Buying guide for best baby plates
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Written by devangana
Updated May 2023
For babies, the switch to solid foods signals budding independence. However, while the change is often welcome, the transition isn’t always easy. Babies manage to get food in places where food just wasn’t meant to go. From cereal to purees, whatever you put in front of your baby will likely end up on the floor, too.
That’s where baby plates come in. These pint-size replicas of full-size plates are specially designed for your unpredictable eater. They are made of tough shatterproof materials that can survive a fall and include handy extras like a grippy bottom or suction cups to keep the plate in place. Their small size makes them perfect for little portions that fit nicely on a high chair tray.
Today’s baby plates come in adorable shapes and colors with just about any theme imaginable, including jungle animals, trains, and dinosaurs. These fun plates can make mealtime more entertaining for your little one — and hopefully help keep more food in your baby’s mouth.
To learn more, keep reading our buying guide, which has everything you need to know about baby plates as well as our top recommendations.
Key considerations
Plate size
A plate that doesn’t fit well on the high chair tray is almost certain to end up on the floor. Of course, most baby plates are designed for high chair use, but manufacturers can’t predict the shape and size of every high chair tray. Check the dimensions to be sure it will fit before you buy.
If your baby has a hook-on high chair or will be scooted up to the table, size is less of an issue. In that case, look for baby plates that have an attached placemat to protect the table’s surface. These models are usually larger than your average baby plate, but they make cleanup easier, especially if they can be put in the dishwasher.
Plate shape
Some baby plates come in odd shapes, which may or may not fit on a high chair tray. The shape can also affect how you store them. Some plates are similar enough in shape to stack with your regular dishes while others will require their own stack in the cupboard.
If you look beyond how the shape affects the storage and use of the plate, there are some fun options out there. Elephants, lions, frogs — plates come in all shapes. And if you’ve got a reluctant eater, a cute, colorful plate can make them more eager to eat. Which will especially make you happy if you’ve taken the time to cook your own purees.
Did you know?
Some plates have a slight lip that helps your baby learn to scoop food onto a utensil. These models can give your baby a confidence boost as she struggles to develop independence.
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Divided vs. open plate
You have two choices when it comes to baby plates: those that have dividers to separate different foods and those that don’t. So, which is right for your baby? It really doesn’t matter because, let's be honest, the food is going to get smeared all over no matter what you do — on your baby’s hands, face, and pretty much everywhere else.
However, some parents (and a good number of kids) don’t like the different foods on their plate to touch, in which case a divided plate is the only way to go. The downside to these plates is storage. They’re far more difficult to stack with plates other than those of the same style.
Eventually, your child will move to an open plate. Some parents figure that starting with an open plate is just one less transition they’ll need to make later on. Only you know your child best, so get what works for you.
Safe for dishwasher and microwave
Materials
The materials used to make baby plates should be safe and approved by the FDA. The most common options include:
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Bamboo: Natural and renewable, bamboo baby plates hold up well over time, but check the label carefully as not all of them are dishwasher- or microwave-safe.
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Nonrecycled and recycled plastic (BPA-free): All plastics that will have contact with your baby’s mouth should be BPA-free. These plates can be thrown off a high chair without getting a scratch. They come in fun colors, shapes, and designs while being some of the most affordable options on the market.
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Silicone: Silicone comes with natural grip, can take heavy wear and tear, and can be molded into fun shapes and colors. It withstands incredibly high temperatures, so it’s safe for both the microwave and dishwasher. However, it can sometimes have a higher price tag.
- Melamine, porcelain, ceramic: These three materials are sometimes used for baby plates. While melamine is durable enough for everyday use, porcelain and ceramic baby plates are best saved for special occasions because of their breakability.
Non-skid and suction cup bottoms
Babies have to learn some serious coordination for successful independent feeding. Nonskid bottoms or bottoms with suction cups help keep the plate in place so your baby can get food more easily. Suction cups can also be a deterrent for throwing or pushing the plate off the table.
Plate depth
It can be frustrating for kids if, every time they’re ready to get food onto the baby spoon, it falls off the plate. Deeper plates keep the food on the plate, making it easier to scoop it onto the spoon or fork. Some models even have a slight lip that helps, too.
Accessories
Some plates are sold as a set with some of these extra accessories:
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Lid(s)
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Spoon(s)
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Fork(s)
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Bib(s)
If you need a complete set of baby tableware, purchasing such a set is an economical choice. However, if you don’t need them, stick with a plate-only set.
Baby plate prices
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Plastic baby plates without a nonskid or suction cup bottom generally start around $8 for a set of five or six, which is about $1.60 per plate. However, once a non-skid surface or suction cup enters the picture, the price jumps to about $12 per set.
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Silicone plates alone may be $5 to $15 a piece, but there are some that come as part of a set for between $15 to $30.
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Melamine plate sets cost around $20 or more, depending on the design and number of pieces in the set.
- Porcelain and ceramic baby plates can be found in sets that start at $30 and go up to around $50, depending on the size of the set.
Tips
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To keep your dishes organized, look for plates that are stackable. Plates that can stack on top of themselves will save you space when you’re trying to organize.
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Inexpensive plastic plates are great for everyday use, but it’s nice to have a more formal set of melamine or ceramic plates for special occasions. Some look almost identical to a normal plate and can blend perfectly with your tableware.
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If your baby repeatedly throws his plate on the floor, put his food directly on the tray instead. You can try again later when he’s more cooperative or a little older.
Other products we considered
The Bumkins Silicone Grip Divided Plate has deep wells and a divided surface to keep things organized. Its dividers make it a better plate for a toddler than a baby, but it’s an excellent option for any independent eaters. The Re-Play Divided Plates are made from recycled milk jugs. They’re also reasonably priced and come in fun colors. NUK may be better known for their pacifiers, but the NUK First Essentials Tri-Suction Plates are worth a try. Three suction cups hold them in place and the rounded edges of the wells make it easier to scoop up food.
FAQ
Q. Do baby plates come with a lid?
A. In general, no, baby plates don’t come with a lid. You may find a few exceptions, especially with plates that come as part of a larger set. Lids are more likely to be found with baby bowls.
Q. Can baby plates become stained?
A. Some staining can occur, especially with materials like silicone and plastic. You can decrease the chances of a stain by washing the plate directly after using it.
Q. Are all baby plates designed to fit on a high chair tray?
A. Most plates are designed for high chair trays. However, keep in mind, that all trays and plates are unique, so there may be some plates that unfortunately won’t work.
