The Best Baby Plates and Bowls for Stress-Free Feeding
If baby has just started sampling solids, they’re probably not a food connoisseur just yet—but that doesn’t mean they still don’t have taste. Sometimes getting your little one to start loving mealtime is as simple as organizing their fare on a festive baby plate or in a fun-shaped baby bowl. They’ll feel like they finally have a place at the table (literally), and they’ll be more excited to dig into what you’re putting down.
Thankfully, there’s no shortage of playful plateware on the market today. From sectioned plates that let your kiddo explore different colors, shapes and textures to bowls with suction bases that can stand up to your willful little eater (if and when they start flinging purees and finger foods), these are the baby dinner sets you’ll want to stock up on.
At this age, baby’s standards are almost non-existent, but they will show preferences for certain colors over others, and might even ask for a particular baby plate or bowl at snack or mealtime (their froggy plate, their smiley-sun bowl or the set with the spoons that have eyes!) because it just makes what they’re noshing on more fun and even yummier.
As the parent, though, your dinnerware wish list is probably more motivated by what baby plates and bowls are made of, how easy they are to clean and keep in one piece, if they can promise less of a mess at mealtimes and what kinds of extras they might come with. It’s the little things that prove to be the most important sometimes, like travel-ready lids for eating on the go or easy-grip handles that let you feed your finicky toddler one-handed. When shopping, keep the following considerations in mind:
- Material and durability. When it comes to baby plates and bowls, there are a number of material options to choose from: silicone, plastic (certified non-toxic BPA- and phthalate-free plastic, that is), eco-friendly bamboo and even stainless steel. Silicone and plastic are your best bets when durability and longevity are a concern, but bamboo also has great endurance and is naturally antimicrobial. Stainless steel is certainly durable and has a cool look to it, but it’s better suited for older toddlers who have more experience eating and are no longer (or less frequently) tossing their plates, bowls and utensils with reckless abandon.
- Suction features. If baby gets a kick out of dumping their food on the floor, try to scout out baby suction plates and baby suction bowls that will stick to the high chair or table. Knowing that your mess-prone omnivore has their purees, cereals, yogurts or finger foods in a container that stays put might help you fret a little less.
- Easy cleanup. For the most part, baby plates and bowls can safely go in the dishwasher post-dining. You’ll still want to cross-reference the manufacturer’s washing instructions, though, to ensure you’re not putting baby’s tableware through more than it can handle. It also depends on the material; bamboo dishes should always be hand-washed, since the protective glosses and varnishes that cover bamboo pieces can be compromised in a wash cycle, leaving them dry, cracked and porous—and you won’t want baby eating from a plate or bowl that’s harboring bacteria.
- Fun factor. Adorable animal-shaped plates and bowls and pastel-colored baby dinner sets can bring smiles to even the grumpiest little ones. After all, the best baby dishes are the ones they will consistently reach for to eat both their favorite and not-so-favorite foods. If baby’s green froggy plate will get them to eat one or two broccoli florets (instead of throwing them on the floor), then you’ll want to keep it around!
Ready to add some new baby plates to your kitchen cabinets? These are our top picks that serve up everything needed for a mess- and stress-free meal.
Overall best baby plate
- Food-grade silicone is non-toxic and slip-proof (aka less mess!)
- Available in three eye-catching colors
- Expensive for a single plate
- Some parents say that the suction isn’t great
This clever dish has four separate sections that help you serve up perfect toddler portions from each food group. The learning plate is made from food-grade silicone and is free from PVC, BPAs and petroleum. It also has a suction base to prevent toppling and an easy-release tab to help you unpeel it from a high chair or table. Better yet, it’s heat-resistant, dishwasher-safe and virtually indestructible. Consider us sold!
Dimensions: 7.5’’ (L) x 7.5’’ (W) | Material: Silicone | Dishwasher-safe?: Yes (top rack only) | Microwave-safe?: Yes
Best baby suction plate
- High-quality, food-grade silicone is BPA, PVC and phthalate-free
- Suction base sticks securely to most flat surfaces
- Lids don’t always fit snugly (can pop off and affect freshness)
- Some parents say that the suction is too strong
- Many parents complain that after washing, plates can taste soapy
WeeSprout’s silicone divided plates are microwave-, dishwasher-, oven- and freezer-safe and feature an extra-strong suction base that will keep everything in place. Parents will appreciate that the three divided sections have higher sides than other similar products to better reduce spillage. Plus, these baby plates are made of 100 percent BPA-free silicone and come in sets of three, with tons of color combinations to choose from.
