Choose from the Best Toddler Plates for Eating and Development

Is your baby ready to diversify their meals, and do you need proper plates for their needs? Well we’re going to introduce you to the world of toddler plates! Non-toxic and designed to withstand a fussy kid throwing their plate on the floor, these products are safe, durable, and darn right adorable. Time to find the best plates for toddlers!

Top 8 Best Plates for Toddlers

Just like upgrading from a crib to a toddler bed, you’ll eventually have to upgrade their dishes, too. We know you want the best for your littles, so these plates are the best options for tiny fingers and growing minds.

Should Toddlers Use Regular Plates?

You do not have to use plates with divisions for your toddler just because you can. Divided plates contain anywhere from two to four individual pieces for various foods.

Depending on the size of the toddler’s plate, some of the split pieces may have a depth that allows the youngster to scoop food out. In addition, youngsters may be more eager to consume their fruits and vegetables if they are presented on a plate divided into sections.

Children who want to keep their food separate from one another can benefit greatly from using divided plates. Children who are more anxious about various meals touching (something more common in neurodivergent children) may benefit tremendously from using divided plates.

These plates can be particularly amazing. In addition to this, it can be helpful for you to fill certain areas with specific quantities or types of food! Whether or not one uses a split plate, the food on the dish will frequently end up mingled together by the time the meal is through.

Why Toddlers Need Divided Section Plates

It can be challenging to get toddlers and preschoolers to consume more veggies, but a recent study suggests that the type of plate used may make a difference in this regard because kids prefer to eat plates of variety.

The researchers began by presenting toddlers aged three to five with colorful and segmented plates, and each segment contained a designated space for a different fruit or vegetable.

Segmented plates can also segregate food for picky toddlers who prefer that different types of food not encounter one another. They may be particularly crucial for children with feeding difficulties related to sensory disorders

Pros and Cons of Toddlers Plates 

Let’s reiterate and see why toddlers would benefit from special plates:

• Pro: Usually made with BPA-free plastic and food-grade materials.
• Con: Once the child transitions to a normal plate, you will have no more use for divider plates. 
• Pro: Most of them are dishwasher safe. 
• Con: They are lightweight, so kids can easily knock them over/throw them. 
• Pro: They are divided into sections to separate food for your kids

How Long Should Toddlers Use Toddler Dishes?

While it mostly depends on the toddler, the consensus is that kids are better off with divider plates than regular ones. Of course, they will eventually have to transition to a normal plate, and most parents wonder when a good time is.

Eventually, kids outgrow the “separated foods” phase and want to eat a plate similar to the one their parents use to eat their meals. At this point, regular plates have their own set of advantages, one of which is that they are more aesthetically pleasing. The divided plate suddenly becomes outmoded at that time and is generally thrown out. 

What To Look for in a Toddler Plate 

— Divided Sections

When you think about plates for toddlers, you think about those nice and colorful silicone or plastic plates with two or three compartments. 

That’s because the divided sections in toddler plates make it so different foods consumed during a meal aren’t combined. When combined with other flavors on a plate, a dish that is despised might become overpowering. 

Separating the foods on a person’s plate into distinct sections can make it easier for them to bear the presence of the food they do not like, which is an excellent way to increase their exposure to it

— Durability

Mealtimes may be messy, especially for experienced parents, so we recommend shopping for plates that can handle some tossing. It is important to consider the plate’s material to get an idea of how easily it may crack.

For instance, some materials, such as plastic or silicone, are more durable than others, such as ceramic or glass plates used by adults, particularly when dropped.

— BPA-Free

Since your children will be eating off these plates, look for ones free of phthalates and BPA. The ideal materials are plastic and silicone because they won’t crack or shatter if your child drops or throws them.

— Portability

Your lifestyle is also something to consider when looking for the best plates for toddlers. If you and your family travel a lot, you should consider buying deep plates that can be covered with lids. Stackable plates are also easier to carry because they take up less space.

— Ease of Cleaning

To make it easier for yourself to do the dishes, you might want to consider getting dishwasher-safe toddler plates. Most of them are unless they’re made from certain materials (like bamboo). Stainless steel plates are not a good choice because you can’t put them in the microwave.

Other Special Toddler Dishes to Consider

Kids are clumsy, and that’s a fact. We adore our little ones to death, but their ability to hold something steady for two minutes is way below average. With that in mind, as your little one is learning to use a spoon and fork, why not consider some suction plates and bowls?

These dishes have a special design that works similarly to a suction cup. You can stick them to the table, and rest assured that kids won’t be able to knock their plates over anymore (intentionally or not). 

Bottom Line

When choosing the best plates for toddlers, remember a few ground rules to keep in mind. Always choose plates made from food-grade materials that are not toxic to kids. Remember that the odds of a kid pushing a plate off the table are high, so choose a shatter-proof one. Don’t choose easily scratchable plates because they are challenging to clean.

Frequently Asked Questions