Starting solid foods for your baby can be quite an adventure. As their motor skills and hand-eye coordination improve, it's time to transition to plates and bowls as they start eating from the high chair tray. (If you've ever cleaned sweet potatoes out of their ears, you understand.)
The problem is, you can't just hand over your regular dishware and call it a day. The portion size needs to be smaller for tiny tummies, for one thing. You'll also want to invest in unbreakable toddler plates and bowls since toddlers love throwing things to the ground.
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Toddler Plates
Plates and bowls for toddlers: how to choose them
We are always looking for ways to make mealtime less stressful. Our littles deserve dishware that meets these standards.
Safety, durability, and material
There is a wide range of kid (and earth!) friendly materials available for toddler plates and bowls these days. It's no secret that most of our favorite brands use silicone, BPA and phthalate-free plastics, stainless steel, and even bamboo. Although all of them are safe from drops and throws, we've found that plastic and silicone are the most durable. Additionally, stainless steel is extremely durable, but you may want to wait until they are no longer throwing. With the amount of washing dishes we endure, we have had to throw out some bamboo dishes due to cracking (the sound of it clattering is near heart-attack inducing.) Bamboo is up to the challenge, but with the amount of washing dishes endure, we have had to toss out some bamboo dishes due to cracking.
Suitable for washing
A dishwasher-safe dish is a non-negotiable requirement for kids' dishes. In most cases, dishwasher-safe items are designed for use, but be sure to check the brand's instructions just to be sure. It is best to store them on top racks, and in the case of bamboo, they should be stored on top racks only. If you choose silicone, avoid leaving food in them or soaking them in the sink as they can stain or taste soapy.
Features that are kid-friendly
Suction toddler plates and bowls have prevented more mealtime messes than any other invention. You can also opt for silicone with suction features if you have a child who likes to wear their bowl as a hat, or test gravity with their plate. Mealtime will be more enjoyable if you have less to police.
There are also many dishes with dividers. Some dietitians recommend undivided plates for toddlers to prevent pickiness, but you have to pick your battles. Many of the meals we've served on divided plates to kids who have grown up to have adventurous palates were also served on divided plates.
It is also a good idea to use colors and designs they like, even if we do not condone bribery. It's totally a win if you get them to eat something other than puffs by giving them the monkey-shaped plate.
No matter if you're catering to a picky eater or aspiring food critic, we've got you covered.