We'll beat any price by 5%* > 

Free Delivery over $149* >

Gift of Choice - Digital Gift Card >

Click & Collect in 3 hours* >

Baby Bunting
View Cart
Cart

Baby Plates and Bowls

huge range sale

Plunket

huge range sale

Key Summary:

  • Suction plates and bowls stick to highchair trays

  • Divided plates keep foods separated for toddlers who decree "nothing shall touch!”

  • Silicone, bamboo, and BPA-free plastic options suit different priorities (durability, eco-friendliness, budget)

  • Most are microwave and dishwasher safe—because life's too short for hand-washing tiny bowls

Welcome to the magnificent mess, where spaghetti becomes modern art and suction bases are the unsung heroes of dinnertime.

What Key Features to Consider When Choosing Baby Plates & Bowls?

The perfect plate won't stop the chaos entirely, but the right features help. Here's what actually matters:

  • Material: Silicone (soft, flexible, unbreakable), BPA-free plastic (lightweight, budget-friendly), bamboo (eco-conscious, sturdy)

  • Suction strength: Strong suction bases prevent plate-throwing Olympics

  • Size and portion capacity: Toddler portions are smaller than you think as oversized plates make meals look sad and lonely

  • Ease of cleaning: Smooth surfaces without crevices dry faster and harbour less gunk

  • Microwave and dishwasher compatibility: Check before buying as not all materials handle heat

  • Age suitability: Bowls with curved edges help toddlers scoop and flat plates work better for older kids mastering forks

What are the Types of Baby Plates & Bowls?

Different plates solve different dinnertime dramas:

  • Suction Plates & Bowls: The peace-keepers of mealtime. These have suction bases that stick to surfaces and resist curious hands testing gravity. Perfect for the ‘throw everything’ phase.

  • Divided Plates: Three compartments keep pasta, veg and protein in their designated zones. Essential for toddlers with strong opinions about touching foods.

  • Silicone Plates & Bowls: Soft, flexible, and virtually indestructible. They bounce when dropped (and they will be dropped). Microwave and dishwasher safe.

  • Training Bowls for Toddlers: Deep curved sides help little hands scoop food onto spoons without launching it across the room. Builds confidence in self-feeding.

Check our full range of feeding sets for coordinated plates, bowls and cutlery. We love a bit of matchy matchy!

Baby Plates vs Bowls: What Do You Need?

Feature

Plates

Bowls

Best for

Finger foods, self-feeding practice, older toddlers

Purees, cereals, soups, early eaters

Portion control

Visual sections help with balanced meals

Harder to gauge portions

Scooping ease

Requires more utensil skill

Curved sides assist beginners

Mess factor

Food can slide off edges

Contains liquids better

Age range

12+ months

6+ months

Versatility

Works for most meals

Limited to wet/soft foods

Realistically? You'll end up with both. Start with bowls for first foods and then add plates as your toddler masters self-feeding. 

For more advice on managing toddlers and dinner time, we've got you covered.

Final Word

The right plates and bowls won't stop the mess entirely (that's what bibs and floor mats are for), but they'll give your toddler the tools to master self-feeding. Chef's kiss to that.

Frequently Asked Questions

Suction plates with divided sections win for most families. The suction prevents plate-flinging, while dividers satisfy toddlers' firm beliefs about food separation. Silicone is brilliant for beginners as they’re soft, unbreakable and dishwasher safe.

Match it to your current challenge. Plate-throwing? Get strong suction. Food-touching wars? Choose divided plates. Need easy cleanup? Pick dishwasher-safe options. Starting solids? Deep bowls with curved sides help toddlers learn to scoop.

All our food-grade silicone is BPA-free, phthalate-free, and withstands heat without leaching chemicals. It's soft, quiet when dropped and safe for microwaves and dishwashers. Stainless steel is also non‑toxic and highly stable for food use, but unlike silicone, it can get hot to touch, and isn’t microwave safe. 

Absolutely! They stick to highchair trays and significantly reduce airborne meal incidents. Determined toddlers may eventually defeat the suction, but the release tab makes cleanup easier than prising off a stuck plate.

Many families start using bowls when introducing solids from around 6 months, depending on their feeding approach  Plates become useful around 12-18 months when babies eat more finger foods and practise with utensils. Don't rush it. Choose feeding products that suit your child’s stage and confidence with self-feeding.

Most are, but always check the label. Silicone handles heat beautifully and are both microwave and dishwasher safe. Some bamboo plates are dishwasher safe (top rack only), others need hand-washing. 

Rinse immediately after meals. Most are dishwasher safe (top rack for bamboo). For tough stains, soak in warm soapy water. Check for cracks regularly, especially around suction bases. For food safety guidance, read our article on preventing food poisoning at home.

Live chat icon, click to open the live chat pane.