After the weaning stages and introducing your baby to new foods, you'll notice that your toddler is developing a sense of independence when it comes to meal times. During this phase, you may want to encourage their autonomy by involving them in shopping trips, allowing them to choose between meals and eating from the best toddler plates.
As well as helping to develop their fine motor skills, using cutlery that's specifically for toddlers keeps them engaged during meal times with their fun designs. That's why we've rounded up plenty of toddler plates suitable for their little hands.
There's a variety of toddler plates available, from divided plates to suction plates. Either way, it all goes towards helping you raise a happy eater.
What to look for in a toddler plate?
There's a lot to consider before making a purchase when it comes to a new plate for your little one. Here are some things to look out for when buying a plate for toddlers.
Is it within budget? Thankfully, these products tend to be fairly affordable. However, it's good to stick to a budget if an expensive cost is something you're wanting to avoid. There are some great budget options available at local supermarkets.
What material is it? Your toddler's plate needs to be made from a lightweight, durable and easy to clean material that isn't going to smash if it falls off the table (and believe us, it will). If sustainability is important to you, choosing non-plastic alternatives like bamboo is a great option. If you do prefer to use plastic, look for certified non-toxic materials without traces of BPA.
Is it dishwasher safe? A plate that's easy to clean is a must, but having one that's suitable for use in the dishwasher is an even bigger bonus. If this is something that's important to you, always read the specifications to see if it can be put in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.
Does it have suction cups? If you have a mischievous little tot who likes to make a bit of a mess during meal times, perhaps a plate with suction cups on the bottom may be an idea. These plates stick to the table and stop them from moving their plate about too much.
Is it divided? A lot of toddler plates tend to be divided into sections, but if this isn't your thing, you can always choose a plate that is undivided. This generally comes down to preference, or whether you have a tot who's a fussy eater.
Best toddler plates
Best toddler plate set bundle
This bundle was awarded Gold in our 2023 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Feeding Products for Weaning.
When it comes to weaning, finding the best baby spoons, bowls and suction plates really do make the world of difference. This adorable weaning bundle from Joyto includes a bowl, lion-shaped plate and spoon, all made from 100 per cent bamboo. The bowl has a super silicone suction base to keep it firmly in one place, while the spoon has a silicone end that's gentle on your baby's gums and little teeth.
Pros:
• Cute design available in six colours
• Toxin free, BPA free, phthalates free, PVC and lead free
• Made from 100 per cent bamboo with high quality food grade silicone spoon end
Cons:
• Not suitable for the dishwasher
Our mum tester Holly said: "I love the cute design and the suction bases are great, they stick really well to prevent baby from pulling them off the highchair," she said. "I really love the silicon spoons too, they are quite big and great for helping baby to feed themselves with."
Best tray-style toddler plate
The EasyMat MiniMax won Silver in the Mother&Baby Awards 2023 for Best Feeding Product for Weaning.
Designed as an alternative 'open-plate' version of EasyTots award-winning weaning essential suction mat, The EasyMat Mini divided happy face plate. The EasyMat MiniMax suction plate has the strongest suction power on the market, retaining all the great features of the EasyMat Mini but with the addition of an extra-strong large central suction base, meaning that even if your baby beats the corner suckers they will not move this plate! Made to fit most high chairs it also doubles up as a lunchbox, perfect for at home and feeding on the go.
Pros:
• Comes with a lid
• No more mess
• Microwave and dishwasher safe
Cons:
• But pricey
One mum tester said: "I love this product! My little boy is a messy eater and likes to throw everything off his highchair. We’ve tried lots of different suction plates and bowls but he’s managed to unstick all except the EasyMat MiniMax. We’ve used it for breakfast cereal, pasta dinners and loads more."
Best toddler plate with dividers
Meal times can get messy with a new self-feeding baby or toddlers that are learning their strength. However, the suction base on this plate will adhere to most surfaces to stop them from toppling the plate. Choose from colour combinations of blue and green or pink and purple. As for easy cleaning, simply place it in the top rack of the dishwasher!
Pros:
• Dishwasher friendly
• Comes in different colour options
• Quick release tabs on each suction base for easy parent removal
Cons:
• Suction not as strong as some hoped
Review: "Needed something like this as my nephew has a habit of throwing his plate around, these are ideal though and work a treat. The suction holds really well and they are portioned so ideal for different types of food. Easy enough to clean as well."
Best toddler plate with no dividers
Not only are these plates great value for money, but they're also free from toxic chemicals such as BPAs. The deep lip means easier eating for your toddler, as well as the fact that these plates can be stacked away in your cupboard to give you more space. They're also suitable for use in the microwave and even in your dishwasher.
