Do you ever worry about what your kids eat off of? It’s a common concern for parents. Many of us want to give our children the best, and that includes the dishes they use for every meal. But navigating the world of plates for kids can be tricky. You want something safe, durable, and maybe even a little fun, but plastic seems to be everywhere.
The truth is, choosing non-plastic plates for your little ones comes with its own set of challenges. You might wonder about durability – will a glass plate survive a toddler’s enthusiastic mealtime? Or perhaps you’re concerned about weight – is a heavy ceramic plate practical for small hands? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the choices and the potential downsides.
But don’t worry! This post is here to help you. We’ll explore some fantastic alternatives to plastic that are great for your kids and the planet. You’ll learn about different materials, their pros and cons, and how to pick the perfect plates that make mealtime a little easier and a lot safer. Let’s dive in and discover some wonderful non-plastic plate options!
Our Top 5 Non Plastic Plates For Kids Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Non Plastic Plates For Kids Detailed Reviews
1. Homienly Deep Dinner Plates Set of 8 Alternative for Plastic Plates Microwave and Dishwasher Safe Wheat Straw Plates for Kitchen Unbreakable Kids Plate Set with 4 Colors (Classic Bright
Rating: 9.3/10
Tired of broken dishes and flimsy plasticware? The Homienly Deep Dinner Plates Set of 8 offers a fantastic alternative for your kitchen. These 9-inch plates are made from a blend of organic wheat straw and food-grade PP, making them a healthy and eco-friendly choice. They’re completely BPA-free and won’t give off any weird smells. Plus, they’re super durable and can handle everyday use, making them perfect for families with kids or for anyone who enjoys outdoor dining without the worry of breakage.
What We Like:
- Made from natural wheat straw and safe food-grade PP, so they’re 100% BPA-free and non-toxic.
- They come in four fun colors: orange, yellow, blue, and green, which kids will absolutely love.
- These plates are incredibly lightweight, making them easy for everyone to carry, especially little hands.
- They are unbreakable, so you don’t have to stress about them chipping or shattering if they get dropped.
- Cleaning is a breeze because they are both dishwasher and microwave safe.
- They can handle temperatures up to 248°F (120℃) in the microwave.
- This set of 8 makes a thoughtful gift for housewarmings, birthdays, or any occasion.
What Could Be Improved:
- While they are microwave-safe, the temperature limit means they might not be suitable for very high-heat cooking.
- The “deep” description might imply a very high rim, but they are standard dinner plate depth.
This Homienly plate set is a smart and stylish upgrade for your kitchen. They offer durability, safety, and a splash of color, making meal times more enjoyable for everyone.
2. Bakpoco Stainless Steel Kids Plates Set of 2
Rating: 9.1/10
Make mealtime a breeze and a delight with the Bakpoco Stainless Steel Kids Plates Set of 2! These 9-inch divided plates are designed for toddlers and babies, offering a non-toxic, unbreakable, and colorful solution for snacks, picnics, and everyday dining. They’re also great for camping and controlling snack portions.
What We Like:
- Health-Focused Design: Made from safe, food-grade 304 18/8 stainless steel, these plates are free from BPA, lead, and other harmful chemicals. They have no sharp edges and are CPC certified for your child’s safety.
- Built to Last: These plates are shatter-proof and incredibly durable, perfect for energetic toddlers. They are stackable for easy storage and dishwasher-safe for simple cleanup.
- Fun and Engaging: The vibrant rainbow finish makes these plates exciting for kids, encouraging them to try new foods and enjoy self-feeding. Mealtime becomes a fun experience!
- Promotes Healthy Eating: The three compartments are ideal for portion control, helping your child develop balanced eating habits. They are great for exposing kids to a variety of foods, reducing picky eating.
- Versatile Use: Beyond meals, these plates are perfect for snacks, picnics, camping trips, and even portion control for adults. They help manage snack intake to avoid spoiling appetites for main meals.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the rainbow finish is appealing, the “bling” aspect might be a matter of personal preference and could potentially wear over time with very heavy use.
- The “metal food tray” description could imply a heavier, more rigid tray than what a typical divided plate might be; clarifying the exact weight and rigidity would be helpful.
These Bakpoco plates are a fantastic, healthy, and fun choice for families. They make mealtime less messy and more enjoyable for everyone.
3. Elk and Friends Kids 7.8” Porcelain White Plates with Silicone Sleeves
Rating: 9.3/10
Feeding time just got a whole lot easier and more stylish with the Elk and Friends Kids 7.8” Porcelain White Plates with Silicone Sleeves. These plates are designed for everything from tiny snacks to big family dinners, making them a versatile addition to your child’s mealtime routine.