Dimensions: 8.7’’ (L) x 8.7’’ (W) x 2.4’’ (H) | Material: Silicone | Dishwasher-safe?: Yes (top rack only) | Microwave-safe?: Yes
Best silicone baby plate
- Deep compartments are great for a variety of foods and textures
- Lightweight and portable, making them perfect for on-the-go meals and travel
- Available in a new five-section option for older/hungrier toddlers
- Plates can taste soapy after washing, some parents say
- Less durable design can cause dividers to crack after long-time use
This stylish option from Bumkins is a natural pick for the best silicone baby plate. Made from soft silicone, the dish features three perfectly proportioned sections and a strong suction base that secures to any surface. It’s also dishwasher-safe and free from BPAs and other harmful chemicals, and comes in a variety of colors to keep things playful. Talk about an all around win!
Dimensions: 8’’ (L) x 7’’ (W) x 1’’ (H) | Material: Silicone | Dishwasher-safe?: Yes (top rack only) | Microwave-safe?: Yes
Best bamboo baby plate
- Eco-friendly bamboo is BPA, PVC and phthalate-free
- Durable and resists stains and odors
- Flat edge fits nicely onto high chair tray tops
- Hand wash only with warm soapy water, then air dry
- Some parents say that the suction isn’t great
- Expensive for a single plate
Does your little one get particularly freaked out when foods touch? No problem! This brand new bamboo plate from Munchkin has taken care of all their mealtime trauma. Made from non-toxic, renewable bamboo, the plate provides three differently-sized, curved compartments for different types of foods and easy scooping. Plus, the trusty suction bottom clings to any smooth surface, so you don’t have to worry about the plate toppling over. Just be sure to apply a thin layer of olive oil to the plate each month—as a sort of natural varnish—to maintain its condition and appearance over time.
Dimensions: 8.8" (L) x 8.5” (W) | Material: Bamboo plate and detachable silicone base | Dishwasher-safe?: No | Microwave-safe?: No
Best metal baby plate
- Bend-, break- and dent-resistant stainless steel construction
- Stain and odor-resistant; hygienic and fresh for every meal
- Highly sustainable and eco-friendly
- Vulnerable to rusting
- Stainless steel transfers heat very well, meaning plates can get too hot for toddlers
- Expensive, even for a set of four
Looking for an alternative to silicone baby plates and bowls? Check out this stainless steel tableware from Ahimsa. Created by a real-life mom (who also happens to be a pediatrician), the plates are free of BPA, PVC, phthalates, melamine and lead. Plus, steel dishes are incredibly strong and non-porous, meaning they won’t retain bacteria or become discolored over time. Each plate is divided into three sections to help you serve up a balanced meal. Granted, they’re a little pricey, but they’ll surely last a lifetime.
Dimensions: 9.8’’ (L) x 8.5’’ (W) x 1.2’’ (H) | Material: Stainless steel | Dishwasher-safe?: Yes, but the brand says best practices are to gently hand wash with mild dish soap | Microwave-safe?: No
Best fun-shaped baby plate
- Smooth surface prevents food from sticking
- Super soft and flexible, making it durable against drops and bumps
- Very high temperatures can cause silicone to melt or warp
- Bulkier designs make storage and stacking more cumbersome
- Small plates are suitable for snacks, not full meals
Up baby’s mealtime motivation with these adorable animal-shaped baby plates. They come in a variety of shapes, including an elephant, lion, bunny, alligator and rhino—all sure to inspire even the pickiest of eaters. The bowls are made of 100 percent silicone that’s free of BPA, PVC, phthalates, lead and cadmium, and can safely be popped into the microwave and dishwasher for easy heating and cleaning. Plus, they have a suction base to help keep mealtime messes to a minimum. All reasons why these baby plates earned a Best of Baby award!
Dimensions: 8’’ (L) x 4.6’’ (W) | Material: Silicone | Dishwasher-safe?: Yes | Microwave-safe?: Yes
Best baby placemat plate
- Can be easily folded or rolled up for portability
- Great number of fun, playful colorways
- Some parents say it’s smarter to heat up food separately and then transfer to plate
- Expensive for a single plate, but does come with the placemat
- 2-oz and 4-oz portion compartments may be too small for older/hungrier toddlers
Outsmart baby’s tendency to toss their plate on the floor with this mini baby placemat from ezpz—a one-piece silicone plate and placemat combo that suctions to the table (or any flat surface). Divided sections encourage parents to serve a variety of foods, and the plate is lightweight enough to bring along on trips or dinners out. Made from 100 percent food-grade silicone, it’s BPA-, BPS-, PVC-, lead- and phthalate-free, as well as dishwasher-safe. These baby plates even come in a variety of colors. As an added bonus, you can take 15 percent off sitewide when shopping on the ezpz website with the code BUMP15.
