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.

In this article:
Overall best baby plate
Best baby suction plate
Best silicone baby plate
Best bamboo baby plate
Best metal baby plate
Best baby placemat plate
Best budget-friendly baby plate
Overall best baby bowl
Best baby suction bowl
Best silicone baby bowl
Best bamboo baby bowl
Best metal baby bowl
Best budget-friendly baby bowl
Best baby dinner set

What to Look for in Baby Plates and Bowls

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 the 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. 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 onto 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 first 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 that 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!

Best Baby Plates

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 session.

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Best Baby Bowls

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. %% PRODUCT 9 %% %% PRODUCT 10 %% %% PRODUCT 11 %% %% PRODUCT 12 %% %% PRODUCT 13 %% %% PRODUCT 14 %% %% PRODUCT 15 %%

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