What We Like:
- The 7.8-inch size offers plenty of space for all sorts of foods, from messy spaghetti to neatly stacked pancakes.
- Each plate has a removable silicone sleeve that helps little hands grip and keeps the plate steady on the table, encouraging independent eating.
- The high walls are great for scooping, making it easier for toddlers to get food onto their utensils.
- They are made from safe, durable porcelain and food-grade silicone.
- You can pop them straight into the dishwasher and microwave, even with the silicone sleeve still attached.
- Elk and Friends focuses on creating safe, eco-friendly products made with natural materials.
- The plates are independently tested to meet safety standards, giving parents peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the silicone sleeve adds stability, some very enthusiastic eaters might still manage to tip the plate.
- The white color, while classic, can show stains more easily than colored dinnerware.
These plates are a fantastic choice for families looking for durable, safe, and thoughtfully designed dinnerware. They truly support a child’s journey towards confident self-feeding.
4. Grow Forward Bamboo Kids Plates and Bowls Sets – 8-Piece Dishwasher Safe Non Toxic Plates for Kids – Reusable Eco Friendly BPA Free Dishes Dinnerware Sets for Children – Rainforest
Rating: 9.4/10
Say goodbye to mealtime meltdowns and hello to stress-free dining with the Grow Forward Bamboo Kids Plates and Bowls Set. This stunning 8-piece set, designed with a beautiful “Rainforest” theme, brings elegance and practicality to your child’s table. It’s the perfect solution for making feeding time easier and more enjoyable for both you and your little ones.
What We Like:
- The set includes 8 plates and bowls, offering great value.
- The design features a high lip on the plates, helping toddlers scoop food easily.
- Bowls are stable with a wide base and shallow depth, perfect for tiny hands.
- The bamboo material is high-quality, sturdy, and durable, a great alternative to plastic.
- It’s an eco-friendly and sustainable choice, made from 100% biodegradable bamboo.
- The dishes are lightweight and stackable, ideal for travel or camping.
- They are easy to clean, resist stains and odors, and are top-rack dishwasher safe.
- The dishes are BPA, PVC, and Phthalate free, ensuring safety for your child.
- The scratch-proof finish helps prevent hidden germs.
- The elegant design and color tones make them a wonderful gift.
What Could Be Improved:
- While durable, the plates and bowls are not unbreakable and can chip or crack if dropped hard.
This Grow Forward Bamboo Kids Plates and Bowls Set is a fantastic investment for any parent looking for safe, sustainable, and stylish dinnerware. It makes mealtimes cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable for everyone.
5. Grow Forward Wheat Straw Kids Plates and Bowls Sets – 8-Piece Unbreakable Dishwasher & Microwave Safe Plastic Plates for Kids – Reusable Non Toxic BPA-Free Dinnerware for Children – Floral
Rating: 9.5/10
Make mealtime a breeze with the Grow Forward Wheat Straw Kids Plates and Bowls Set! This 8-piece set brings a touch of nature to your kitchen with its adorable floral design and nature-inspired color choices. It’s designed to help your little ones on their self-feeding adventure.
What We Like:
- The nature-inspired floral design is super cute and adds a touch of the outdoors to mealtime.
- The set includes 4 plates and 4 bowls, perfect for siblings or for having extras on hand.
- The bowls have a good 20oz capacity, and the 8-inch plates have lipped edges that really help keep food on the plate, making scooping easier for kids.
- These dishes are made from wheat straw, making them incredibly lightweight and practically unbreakable – great for those inevitable drops!
- They are completely safe for kids, being BPA-free and non-toxic.
- You can easily pop them in the microwave to warm up food and then toss them in the dishwasher for a quick cleanup.
- Stacking them is a breeze, saving you valuable cabinet space.
- Choosing these dishes is an earth-friendly decision, as wheat straw has a smaller carbon footprint than traditional plastic.
- Supporting this American business means you’re backing environmentally-conscious practices.
What Could Be Improved:
- While they are unbreakable, very aggressive chewing or biting could potentially damage the material over time.
- The floral design, while lovely, might not appeal to every child’s preference if they prefer solid colors or specific cartoon characters.
This Grow Forward set is a fantastic, eco-friendly option for parents looking for durable and safe dinnerware for their children. It makes meal preparation and cleanup simpler while encouraging independence at the table.
Choosing the Best Non-Plastic Plates for Your Little Ones
Finding safe and durable plates for kids can be a challenge. Plastic plates are everywhere, but many parents worry about chemicals. Luckily, there are fantastic alternatives! This guide will help you pick the perfect non-plastic plates for your children.
Why Choose Non-Plastic Plates?