Dimensions: 10.8’’ (L) x 7.8’’ (W) x 1’’ (H) | Material: Silicone | Dishwasher-safe?: Yes | Microwave-safe: Yes
Best budget-friendly baby plate
- Highly durable, breakage-resistant and can endure rough handling
- Available in versatile colorways
- Sold as a bundle with a convenient travel lid on Amazon
- Still made of plastic (even though it’s recycled), meaning there is waste potential
- Plates are small, making them less suitable for older or hungrier toddlers
- Only includes one travel lid per pack of four plates
We love that these hard, textured plastic baby plates are virtually indestructible and completely BPA-, phthalate-, PVC- and melamine-free. Plus, the environmentally friendly divided plates—available in fun, bright colors—are made from recycled milk jugs and are 100 percent recyclable at the end of their use! Best of all, they come in a pack of four and are super affordable.
Dimensions: 8.5’’ (L) x 7.5’’ (W) | Material: Recycled milk jug (HDPE plastic) | Dishwasher-safe?: Yes | Microwave-safe?: Yes (for reheating only)
How about some new baby bowls for their chunkier purees, yogurts, pastas and soft scrambled eggs? Here you’ll find seven creative crocks with suction bases, high sides and lids to help keep things tidy when baby sits down to eat.
Overall best baby bowl
- Included spoon has a soft silicone tip that’s gentle on baby’s teething gums
- Aesthetically pleasing bamboo matches modern kitchen decor
- Suction base can be removed so the bowl can be used as a regular feeding bowl as baby grows
- Bamboo can develop cracks, splinters or stains
- Some parents say that the suction becomes weaker every time it’s detached and reattached
- Expensive for a single bowl, but does come with a spoon
If you like the idea of a plastic-free baby bowl but still want it to stay put, this pick from Avanchy is an excellent choice. The bowl itself is made out of organic, biodegradable bamboo, and the ultra strong, BPA-free silicone suction base easily attaches to any flat surface—seriously, it has the best (read: babyproof) suction base we’ve yet to come across. Included with the bowl is a bamboo and silicone spoon that’s perfectly sized for baby’s hands, but not so small that parents will find it difficult to use. Just make sure to wash this one by hand since it’s not dishwasher-safe.
Dimensions: 5” (L) x 5’’ (W) x 3’’ (H) | Material: Organic bamboo and silicone | Dishwasher-safe?: No | Microwave-safe?: No
Best baby suction bowl
- Various sized bowls allow for a number of different serving sizes
- Stackable, nesting storage
- Affordable
- Plastic can be stained easily
- Less suitable for too hot or too cold food temps
- Strength of suction can weaken over time
Next up on our list is Munchkin’s set of three different-sized bowls. The strong suction base keeps baby from trying to throw it across the room, while the quick-release tabs make it easy for parents to remove. These baby bowls are BPA-free as well as microwave- and dishwasher-safe. Given that they’re a best-seller among parents, you might want to get your hands on them fast!
Dimensions: 4.5’’ (L) x 4.5’’ (W) x 2’’ (H) | Material: Plastic | Dishwasher-safe?: Yes (top rack only) | Microwave-safe?: Yes
Best silicone baby bowl
- Material is hypoallergenic and soft on baby’s gums
- Included lid helps keep food fresh and prevents leaks and spills while in transit
- Wide, shallow shape of the bowl encourages self-feeding/scooping
- Some parents say that the lid is challenging to remove
- Pricey point for a single bowl
- Coral and lemon colorways are a bit bright for some tastes
This baby bowl from Olababy is a microwave-, freezer- and dishwasher-safe pick with a super strong silicone suction base. (Based on our experience, even the most dexterous babies are no match for this bowl’s suction abilities.) Made from 100 percent nontoxic, food-grade silicone that’s durable and bacteria-resistant, it’s a choice you can feel good about. The bowl even comes with a handy lid to save whatever leftovers baby doesn’t polish off.
