Literally all mothers especially the first-time moms look up to the day their child would take up solids. As early as 6 months, infants are already allowed to take solids with guidance of course to filter what they will be eating. This is also where utensils and tableware are being introduced.
At between 10-12 months almost-toddler starts to show signs that they are already interested in using tableware. And this is the time you will start having questions in your mind about what tableware you should be buying for your little one.
Being a natural protective mom, you want to have your baby the safest and durable material he or she can enjoy eating with. From baby bowls and spoons to toddler silicone mats and melamine plates for older kids, we’ve found the best safe, non-toxic alternatives to plastic dinnerware. Set your table worry-free with a roundup of fun—and colorful!—dinnerware options for children
INFANTS (1 month to 1 year old)
For their first little meals, the first thing that you can give your babies are pre-spoons that are small, lightweight and easy for your baby to grip and also baby-proof cups with suction. The best here in line is silicone plates.
SILICONEWARE
BPA-free silicone models are a better bet than metal or plastic ones, since the soft material won’t bother your baby’s mouth if she decides she’d rather chew on the spoon than eat from it.
The common misconception about silicon is that it is plastic. Well, it’s not. Silicon is mainly made up of oxygen and silicon which is present in sand and glass.
It has non-toxic and non-reactive material and won’t leach or off-gas chemicals when heated as plastic does. It is also unbreakable and oven safe up to 350°F, plus it is microwave, dishwasher, & freezer-safe.
Always look for food-grade silicone that has a flexible, soft texture that prevents injury or damage if bitten, dropped, or thrown. Make sure to take precautions because silicone bends when handling food and may absorb the smell or flavor of dish soap, although this is a common scenario. It can get rid of by putting the dish into boiling water for 15 minutes to rid the odor.
TODDLERS (1-3 years old)
At 12-24 months, toddlers will slowly start mastering the ability to grasp a utensil independently and will start to scoop up food and deliver the utensil to their mouth with or without the food on it.
When upgrading your toddler’s spoon and fork look for models and materials that are light enough for your little one to easily lift and small enough to fit comfortably in her hand.
WOODWARE
Woodwares are one of the most eco-friendly materials on Earth. It is incredibly strong and a sustainably sourced material around the world that is BPA-Free, Phthalates-Free and toxin-free.
The best thing about woodware is that it is lightweight and durable so that even if your toddler throws it, it will never break apart. It can either be made from 100% wood fibers or with resin and melamine. It is dishwasher safe, but not microwave friendly. It cannot also be boiled or sterilized at high temperature.
STEELWARE
Steelware is also a good choice because it is a kid-safe dinnerware. It’s versatile and low-maintenance, plus dishwasher, oven, fridge, & freezer-safe! It cannot be microwaved, and the material can get dents in it. Just be careful not to serve extra hot food in steelware to avoid accidental burns for the little ones.
Stainless steel is unbreakable and will not leach harmful chemicals into your food, it is possible to leach nickel and chromium but it’s still safe for your babies unless they are allergic to it. Its hygienic surface will not corrode, rust, or stain and it absorbs odors or bacteria that is why it stays like-new for many years, making it a one-time non-toxic dinnerware buy that saves you cash. It’s a big check for eco-friendly & 100% recyclable!
MELAMINEWARE
When your mini me is already up to some adventurous mealtimes, melamine is the one! It is the most common and safest tableware for kids in terms of durability and break-resistance. Melamine wares are safe for children especially when it is produced in 100% Food Grade Melamine. In fact, the FDA’s Safety and Risk Assessment of melamine states that this type of tableware is safe for use.
It is a very versatile material that is organic-based. Although melamine is designed to withstand high temperatures from -20C to 120C, the only downside is that it can only be used in a microwave under medium heat and less than 2 mins of heating.
PRESCHOOL (4-7 years old)
At this age, your children are in full responsibility (mostly) of their meals. They start to explore colors, designs, and familiarize with what food is being served in it. This stage can be challenging as children are naturally curious, so the right guidance would be an advantage.
ENAMELWARE
Enamelware is also very sturdy, but not entirely unbreakable. It is made from porcelain-coated steel and stovetop, dishwasher and freezer safe.
Although the porcelain can chip and reveal the metal underneath, it will naturally oxidize and still be perfectly safe to use. Children and adults can enjoy their food and drink without the risk of anything contaminating their food.
MELAMINEWARE
A lot of mothers have turned to melamine as a safer alternative when buying plates and cups for their kids because melamine is BPA-Free. The best children melamine plate is made up of 100% food grade melamine which makes the tableware safe, durable, shatter-proof and break-resistant.
The good news? You don’t have to spend time searching because The Plate Story offers children tableware made from 100% sustainable melamine materials to provide the best in strength, safety, and appearance.
These sturdy and colorful children’s tableware is ideal for the biggest of kids (and adults!) on the go. It is strong, lightweight and comfortable to hold, each piece is designed to make mealtime fun and exciting! We know how quickly kids grow out of their things that's why we've highly recommend products built to last.
What are you waiting for? Head to our website and see our best-selling healthy and sustainable dinnerware that are 100% suitable for kids of all ages!