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Author:
Charlotte Scott
Coauthors:
Jennifer Anderson, MSPH, RDN
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Inside: Learn about the best plates for toddlers, babies and kids. We cover all the favorites: suction plates, interactive plates and more!
Whether you have a baby that’s starting solids, a toddler that is easily distracted during meals, or a picky eater that doesn’t want the foods on their plate to touch, parents need quality plates and bowls to help feed their kids and keep them engaged at mealtimes.
But with so many kid plates to choose from, how do you know which ones are best for your children? This article is the ultimate guide to the best plates for toddlers, kids and babies. Jump down to see our favorites!
You can introduce plates to your baby or toddler when you and your child are comfortable and ready. The earlier the better!
While there are some plates that are better for older children and adults, it is never too early to introduce tableware to your baby or toddler.
The CDC suggests that most children are ready to start solid foods around 6 months of age, and your baby may be ready for a plate then.
Related: Learn how to feel confident while feeding young children with our toddler feeding course.
Plates for babies
At around 6 months old, babies are starting to develop motor skills they need to eat foods. But wobbly hands and arms can make it difficult to work with a wobbly plate.
That is why we think suction plates are the best plates for babies. Of course they are not absolutely necessary for successful mealtimes, but suction plates are stable, and stable plates can make it easier for babies to eat.
Plus, suction plates can help prevent (or at least minimize) spills and messes, especially if your toddler likes to throw food.
Best suction plates for baby
Here are a few of the best baby suction plates our team has tried.
There are also alternatives with fun patterns, designs or characters, like this cute owl plate. That one even comes with an attached mat for easy clean up.
Newborn cleanup tip: Our team loves these washable floor mats to contain messes that fall to the floor. They can just be tossed in the washing machine after meals. Convenient, non-slip and water-resistant! Read our blog for more tips on minimizing mess at mealtimes.
Related: Got a baby? Check out these pincer grasp activities to help your child’s development.
Plates for toddlers
Between 1 to 3 years of age, toddlers are looking for dishes that are colorful and that they can interact with. And you may be looking for something to keep them entertained. So which plates are best both for toddlers and parents?
For that, we suggest the Dylbug plate. Dylbug plates come with different images or layouts that allow your child to use their food to decorate the image. These plates are an easy way to initiate food play!
Best plates for toddlers: interactive plates
Here are more interactive toddler plates our team loves.
Note: If you and your child are playing with interactive plates, we recommend you avoid bribing them to eat. Some plates in particular have a “treasure hunting” layout with a prize at the end (usually dessert). Bribing can affect whether or not a child wants a certain food.
Best toddler plates: colorful plates
Not every toddler needs interactive plates at every meal. You might need some regular plates for your toddler that are still colorful and fun. Here are some more team favorites.
Related: Need support feeding a picky toddler? Download our free picky eater guide for info and strategies.
Plates for big kids
If you like the food play idea but want to try it out with older kids, you can also try out 8 the Plate Spinning Plate.
This plate is divided into 8 sections and has a spinner in the middle. It makes eating a fun game! Bonus? This plate can easily turn into a game to entertain the entire family!
Best kid plates
Check some more of the best kid plates our team has found.
Adult plates (because big kids can use your plates too!)
Keep in mind that even with all the bells and whistles, some kids still prefer plain white dinnerware. In fact, children over the age of 10 may be more likely to choose white dishes.
Do children prefer colorful plates?
As we mentioned, kids love colors. One study found that kids younger than 10 were more likely to find food appetizing when put on a colorful plate.
More research is needed on the matter, but we can’t ignore that there are so many fun, colorful plates out there!
Some kids don’t need to have special plates and can do just fine with good quality Corelle dinnerware.
Are divided plates good for toddlers?
Divided plates can be useful for children in certain situations. For instance, you may consider using a divided plate for your kid during meals if they are a picky eater.
Use the divided plate as a tool to serve the elements of a mixed dish separately. This lets your picky eater see and understand the different elements a meal is composed of.
Created by experts, Kids Eat in Color is the leading resource for families seeking evidence-based information and strategies on child nutrition and feeding.
Charlotte Scott is a Western Carolina University Alumni with a B.Sc in Nutrition and Dietetics and a Minor in Spanish. She is currently a Child Nutrition Fellow for Kids Eat In Color and a dietetic intern at Be Well Solutions Dietetic Internship. Charlotte is passionate about community service, nutrition counseling, and public health in the hope of opening her own center for families and children at financial risk. Volunteering is dear to her heart, and her curious nature intrigues a passion for expanding her knowledge in various fields.
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Inside: Learn about the best plates for toddlers, babies and kids. We cover all the favorites: suction plates, interactive plates and more!
Whether you have a baby that’s starting solids, a toddler that is easily distracted during meals, or a picky eater that doesn’t want the foods on their plate to touch, parents need quality plates and bowls to help feed their kids and keep them engaged at mealtimes.