Pros:
• Microwave and dishwasher friendly
• BPA, phthalate and latex free
• Bright and vibrant colours
Cons:
• May mark easily
Review: "These plates are excellent for my 2 yr old granddaughter she walks around sometimes with her food but because of the lip the food doesn’t fall off the plate, I also love the choice of colours as like any toddler they have a mind of their own and like to choose a different one each time."
Best toddler plate to keep their attention
Munchkin Lil' Apple Plates are ideal for toddlers learning to eat a variety of foods, with three sections in a cute apple shaped plate, it's easy for your little one to scoop the sides to help them learn to self feed. BPA-free and suitable from six months of age, these plates are also dishwasher and microwave safe.
Pros:
• Microwave and dishwasher friendly
• Easy grip handle for serving
• Fun apple shaped design
Cons:
• Smaller than expected
Review: "Great little plates for making mealtimes a bit more toddler friendly. My 20-month-old is great with his food but his problem is he just won't sit still! We were struggling to keep his attention for long enough for him to finish a meal without trying to climb out of his highchair so I decided to buy these along with some shaped food cutters to make things more interesting for him. I love the sections as it helps me to make sure I'm providing him with an interesting meal with a varied selection of food groups and he likes it. Fits well on his highchair tray and goes through the dishwasher well."
Best toddler plates with deep dividers
These divided plates are microwave, dishwasher, oven, and freezer safe. They're easy to clean and virtually unbreakable, no matter how mischievous your little munchkin gets. Made from premium quality pure silicone, these plates are free of BPA, phthalates, or other harmful and toxic materials.
Pros:
• Dishwasher, microwave, oven and freezer friendly
• Different colour combinations available
• FDA approved
Cons:
• No suction cups
Review: "Good plates, I love that my kids can't break them. It's a little hard to get some foods off the plates, unless you soak them for awhile. I haven't had any "suction power" with these though, they still move around all over the table when my kids push them around. At the end of the day it's still decent plates, though a bit pricey. We enjoy them though."
Best stain resistant todder plate
uk.iherb.com
The Sili Elephant plate is perfect for picky eaters with its deep compartments, and a great way to introduce new foods and encourage healthy eating. Made from 100 per cent food grade silicone, it doesn't stain, harbour odours and is durable against little hands. Powerful suction cups that adhere to highchairs, tables and counters mean less of a mess at meal times.
Pros:
• Great suction power
• Microwave and dishwasher friendly
• BPA, BPS, Lead, Phthalate and PVC free
Cons:
• Expensive
Review: "I liked the plate very much! It is made of dense silicone, the sides are held firmly, it is convenient for the child to eat! Big enough. The vegetable puree from the carrot jar did not stain the surface. The suction cup covers almost the entire diameter and fits tightly."
Best toddler plate overall
Shortlisted Best Toddler Food Range/Product at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards
Read our full tried and tested review of the Bamboo Bamboo Unicorn Suction Plate here
This adorable suction plate is sure to keep your little one under its enchanting spell. A good size and sturdy, this plate is made from 100 per cent natural bamboo which is antibacterial and toxin-free. The powerful food-grade silicone suction base also means no more flips, spills and mess.
Pros:
• Award winning design
• Different designs available
• Made from sustainable natural bamboo
Cons:
• Expensive
Mother & Baby Tester, Chantelle, said: "I love this plate. It makes mealtimes less messy! No more plate being flung across the room with dinner on it. I can nip across the room and grab something without finding a pile of mess on the floor when in come back. It is really easy to clean too. You ideally need a brush just to get in all the corners properly but it comes apart and back together easily."
Best toddler plate with simple design
There never seems to be enough plates in the cupboard with your snack-happy toddler around. These plates are perfectly sized for toddler meals and fit great on high chair trays and small placemats. With vibrant colours to attract their attention, once they've finished their meal you can pop them in the dishwasher for an easy clean.
Pros:
• Dishwasher and microwave friendly
• Bright and vibrant colours
• Part of a matching set
Cons:
• Grip may not be ideal
Review: "Let’s be honest, we care about just a few things with toddler feeding plates and bowls: Will they survive being frisbee’d across a kitchen; are they the right size; can I throw them in the dishwasher. The answer is positive on all counts. Buy with confidence."
Best toddler plate with deep base
www.kidly.co.uk
A stylish pick for snacking, dividing, dipping or portioning, that grips surfaces firmly and helps small hands find their food. Designed in premium silicone for its velvety-soft feel and durability, with curved walls to help them find their food. Suitable for use in the dishwasher, microwave, oven or freezer, this suction divided plate from KIDLY is a versatile bit of dinnerware for your toddler.
Pros:
• Dishwasher, microwave, oven and freezer friendly
• Made from durable silicone material
• Curved walls assist scooping
Cons:
• Suction not as strong as some hoped
Review: "The best plates we’ve had so far! These are so far indestructible and not easy to pull off the high chair, they are nice and deep too so food doesn’t spill over easily when learning to use cutlery. A big thumbs up from my 18 month old!"
