Should I use divided plates for my toddler?

You don’t necessarily have to use divided plates for your toddler. Divided plates typically feature anywhere from two to four sections for food. Depending on the plate, some of the divided sections are deep enough for children to scoop food out more easily. Plus, children may be more willing to eat their fruits and veggies if placed in a segmented plate. Dr. Anttila says divided plates are also a great option for kiddos who don’t like their food touching. “Divided plates can be particularly wonderful for children who are more bothered about different foods touching, which can be more common in neurodivergent children. It can also be helpful for parents to fill certain places with particular amounts or consistencies of food! Oftentimes, food ends up mixed together by the end of the meal, whether one uses a divided plate or not!”

When can a toddler use a plate?

Because children can begin solids at a young age, your little one can start using a plate as young as 4 months old. “A plate can be used anytime when you begin serving foods to your child! Something that suctions to the table in front of the child may be preferred early on when a baby is less coordinated. A high chair’s tray surface can be used as the serving surface as well,” Dr. Anttila says. “One advantage to placing food directly on a placement or high chair is less distraction of the plate falling (or later, being thrown) from the table.” However, keep in mind that many babies aren’t ready for solids until 6 months old or older, as they need to be able to hold their head up and at least weigh double their birth weight. “Around 10 to 12 months is when a baby starts to self-feed. Plates or bowls can be introduced to them to serve their food,” Dr. Agarwal explains to Verywell Family. “They will start by using their fingers to pick up the food when self-feeding. Don't expect them to use utensils right away for self-feeding.” There’s something that’s more important than choosing plates and utensils for the solid food transition, according to the experts, and that’s becoming certified in CPR. “I highly encourage all parents to become trained in infant CPR,” Dr. Scott says. “A choking infant or toddler is very frightening to witness, and you want to be equipped with what to do. These courses are offered through the Red Cross as well as YMCAs .”

What plates are the best for baby-led weaning?

Baby-led weaning is offering little ones the opportunity to feed themselves the same thing you’re having for dinner. However, food pieces with baby-led weaning are often smaller or cut, to help make pieces more manageable for babies. The goal is to help children learn how to feed themselves. “For baby-led weaning, it is important that the food is easy for baby to access with either (or both) hand(s)—so a plate or bowl with a low edge that will help food stay in his/her reach is a good choice—the silicone plates that suction to the high chair are a good option, as they keep the presented food in front of the child,” says Dr. Anttila. “Some families using baby-led weaning may opt to put food directly on a placemat or high chair tray. This option allows for ample space for the infant to explore food textures with both hands.” If you don’t have a divided plate yet and want to get started, Dr. Scott says you can use a muffin tin in the meantime. “Another option is using a muffin tin, either in stainless steel or silicone, which works well as dividers, although these will not have suction cups attached,” she says. “These can be fun and a change for a 3- to 4-year-old, making it easy for them to choose among their selections at meal time.”

The Best Toddler Plates and Bowls of 2023

It’s an exciting time when your little one starts eating solid foods, which can happen as young as 4 months old, though you may find your little one closer to 6 months old before they’re ready. With your baby’s tiny, adorable bites come big messes, so durable plates and bowls are a must. Toddler plates and bowls are often made with strong material such as silicone, and come with features necessary for small kiddos, like suction cups for security.

Ashley Anttila, MD, of Nemours Children’s Health in Delaware, tells Verywell Family there are no exact “right answers” when it comes to feeding your little ones. “I encourage trying different things for different babies or toddlers! Different foods, textures, temperatures, [and] consistencies all make for a varied diet throughout this period of life!”

There are dozens of different toddler bowls and plates on the market, so consider some important factors before purchasing. Look for plates and bowls that are durable enough to withstand any tosses to the floor and are easy to use for children, parents, and caregivers. Additionally, keep in mind your family’s lifestyle, as that will determine if you need items that are more travel friendly. We carefully considered design, material, durability, functionality, ease of cleaning and use, and value when reviewing products.