Dimensions: 4.7’’ (L) x 4.7’’ (W) x 2.4’’ (H) | Material: Silicone | Dishwasher-safe?: Yes | Microwave-safe?: Yes
Best bamboo baby bowl
- Eco-friendly bamboo is BPA-, PVC- and phthalate-free
- Durable and resists stains and odors
- Clean and minimalist bamboo design fits nicely with modern kitchen scenes
- Hand-wash only with warm soapy water and air dry
- Pricey for a single bowl, but does come with a spoon
Searching for baby bowls made from eco-friendly materials? Check out this tableware set composed of sustainably sourced bamboo and food-grade silicone. The toddler-friendly bowl has a sturdy suction base that adheres to any smooth surface, and comes with a matching seafoam green silicone spoon, with no sharp edges or corners that could harm baby’s sensitive gums or newly emerging teeth, giving you one less thing to worry about.
Dimensions: 4.8’’ (L) x 4.8’’ (W) x 2.3’’ (H) | Material: Bamboo bowl, silicone suction and silicone spoon | Dishwasher-safe?: No | Microwave-safe?: No
Best metal baby bowl
- Cute color combinations (new glitter options are fun)
- BPA-free and tested against strict FDA regulations
- Great for picnics
- Best for snacks, not actual meals
- Expensive option for snack storage
We love pastels and bright punchy colors for little ones, but for parents looking for something a little sleeker to match their own design aesthetic, this stainless steel baby bowl trio with trendy plastic lids is right up your alley. Though the set looks a bit more like a camping mess kit, it’s still great for snacking on the go. You’ll get small, medium and large circular containers perfect for fruits, pretzels, crackers and more!
Dimensions (small): 3.5” (L) x 3.5’’ (W) x 1.5’’ (H) | Dimensions (medium): 4.3” (L) x 4.3’’ (W) x 2’’ (H) | Dimensions (large): 4.8” (L) x 4.8’’ (W) x 3’’ (H) | Material: Stainless steel; plastic lid | Dishwasher-safe?: Yes (top rack only) | Microwave-safe: No
Best budget-friendly baby bowl
- Stackable design is easy to store
- Accommodates different portion sizes for varying appetites
- Unique curved shape and a high back wall make scooping a lot easier
- No lids included
- Colors are limited
Engineered with parents’ comfort in mind, Dr. Brown’s wide Scoop-A-Bowl design prevents tips and spills for munch time with minimal mess. It’s a perfect ages-and-stages bowl reinforced with tall, rounded edges that help you draw up purees and heavier blends when you’re still spoon-feeding your little one. Once baby starts grabbing their foods and wielding utensils (uh oh!), the rimmed edge acts as a splash guard to keep splatters under control. The set includes two BPA-free bowls in bright colors, and at less than $5 for a two-pack, they’re a total steal!
Dimensions: 6’’ (L) x 6’’ (W) x 2’’ (H) | Material: BPA-free plastic | Dishwasher-safe?: Yes (top rack only) | Microwave-safe?: Yes
Best baby dinner set
- Non-slip grip keeps pieces in place
- Beautiful pastel colorways
- Great gift idea
- Expensive for a single set, even though it’s high-quality
- More suitable for older toddlers since the cup has no lid
Here’s a dinner set that not only looks good but also works well for little eaters. The unique shape of the baby plate makes it easy for tots to scoop up food and harder to tip the plate. Meanwhile, the silverware handles have a ring to prevent baby’s hand from slipping down too far, and a groove to prevent the fork and spoon from sliding into the plate. The set also comes with a grip-friendly cup and an adjustable bib with a spill pocket. (And who wouldn’t be obsessed with the delightful color palette?)
Dimensions (plate): 8” (L) x 8" (W) x 1.5" (H) | Material: Polypropylene, thermoplastic elastomers with ABS plastic | Dishwasher-safe?: Yes (top rack recommended) | Microwave-safe?: Yes
To help streamline your shopping and highlight the best baby plates and bowls for your adventurous little foodies, we considered a list of criteria when sourcing products, including ease-of-use for tiny hands, quality and durability, style, non-slip suction, price and, of course, safety. We consulted the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for infant and toddler mealtime and read user reviews to get the low-down on how these products work for families, never considering anything less than an average four-star rating. And, of course, we leveraged our editorial team’s own familiarity with leading brands, as well as our own experience as parents.
Interested in learning more about our editorial process? Read about how our team develops and reviews all articles here.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mealtime Routines and Tips, July 2021
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.