Best toddler plate with novelty design
This plate has a unique design in bright colours to make mealtime more fun for your little one. It's made with 100 per cent food-grade silicone with BPA, PVC, BPS and Phthalate free. It has strong suction and is dishwasher, microwave, and freezer safe. We love how handy it is for dividing foods as well as fun for a car-loving tot!
Pros:
• Dishwasher, microwave, oven and freezer friendly
• Different colour choices available
• Easy to clean
Cons:
• Suction not as strong as some hoped
Review: "Just what we needed. It's so lovely and my 16-month-old absolutely loves it. It's great for getting him to try different things at his own pace. The suction cups work really well and it cleans brilliantly. There's no staining from curry and bologna and it looks as good now 2 weeks after use as it did when it arrived. It's easy to clean and can even be put in the dishwasher. I'd definitely recommend them to my friends!"
Best toddler plate with cute design
In colour choices of pink, blue or green, this toddler plate with a suction cup base will have them engaged during their meals. Free from toxins and suitable for use in the microwave and dishwasher, this adorable toddler feeding plate has deep divided sections to make feeding easier for your tot.
Pros:
• Microwave, dishwasher and refrigerator friendly
• Different colour choices available
• BPA, BPS, PVC, lead and phthalate free
Cons:
• Suction not as strong as some hoped
Review: "I love this plate! Soft and durable. Good size portions and great suction that doesn't cause you too struggle to pull off nor do you have to worry about baby pulling up the plate either. It's easy to clean and stain resistant (spaghetti sauce did not stain inside and it was left in overnight!!!) Cute pastel pink colour and cute little face inside without being too distracting or ugly for that matter. I like that it's no colouring on the face so you don't have to worry about anything bleeding into the food. I looked through hundreds of suction plates and finally decided on this one and I'm glad I did. The quality is great and the pricing was even better."
Best toddler plate with spoon
Yet another sustainable alternative to plastics, this ethically made and organic bamboo plate comes with a spoon to encourage self-feeding. The adorable plate features an extra strong suction base which grips to your high chair or table to prevent spills, and the spoon has food-grade silicone that's soft against gums and makes for easy scooping.
Pros:
• Removable suction base to plate
• Naturally anti-microbial and anti-bacterial
• Free from toxic materials
Cons:
• Expensive
Best transitional toddler plate
www.kidly.co.uk
The doddl Plate is expertly shaped for gaining mealtime skills. The lip at the back helps keep food on the plate, while the wider flat front gives them easier access while they learn to master their cutlery. The colourful splat in the centre isn't just decorative, as it focuses their attention on the action, with a non-slip base to keep it stable. All this and it's made of a biodegradable material, is free from BPAs and can be thrown in the dishwasher, too.
Pros:
• Dishwasher friendly
• Higher back helps keep food on the plate
• Non-slip base
Cons:
• Best from 12 months
Best ceramic toddler plate
www2.hm.com
Ready to make the transition from plastic to a grown-up plate for your toddler? This porcelain plate from H&M comes as part of a matching set is available in lion, polar bear or panda bear print. Your little one will love eating from these grown-up plates, although we do recommend these for older tots due to the fact it's a breakable material.
Pros:
• Different designs available
• Easy grip handles for serving
• Part of a matching set
Cons:
• Easily breakable
Review: "Lovely plate to upgrade my toddler from plastic plates. Quite heavy and not much lip round the side so will take some getting used to."
Best toddler plates: Our verdict
The best plate for toddlers would have to be the bamboo bamboo® Toddler Suction Cup Bamboo Plate. As well as having a number of differentdesignsavailable, the fact that they're made from bamboo means they're one of the more sustainable options.
Not only are these toddler plates better for the environment, but their designs are adorable too. From unicorns to bears to foxes, your toddler will recognise some of these friendly faces. With suction cups placed strategically on the bottom, it makes it harder for them to knock their plate over.
Finally, the bamboo bamboo Toddler Suction Cup Bamboo Plate is the highest-reviewed product on this list. It has overwhelmingly positive reviews on Amazon{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/'%20target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'} from fellow parents who can't recommend this toddler plate enough. Therefore, this plate has to take the winning spot on our list.
FAQs
Why do toddler plates have sections?
Toddler plates with sections allow the parent to divide portions according to a healthy balanced meal. Visually, this may help with the meal planning process for your toddler. It's good to get a variety of healthy food on your toddler's plate - and these sections remind us how to portion their food according to the food groups.
Are divided plates good for toddlers?
A divided plate may help toddlers with sensory sensitivities when it comes to enjoying their meals. Sensitive eaters may dislike their food touching, putting them off the whole meal. Therefore, divided plates allow them to really enjoy their meals, as this way, their food can be separated.