Many parents are looking for alternatives to plastic for their children’s dishes. They want to avoid certain chemicals that might be found in some plastics. Non-plastic plates offer peace of mind and are often more eco-friendly. They can also be more stylish and feel more substantial.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for non-plastic plates, keep these features in mind:
- Durability: Kids can be tough on their dishes. Look for plates that won’t shatter easily if dropped.
- Safety: Ensure the material is food-grade and free from harmful chemicals.
- Easy to Clean: Plates that are dishwasher-safe or easy to wipe clean are a lifesaver for busy parents.
- Size and Shape: Plates that are appropriately sized for little hands and meals are best. Divided plates can help keep food separate, which some kids prefer.
- Design: Fun colors and designs can make mealtime more enjoyable for children.
Important Materials to Consider
Several materials make excellent non-plastic plates for kids:
- Bamboo: This is a sustainable and natural material. Bamboo plates are lightweight and surprisingly strong. They are biodegradable, which is great for the environment.
- Wheat Straw: This is made from the stalks of wheat plants left after harvesting. It’s a renewable resource. Wheat straw plates are durable and feel similar to plastic but are compostable.
- Stainless Steel: Stainless steel plates are incredibly durable and will last for years. They are also easy to clean and don’t hold onto odors. They are a fantastic choice for older kids or for picnics.
- Ceramic/Porcelain: These plates offer a classic look and feel. They are dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe. However, they can break if dropped, so they are better suited for children who are careful. Look for thicker, sturdier designs.
- Silicone: Food-grade silicone is a flexible and safe option. It’s often used for suction plates that stick to the table, preventing spills. Silicone is durable and easy to clean.
Factors That Affect Quality
The quality of non-plastic plates can vary. Here’s what to look for:
- Material Thickness: Thicker bamboo or wheat straw plates tend to be more durable.
- Finish and Sealing: For bamboo, a good food-safe sealant prevents staining and makes cleaning easier.
- Construction: For stainless steel, check for smooth edges and a sturdy build. For ceramic, look for even glazes and no cracks.
- Brand Reputation: Reputable brands often use higher-quality materials and have better manufacturing processes. Reading reviews can help you gauge quality.
User Experience and Use Cases
Non-plastic plates offer a great user experience.
- Everyday Meals: Bamboo and wheat straw plates are perfect for daily use. They are lightweight enough for toddlers to carry.
- On-the-Go: Stainless steel plates are ideal for packed lunches, picnics, and camping. They are unbreakable and easy to pack.
- Special Occasions: Ceramic or porcelain plates can add a touch of elegance to family dinners.
- Messy Eaters: Silicone suction plates are a game-changer for preventing food from flying across the room.
Making the Right Choice
Think about your child’s age and eating habits. For younger children, prioritize durability and safety. For older kids, style and material might be more important.
Frequently Asked Questions About Non-Plastic Plates for Kids
Q: Are bamboo plates safe for kids?
A: Yes, bamboo plates made from food-grade bamboo and finished with non-toxic, food-safe coatings are safe for children.
Q: How do I clean bamboo plates?
A: Most bamboo plates are best hand-washed with mild soap and water. Avoid soaking them for long periods, and dry them thoroughly. Some might be top-rack dishwasher safe, but check the manufacturer’s instructions.
Q: Are wheat straw plates durable?
A: Wheat straw plates are generally quite durable for everyday use. They are not as breakable as ceramic but might chip or crack if dropped from a significant height.
Q: Can I put stainless steel plates in the microwave?
A: No, you should never put stainless steel plates in the microwave as they can cause sparks and damage the appliance.
Q: Are silicone plates good for toddlers?
A: Yes, silicone plates, especially those with suction bases, are excellent for toddlers. They help prevent spills and are very durable.
Q: What is the difference between bamboo and wheat straw plates?
A: Bamboo plates are made from the bamboo plant itself, while wheat straw plates are made from the stalks left over after wheat is harvested. Both are eco-friendly, but their look and feel can differ slightly.
Q: Are ceramic plates too fragile for kids?
A: Ceramic plates can be fragile, but thicker, well-made ceramic plates can be suitable for older, more careful children. They are best used under supervision.
Q: Do non-plastic plates get stained easily?
A: Some materials, like bamboo, can stain if they come into contact with strongly colored foods for extended periods. Proper cleaning and prompt washing help prevent this.
Q: Are these plates eco-friendly?
A: Many non-plastic plate options, like bamboo and wheat straw, are considered eco-friendly because they are made from renewable resources and are often biodegradable or compostable.
Q: Can I find non-plastic plates with suction bottoms?
A: Yes, you can easily find non-plastic plates, especially those made from silicone, that come with suction bottoms to help them stick to highchair trays or tables.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.