But with so many kid plates to choose from, how do you know which ones are best for your children? This article is the ultimate guide to the best plates for toddlers, kids and babies. Jump down to see our favorites!
In this article, we cover:
When babies can start using plates
Plates for babies
Best suction plates for babies
Plates for toddlers
Best interactive plates for toddlers
Best colorful plates for toddlers
Plates for big kids
Are colorful plates good for kids?
Are divided plates good for kids?
More tools for feeding toddlers
When can babies start using plates?
You can introduce plates to your baby or toddler when you and your child are comfortable and ready. The earlier the better!
While there are some plates that are better for older children and adults, it is never too early to introduce tableware to your baby or toddler.
The CDC suggests that most children are ready to start solid foods around 6 months of age, and your baby may be ready for a plate then.
Related: Learn how to feel confident while feeding young children with our toddler feeding course.
Plates for babies
At around 6 months old, babies are starting to develop motor skills they need to eat foods. But wobbly hands and arms can make it difficult to work with a wobbly plate.
That is why we think suction plates are the best plates for babies. Of course they are not absolutely necessary for successful mealtimes, but suction plates are stable, and stable plates can make it easier for babies to eat.
Plus, suction plates can help prevent (or at least minimize) spills and messes, especially if your toddler likes to throw food.
Best suction plates for baby
Here are a few of the best baby suction plates our team has tried.
Munchkin Stay Put Suction Bowl, Pack of 3
ezpz Mini Mat Suction Plate with Placemat
WeeSprout Silicone Suction Bowls for Babies
Bumkins Silicone Grip Dish Suction Plate
Avanchy Divided Bamboo Suction Plate
There are also alternatives with fun patterns, designs or characters, like this cute owl plate. That one even comes with an attached mat for easy clean up.
Newborn cleanup tip: Our team loves these washable floor mats to contain messes that fall to the floor. They can just be tossed in the washing machine after meals. Convenient, non-slip and water-resistant! Read our blog for more tips on minimizing mess at mealtimes.
Related: Got a baby? Check out these pincer grasp activities to help your child’s development.
Plates for toddlers
Between 1 to 3 years of age, toddlers are looking for dishes that are colorful and that they can interact with. And you may be looking for something to keep them entertained. So which plates are best both for toddlers and parents?
For that, we suggest the Dylbug plate. Dylbug plates come with different images or layouts that allow your child to use their food to decorate the image. These plates are an easy way to initiate food play!
Best plates for toddlers: interactive plates
Here are more interactive toddler plates our team loves.
Construction Plate and Utensil Set
LongDear Dog Silicone Suction Placemat + Plates
Dinneractive Unicorn Plate & Utensil Set
Note: If you and your child are playing with interactive plates, we recommend you avoid bribing them to eat. Some plates in particular have a “treasure hunting” layout with a prize at the end (usually dessert). Bribing can affect whether or not a child wants a certain food.
Best toddler plates: colorful plates
Not every toddler needs interactive plates at every meal. You might need some regular plates for your toddler that are still colorful and fun. Here are some more team favorites.
Munchkin Multi Toddler Plate, 8 Pack
Klickpick Home Kids Plates
Re-Play Divided Plates with Deep Sides
Related: Need support feeding a picky toddler? Download our free picky eater guide for info and strategies.
Plates for big kids
If you like the food play idea but want to try it out with older kids, you can also try out 8 the Plate Spinning Plate.
This plate is divided into 8 sections and has a spinner in the middle. It makes eating a fun game! Bonus? This plate can easily turn into a game to entertain the entire family!
Best kid plates
Check some more of the best kid plates our team has found.
Dinosaur Utensil & Plate Set
WeeSprout Bamboo Plates
Adult plates (because big kids can use your plates too!)
Keep in mind that even with all the bells and whistles, some kids still prefer plain white dinnerware. In fact, children over the age of 10 may be more likely to choose white dishes.
Do children prefer colorful plates?
As we mentioned, kids love colors. One study found that kids younger than 10 were more likely to find food appetizing when put on a colorful plate.
More research is needed on the matter, but we can’t ignore that there are so many fun, colorful plates out there!
Some kids don’t need to have special plates and can do just fine with good quality Corelle dinnerware.
Are divided plates good for toddlers?
Divided plates can be useful for children in certain situations. For instance, you may consider using a divided plate for your kid during meals if they are a picky eater.
Use the divided plate as a tool to serve the elements of a mixed dish separately. This lets your picky eater see and understand the different elements a meal is composed of.
Need more advice on picky eating? Get more expert tips for solving picky eating here.
More tools and supplies for feeding toddlers
Need spoons and forks? Read about the best utensils for babies and for toddlers.
Learn what the best cups are for babies and get tips for introducing them to your child.
Got a squirmy kid? Make sure their high chair has a good footrest.