11 of the best baby weaning bowls and plates 2024
DO I NEED TO BUY BABY BOWLS AND PLATES?
You could just place food on your baby’s high chair tray but here are the benefits of using baby bowls and plates:
They create less mess as the food is (hopefully!) contained in just one place.
A brightly coloured or animal-shaped bowl might make feeding more appealing to your child.
They allow you to see what portion sizes are suitable for babies.
Sectioned plates may encourage you to offer a wider variety of foods.
Suction bowls or plates can be stuck to the table or tray, preventing them from being thrown on the floor.
They are generally made from materials that can’t be broken when dropped.
It’s good to get children used to using plates and bowls and they can help them develop fine motor skills.
What features should I look out for in baby bowls and plates?
Material
Baby bowls and plates are generally made out of plastic, silicone or bamboo. Glass or ceramics are usually avoided as they will most likely get broken. If you use plastic check that it is BPA-free. Toxic BPA or Bisphenol A can leach out of the plastic and so now most baby items are BPA-free.
Many people are trying to use less plastic and natural bamboo is a good eco-friendly option as it decomposes much more quickly than plastic and doesn’t release any toxins into the environment. It is also fast-growing and can be grown without pesticides. Just check that the tableware is 100% natural bamboo as melamine is sometimes used as a binding agent and poor-quality melamine can be toxic. The downsides to bamboo bowls and plates are that they are often more expensive, can’t usually be put in the dishwasher and to keep them in good condition a monthly application of coconut oil is recommended.
Silicone is not particularly eco-friendly as it’s a synthetic substance and is not biodegradable but it’s better than plastic as it’s so durable it has a much longer lifespan. It’s easy to clean, doesn’t stain and food-grade silicone is considered to be safe. Just check that is it both lead and BPA-free.
Non-slip or suction bases
Many baby bowls and plates have suction bases or pads that keep them firmly attached to the table or high chair tray. How well this actually work varies. And they don’t work very well on natural wood or surfaces that are porous or textured.
Non-slip means the base is made from a material that won’t easily skid off the surface.
Dishwasher and microwave safe?
If you’ve got a dishwasher, being able to throw the plates and bowls into it at the end of mealtimes will make life easier. You may also want to warm food in the bowl in your microwave. If so, check it is microwave safe.
Sets
Some baby plates and bowls come in a set with a matching spoon.
Lids
Lids can be useful for storing and transporting baby food in the bowl.
WHICH ARE THE BEST WEANING BOWLS AND PLATES TO BUY?
This list has been narrowed down to the very best with thorough research and the following considered:
Consumer reviews
Best-seller lists
Recommendations from industry experts
Award-winning products
Personal experience and the products loved by other parents.
The list is updated annually. It was last updated on 2 February 2024.
If you buy through a link, we may earn a small affiliate commission. 5% of profits are donated to UK Baby Banks to help parents in need of essentials.
1. EASYMAT MINI PORTABLE BABY SUCTION PLATE
Why buy this plate?
It’s an award-winning suction plate that was a successful product in TV’s Dragon’s Den. The inclusion of a lid makes it easy to take food out with you.
Key features
Four strong suction cups keep it firmly attached to a table or high chair tray.
It has folding sides and comes with a lid and travel bag, making it easy to transport food.
Made from the highest grade BPA-free, LFGB silicone.
Comes in several different colours.
It is dishwasher safe on the top rack but handwashing is better as silicone is porous and can absorb the smell and taste of detergent.
What the reviews say
It won’t stick as well to untreated wood as it needs a smooth surface for the suction to be most effective. It is easy to clean and doesn’t stain. Many love the fact that you can fill it and take it out.
2. MUNCHKIN STAY PUT SUCTION BOWL
Why buy these bowls?
These three bowls vary in size, are stackable and have a strong suction base.
Key features
Quick-release tabs make them easy for the parent to remove from the tray or table.
Dishwasher safe in the top rack.
Microwave safe.
BPA free.
What the reviews say
The different sizes are useful and they are easy to clean. Opinion is split on how well the suction works. There are a few complaints that they stain easily.
3. Pippeta suction plate
Why buy this plate?
This award-winning suction plate is so nice looking that it could have longevity by being used by adults for snacks or as a table organiser.
Key features
Comes in four lovely colours.
100% food-grade silicone.
Dishwasher and microwave safe.
Three equal sections.
Measures 19.5 x 17.1 x 2.7cm.
What the reviews say
Easy to clean and with strong suction.
4. BAMBOO BAMBOO BABY SUCTION BOWL AND SPOON SET
Why buy this bowl?
