spills with ease. Any placemat that has a spill tray is a good choice. Still, our favorite placemat for stage 1 food is the BabyMumbo Food Catching Baby Placemat. This placemat has raised edges that guide spills into a tray at the bottom of the mat.
Stage 2
The second stage of food is more solid, but that doesn’t mean it’s not messy. Foods in this stage are still single-ingredient foods but expect to see more chunks. During the second stage of baby food, you’ll still want to use bowls, so make sure you have a placemat that can handle those chunky spills. Stage 2 food is generally used when your child reaches between seven and nine months.
Choosing a placemat for this type of food can be difficult, but focus on silicone placemats. Silicone placemats that cover a large area can help a lot when dealing with chunky spills. For example, we recommend a product like the Munchkin Silicone Placemats These placemats are large enough to handle spills, chunks, and anything else your baby can throw your way.
Another excellent product for stage 2 foods is the First Years Disney Minnie Mouse Silicone Placemat. This placemat features a fun theme, but the combination of a placemat, bowl, and plate is what makes it an ideal product.
Stage 3
Stage 3 foods are filled with chunks and designed to help your child learn to use their teeth. These foods are commonly introduced between nine and twelve months, but you might end up using them for a year. Stage 3 foods resemble adult food and focus less on being pureed.
If your child is around this age, we recommend getting a placemat that has a bowl or plate included. The fun theme can encourage them to enjoy eating, and you won’t need to worry about any messes. An excellent product for this age group is the Ezpz Happy Mat. The placemat comes with built-in sections for foods, and functions as a plate.
Stage 4
The fourth stage of food is the final phase. While the other three stages have specific food you can shop for in jars, stage 4 is all about introducing your child to adult food. While you shouldn’t feed them a steak, you’ll want to start introducing less messy finger foods.
A great placemat for the fourth stage of food is the Green sprouts Finger Food Platemat. This placemat features raised edges that turn the entire placemat into a plate, which is excellent for children experimenting with finger foods.
Disposable or Reusable?
The two types of placemats that you’ll come across are disposable and reusable placemats. Each placemat serves its purpose, but both products are better for different situations. For example, if you don’t feel like adding another item to your cleaning routine, a disposable placemat might be for you.
Reusable Placemats
Reusable placemats are best for meals and regular usage. If you plan on using a placemat daily, we recommend going with a reusable placemat. Reusable placemats also have more features, making them more useful products in most situations. Unfortunately, reusable placemats can be age-specific, which can limit your options.
If you want to give reusable placemats a try, why not start with the best? Our favorite reusable placemats are the Munchkin Silicone Placemats. These placemats are inexpensive and can help you get used to working with silicone placemats.
Disposable Placemats
Disposable placemats are great for things like parties and travel, but less useful for everyday use. While most disposable placemat packs include sixty placemats, which can last you three months if used daily, they won’t last you forever. For the most part, we recommend using disposable placemats as travel products to keep in your diapers bag or arts and crafts tools.
If you like the idea of having baby placemats wherever you need them, you should consider adding a disposable pack of placemats to your arsenal. To get started, we recommend the Neat Solutions Table Topper Disposable Stick-on Placemats.
Choosing a Placemat for Arts and Crafts
Many people believe that Placemats are strictly for eating. We know how messy kids can be while they eat, but placemats can be used for other messes too. For example, if your child is going to be sitting on the floor to play with paints, food, or other toys, a placemat can come in handy. We don’t think of floors as dirty, but using a placemat can keep your floor clean and germs away from your child.
While silicone placemats can work on floors, we recommend going the disposable route for arts and crafts. If you’ve done arts and crafts, you know how messy the paint and playing can be. If it’s messy for adults, imagine the messes your toddler can make. We also recommend disposable placemats because you won’t need to worry about ruining your child’s mealtime mat.
For this application, most of the disposable placemats we listed will work. But, if you want to make playtime exciting, choose an animal-themed placemat like the Little Oochoos Safari Disposable Placemats. These placemats feature a fun-themed animal adventure that can add to your child’s playing experience.
Finding a Portable Placemat for Restaurants
When you go out to eat, the last thing you want to see in your server’s eyes is horror. Babies can be messy, and toddlers even messier. If you like to make things easy, bringing a placemat to a restaurant is a great way to clean up a mess, and the staff might thank you. While reusable placemats have portability, and some products can be folded, disposable placemats are best for restaurant settings.
At a restaurant, you want to make sure you can clean things up quickly. Disposable placemats allow you to fold them up, and simply place them in the garbage or on your child’s plate. While any of the disposable placemats we listed are appropriate, our favorite for restaurants is the Tidy Tyke Collection Extra Sticky Disposable Placemats because the swirls and whirls design is not distracting.
Choosing a Placemat for Parties
During the early years of your child’s life, there are going to be a lot of celebrations. From their first birthday to their first Christmas, those events are special. When you’re taking pictures of your smiling baby, you don’t want bland placemats ruining the frame, right? Having a fun set of disposable baby Placemats can turn any party into a themed party.
Depending on the theme you’re going for, you have options. If you’re unsure, we recommend going with a versatile pack of disposable placemats. The Little Oochoos Safari Disposable Placemats are a great choice because each pack comes with three different themes. Instead of being stuck with animals or a safari, you have options.
Choosing a Baby Placemat for the Backyard
When the weather gets warm, if you have the space, you’ll want to take things outside. Instead of scrambling to create a makeshift placemat for your child, using a baby placemat that works well outdoors is a great choice. While disposable and silicone placemats are a viable choice, we recommend a silicone placemat for outdoor settings.
Silicone placemats are durable, and they hold up well against the elements. Plus, if it’s too hot, plastic placemats can end up melting in the sun. For outdoor usage, we recommend a placemat that covers a large area. The Skip Hop Zoo Fold & Go Placemat is a good choice because it can be folded up and used quickly.
FAQ
Do I Need a Baby Placemat?
If you have a fussy toddler, or if you’re just starting to spoon-feed your child, a placemat is a good idea. While products like bibs and burp cloths keep your baby clean, what about your table or high chair? Using a placemat is a great way to save you from the hassle of spot cleaning surfaces.
Can I Use a Regular Placemat?
In some cases, you can use a regular placemat, but only if you check the materials. While BPA and PVC are generally safe for adults, these chemicals can be dangerous for infants. So, always check the material that a placemat is made with. To be safe, choose a baby placemat instead.
What’s the Best Material for Baby Placemats?
The best material for baby placemats depends on what you need it for. Plastic placemats are great on the go, but silicone placemats are better for home use. When looking for the best material, as long as it’s free of harmful chemicals like BPA, latex, PVC, lead, and phthalates, you’re good to go.
Can I Use Disposable Placemats More Than Once?
Disposable baby placemats are typically made with plastic, which is interesting. They appear as if they can be used a few times, and while they can be, we always recommend disposing of them after one use. These placemats can end up stained, and they’re tough to clean.
Final Thoughts
Shopping for baby placemats can be mundane, but when you see the fun patterns and colors, we know you’ll be inspired. While mealtime is messy, put messes in their place, and use placemats to your advantage. Wherever you are, the appropriate placemat can turn a nightmare of cleaning into a daydream.
That said, make sure you choose a placemat that fits your needs. Not every placemat works in every situation, and that’s okay. Take your time and choose carefully. Plus, since they’re inexpensive, feel free to try a few out until you find one you and your child love!