Here are the best toddler plates and bowls on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

WeeSprout Divided Suction Plates With Lids at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Nuk First Essentials Bunch-a-Bowls at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Splurge:

BabyBjörn Baby Dinner Set at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Set:

Avanchy Bamboo Feeding Set at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Bamboo:

WeeSprout Bamboo Toddler Plates at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Stainless Steel:

Ahimsa Mindful Mealtime Set at Walmart

Jump to Review

Best Placemat:

EZPZ Happy Bowl Placemat at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Non-Suction:

Munchkin Splash Dining Set at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Snacks:

Oxo Tot Stick & Stay Suction Plate at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
How we selected
What to Look For
Why Trust Verywell Family

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Lids included
Dividers
Suction cups

Cons

Will not stick to every surface

Made from 100 percent food-grade silicone, these divided plates from WeeSprouts are free of harmful chemicals. Each plate features three sections with raised edges to hold food while included lids help you store leftovers with ease. There are also four suction cups on the bottom of each plate to keep it securely attached to nearly any surface. Plus, these plates are safe to use in the microwave, dishwasher, and even the oven, making meal prepping easier.

Price at time of publication: $24

^{Key Specs:
Material: Silicone | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Microwave Safe: Yes | Age Recommendation: Not listed}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Snap-lock lids
BPA-free
Microwave, dishwasher, and freezer safe

Cons

Microwaving too long can cause warping
No suction cups

If you’re looking for simple, easy-to-use bowls for your little one, we think you’ll love the Nuk First Essentials Bunch-a-Bowls. These bowls are safe for infants 4 months old and up, so they can be used as soon as your baby starts solid foods and into toddlerhood.

The bowls stack for easy storage and are safe to use in the dishwasher, microwave, and freezer. Plus, each BPA-free plastic bowl comes with a lid that snaps on to prevent leaks or store leftovers.

Price at time of publication: $7

^{Key Specs:
Material: Plastic | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Microwave Safe: Yes | Age Recommendation: 4 months and up}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Five dinner pieces included
Multiple color options available
Easy to clean

Cons

No bowl included
Fork/spoon too large to hold for some children

The BabyBjörn Baby Dinner Set comes with everything your kiddo needs for mealtime. Included in the set is one plate, a fork and spoon with easy-to-grip handles, one 3.4-ounce cup, and one bib, all of which can be cleaned in the dishwasher. The microwave-safe plate features a removable, nonskid liner for easier washing and better security at the table.

To help contain messes, the BabyBjörn bib has a scooped bottom to capture the food that doesn’t make it into the baby’s mouth, and features an adjustable neckline for a comfortable fit. Each set comes in a gift box, making it a great gift idea. You can also keep the box for storage purposes.

Price at time of publication: $55

^{Key Specs:
Material: Polypropylene (PP) and thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Microwave Safe: Yes | Age Recommendation: 4 months old and up}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Suction on bottom of bowl/plate
Materials are free of toxic chemicals
Silicone rings are removable

Cons

Bamboo is hand-wash only
Not microwave safe

Whether your child is just starting solids or is already a toddler, this bamboo feeding set from Avanchy can be used for children for years. Safe for little ones 4 months and up, the plate, bowl, and two spoons are sustainably made from bamboo with a removable silicone liner for easier cleaning.

The set is available in nearly 10 different colors, and each piece in the set is free of harmful chemicals. While the set is not microwave safe and the bamboo must be hand-washed, you can toss the silicone liners into the dishwasher for a deeper cleaning.

Price at time of publication: $42

^{Key Specs:
Material: Bamboo and silicone | Dishwasher Safe: No | Microwave Safe: No | Age Recommendation: 4 months and up}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Chip-resistant/scratchproof
Dishwasher safe
Stackable

Cons

Not microwave safe
No dividers/lids

If you’re looking for durable, eco-friendly plates, the WeeSprout Bamboo Toddler Plates are a great place to start. Not only are these plates made from bamboo material, but they are stylish enough to blend in with any kitchen decor and stack together for simple storage.

While the plates can be safely used in the dishwasher or freezer, they should not be used in the microwave. Safe for hot and cold meals, the plates can be used by everyone in the family for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert.