This bamboo suction bowl comes with a matching spoon and the suction base can be removed when your child outgrows it. They come in attractive packaging so could be a nice gift.
Key features
Made from bamboo and is 100% plastic and melamine free.
The bamboo bowl remains cool to the touch when it contains warm food.
The spoon has a silicone tip that is gentle in a baby’s mouth.
They need to be hand-washed and air-dried and applying coconut oil once a month will extend the life of the bowl.
The bowl has a capacity of 350ml and a diameter of 12cm.
The set comes in a variety of colours.
What the reviews say
A very nice-looking bowl with good, strong suction. There have been a few gripes that it is not very long-lasting.
5. BAMBOO BAMBOO FOX CUB SUCTION PLATE
Why buy these plates?
The Bamboo Bamboo suction plates are also very popular and come in various different colours and animal shapes.
Key features
The plates are sectioned to separate a variety of food.
It has a powerful suction base that is removable and rounded and raised edges to keep spills to a minimum.
100% plastic and melamine free, these are made from natural bamboo, which remains cool to the touch.
To clean them, hand wash with a mild detergent and then air dry. A monthly application of coconut oil will extend the life of the plate.
What the reviews say
Excellent suction and a good-sized plate. The animal designs are popular with small children.
6. QSHARE SILICONE DIVIDED PLATE AND PLACEMAT
Why buy this plate?
It’s an all-in-one sectioned plate and suction placemat. It’s quite large at 28 x 20cm so check it will fit your high chair tray if you’re using one.
Key features
Made from food-grade silicone which is BPA, PVC, BPS and phthalate-free.
It can be put in the dishwasher, oven, microwave and freezer.
Lightweight so very portable.
Comes in a variety of colours and animal shapes.
What the reviews say
Easy to clean mat with good section sizes but opinion seems split 50/50 over how good the suction power is.
7. BUBBABOO BAMBOO PLATE AND SPOON SET
Why buy this plate?
This natural bamboo plate is ethically made and comes with a removable suction base and a weaning spoon.
Key features
Made from natural, renewable and sustainable bamboo and no melamine.
The plate has slightly raised edges for reducing spillages and stays cool to the touch.
The spoon has a soft silicone tip.
The plate should be hand washed although the silicone base and spoon can go in the dishwasher.
Comes in a variety of colours and other animal shapes are available. Bubbaboo also make bamboo suction bowls.
What the reviews say
The animal shapes are very popular with children and the suction is pretty good. A few complain that they are not very durable.
8. VITAL BABY NOURISH PERFECTLY SIMPLE BOWLS
Why buy these bowls?
This is an excellent value set of five colourful bowls.
Key features
Phthalate and BPA-free.
They are stackable and safe in the dishwasher, microwave and steriliser.
Each bowl has a diameter of 12.5cm and is around 4cm deep.
What the reviews say
The low price is praised as well as the fact that they don’t stain and are easy to clean. They are a great size for weaning and can also be used for snacks for older children.
9. BÉABA SILICONE MEAL SET
Why buy this?
This is a feeding set with a plate, bowl, spoon and cup. It’s made from soft, supple, durable silicone and comes in a range of lovely colours.
Key features
The plate and bowl have a suction base.
The spoon has been designed to be easy to hold.
Everything is dishwasher and microwave safe.
What the reviews say
Many love this product saying it is good quality and easy to clean but a few have complained of a soapy taste after washing. There are also some gripes about the suction.
10. BUBBA BEAR® BABY BAMBOO SET
Why buy this set?
This bamboo feeding set consists of a bowl, sectioned plate and a spoon. There are two layers of bamboo to make it long-lasting.
Key features
The bowl and plate have suction bases.
The bowl has a diameter of 13cm and the plate is 18cm.
The weaning spoon has a soft, BPA-free, food-grade silicone tip.
100% plastic-free and made from natural bamboo with no melamine.
Hand wash only.
Available in different coloured bases.
What the reviews say
A nice looking set which doesn’t stain and sticks down fairly well. As with some of the other bamboo plates/bowls there are criticisms that they don’t last long enough.
11. MUNCHKIN LOVE-A-BOWLS FEEDING SET
Why buy these bowls?
These Munchkin bowls have lids so are great for pre-preparing and then serving baby food.
Four bowls with four lids and 2 easy to grip spoons.
The leakproof lids are great for storing and transporting food.
The bowls have easy-to-grip sides.
Dishwasher, microwave and freezer safe.
BPA free.
What the reviews say
They are a great price and the perfect size for weaning. Some say the lids are a little tricky to put on.
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