Price at time of publication: $20

^{Key Specs:
Material: Bamboo | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Microwave Safe: No | Age Recommendation: Not listed}

Courtesy of Bed, Bath & Beyond

Pros

Appealing look
Easy to clean
Five pieces included in set

Cons

Not microwave safe
All pieces may not fit on every high chair

For families who want to avoid plastic, we think you’ll love this five-piece stainless steel set from Ahimsa. This set includes one plate, fork, spoon, cup, and bowl, all of which are available in three different colors: classic, rainbow, or iridescent blue.

The company recommends hand-washing the pieces, but they are also dishwasher safe for easy and fast cleaning. The pieces can also be stacked for simple storage, and are safe for toddlers 12 months old and up.

Price at time of publication: $64

^{Key Specs:
Material: Stainless steel | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Microwave Safe: No | Age Recommendation: 12 months old and up}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Placemat suctions to surfaces
Easy to clean
Mat catches messes

Cons

May not fit every high chair
May not stick to every surface

It’s no secret that babies and toddlers enjoy playing with their food, so finding a durable bowl to last through those major league food throws is essential. We think parents and caregivers will appreciate the EZPZ Happy Bowl Placemat, a two-in-one combination of a silicone bowl and placemat. The placemat easily sticks to the high chair or table, and the mat captures messes outside of the bowl for easier cleanup.

Whether your little one enjoys oatmeal or soup, the placemat can be used in the microwave or oven and cleaned via the dishwasher. If you have multiple littles, the placemats are stackable, so you can carry food from one area to another with ease.

Price at time of publication: $23

^{Key Specs:
Material: Silicone | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Microwave Safe: Yes | Age Recommendation: 6 months and up}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Plates/bowls stack together
Nonslip bottoms
Dishwasher and microwave safe

Cons

Scratches easily

Once kiddos are past throwing their plate at every meal, many parents and caregivers switch to plates and bowls without suction cups. This affordable, four-piece set from Munchkin comes with two bowls and two divided plastic plates with deep walls for easy scooping.

Though they don’t have suction cups, the plates and bowls still come with a nonslip bottom for security at the dinner table. Each piece in the set is dishwasher and microwave safe and can be used for littles as young as 6 months old.

Price at time of publication: $13

^{Key Specs:
Material: Plastic | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Microwave Safe: Yes | Age Recommendation: 6 months old and up}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Four sections (dipping sauce section)
Suction pad
Dishwasher and microwave safe

Cons

Sections are shallow
Certain foods may stain it

With three sections for food and a bonus section for sauce in the middle, the OXO Tot Stick & Stay Plate is great for snacks as well as any mealtime. The plastic plate features a removable silicone suction base and can safely be tossed in the dishwasher or microwave. Plus, the plate can be used for babies as young as 6 months old, so you’ll get plenty of use out of it.

Price at time of publication: $11

^{Key Specs:
Material: Plastic and silicone | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Microwave Safe: Yes | Age Recommendation: 6 months old and up}

How We Selected the Best Toddler Plates and Bowls

We chose the best toddler plates and bowls by researching reviews from customers and competitors and studying the features of more than 20 products on the market. We considered price, design, ease of cleaning, age recommendations, and material when deciding our picks. We also consulted with Ashley Anttila, MD, of Nemours Children’s Health, Delaware; Arunima Agarwal, MD, board-certified pediatrician of New York; and JustAnswer pediatrician Denise Scott, MD, for any considerations or product recommendations while reviewing guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics on portion sizes.

What to Look for in Toddler Plates and Bowls

Durability/Material

Veteran parents and caregivers know how messy mealtime can be, so we suggest looking for plates and bowls that can withstand some tossing (or hopefully prevent it!). Consider the type of material the plate is made from to get an idea of how breakable it may be. For example, some materials, such as silicone or plastic, are more durable than glass or ceramic plates adults use, especially when dropped.

Dr. Scott suggests following a few guidelines when it comes to toddler plates and bowls, and recommends finding BPA- and phthalate-free plates if you plan on using plasticware. “Silicone and plastic are best, so that they won’t break should your toddler drop or throw it,” she says. “Consider plates and bowls with suction cups that adhere to the tray top so that they can’t be moved.”

Easy to Clean

To make life easier on yourself or the person you’re buying for, look for plates and bowls that are easy to clean. Most toddler plates and bowls are dishwasher-safe unless they’re made of certain materials, such as bamboo, or if the manufacturer states otherwise. “Stainless steel and bamboo are also options, but stainless can get hot or cold and can’t be microwaved, and bamboo has to be hand-washed,” explains Dr. Scott.

Be sure to check what’s safe for the plates and bowls to go through to ensure they’ll last a long time. Some companies recommend hand-washing over the dishwasher to preserve the integrity of the product, so if hand-washing isn’t your thing, look for dishwasher-safe plates and bowls.

Lifestyle

While you may not think of your family’s lifestyle when shopping for plates and bowls, how your family lives can affect the type of plates and bowls you buy. Families who travel often may find it easier to use plates and bowls with lids for better portability while on the go. However, families who stay home more often may not need those additional pieces. Also consider your child’s age, as you may prefer plates with suction cups for smaller babies who love to explore the world around them and experiment with gravity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use divided plates for my toddler?

You don’t necessarily have to use divided plates for your toddler. Divided plates typically feature anywhere from two to four sections for food. Depending on the plate, some of the divided sections are deep enough for children to scoop food out more easily. Plus, children may be more willing to eat their fruits and veggies if placed in a segmented plate.
Dr. Anttila says divided plates are also a great option for kiddos who don’t like their food touching. “Divided plates can be particularly wonderful for children who are more bothered about different foods touching, which can be more common in neurodivergent children. It can also be helpful for parents to fill certain places with particular amounts or consistencies of food! Oftentimes, food ends up mixed together by the end of the meal, whether one uses a divided plate or not!”
When can a toddler use a plate?

Because children can begin solids at a young age, your little one can start using a plate as young as 4 months old. “A plate can be used anytime when you begin serving foods to your child! Something that suctions to the table in front of the child may be preferred early on when a baby is less coordinated. A high chair’s tray surface can be used as the serving surface as well,” Dr. Anttila says. “One advantage to placing food directly on a placement or high chair is less distraction of the plate falling (or later, being thrown) from the table.”
However, keep in mind that many babies aren’t ready for solids until 6 months old or older, as they need to be able to hold their head up and at least weigh double their birth weight. “Around 10 to 12 months is when a baby starts to self-feed. Plates or bowls can be introduced to them to serve their food,” Dr. Agarwal explains to Verywell Family. “They will start by using their fingers to pick up the food when self-feeding. Don't expect them to use utensils right away for self-feeding.”
There’s something that’s more important than choosing plates and utensils for the solid food transition, according to the experts, and that’s becoming certified in CPR. “I highly encourage all parents to become trained in infant CPR,” Dr. Scott says. “A choking infant or toddler is very frightening to witness, and you want to be equipped with what to do. These courses are offered through the Red Cross as well as YMCAs.”
What plates are the best for baby-led weaning?

Baby-led weaning is offering little ones the opportunity to feed themselves the same thing you’re having for dinner. However, food pieces with baby-led weaning are often smaller or cut, to help make pieces more manageable for babies. The goal is to help children learn how to feed themselves.
“For baby-led weaning, it is important that the food is easy for baby to access with either (or both) hand(s)—so a plate or bowl with a low edge that will help food stay in his/her reach is a good choice—the silicone plates that suction to the high chair are a good option, as they keep the presented food in front of the child,” says Dr. Anttila. “Some families using baby-led weaning may opt to put food directly on a placemat or high chair tray. This option allows for ample space for the infant to explore food textures with both hands.”
If you don’t have a divided plate yet and want to get started, Dr. Scott says you can use a muffin tin in the meantime. “Another option is using a muffin tin, either in stainless steel or silicone, which works well as dividers, although these will not have suction cups attached,” she says. “These can be fun and a change for a 3- to 4-year-old, making it easy for them to choose among their selections at meal time.”

Why Trust Verywell Family

Katrina Cossey has been a digital content producer and news and feature writer for more than six years. She has covered topics ranging from local and national news as well as writing and researching parenting content. Katrina is a parent herself and highly recommends plates and bowls with suction cups for younger babies. She now uses the Munchkin Splash Dining Set for a non-suction plate and bowl for her toddler son.