Types of kids' plates and their purpose
Children's plates differ in shape, depth, and added features. Understanding the differences helps you choose a plate suited to your child's current developmental stage.
Divided plates
Ideal for varied meals. Dividers keep foods separate, helping children who do not want their food to touch. Typically have 2–4 sections of different sizes for the main, side, and fruit or vegetables.
Suction plates
Especially useful for babies and toddlers. A suction mechanism or silicone suction ring keeps the plate in place and prevents tipping. Parents release the suction with a simple tab.
Deep plates and bowls
Suitable for porridge-style meals, soups, and pasta. High edges help children scoop food more easily with a spoon. Stainless steel bowls are particularly practical as they cool quickly.
Flat plates
For older children who have mastered using cutlery. Suitable for solid foods such as sandwiches, sliced fruit, and other meals that do not require a deep plate.
Kids' plate materials: a comparison
The material a plate is made from determines its safety, durability, and practicality. Here is a detailed comparison of the most common options available.
| Material | Safety | Durability | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel | No chemical migration | Very high | Dishwasher-safe |
| Silicone | BPA-free, phthalate-free | High | Dishwasher-safe |
| Bamboo | Natural, antibacterial | Medium | Hand wash |
| PP plastic | Safe if BPA-free | Medium | Dishwasher-safe |
| Melamine | Not for hot food | Medium | Hand wash |
Read more about the benefits of metal tableware in our guide to stainless steel kids tableware. For a general overview of safe materials, see our safe kids tableware guide.
Choosing plates by your child's age
Every developmental stage brings different needs. The perfect plate for a six-month-old will not be ideal for a three-year-old who wants to eat “like a grown-up”.
6–12 months: Stability and safety
At this stage, the priority is keeping the plate in place. Choose plates with a suction base, rounded edges, and no small detachable parts. A diameter of 15–18 cm is sufficient for baby-sized portions. Silicone suction plates are especially popular as they clean easily and grip firmly to highchair trays.
1–2 years: Learning to self-feed
Children begin using a spoon and fork. Plates with high, slightly angled edges help food stay on the plate. Divided plates are useful for serving varied meals. A suction base is still recommended as coordination is still developing.
2–4 years: Developing preferences
Children at this age have increasingly strong food preferences. Divided plates become even more useful — many children strongly dislike foods touching. Plate size increases to 18–21 cm. A suction base is no longer essential, but stainless steel or silicone remains preferable to porcelain.
4–6 years: Transitioning to regular tableware
Older children can use larger plates (21–24 cm) and begin eating from the same tableware as adults. Stainless steel remains a practical choice as it withstands drops — and drops still happen at this age.
Safety standards for kids' plates
When buying plates for a child, check whether the product meets these standards:
- CE mark:Mandatory for all children's products sold in the EU. Confirms compliance with safety directives.
- EN 14372: European standard defining safety requirements for cutlery and feeding utensils for children up to 36 months.
- Migration test: Laboratory test checking whether materials release chemicals into food at different temperatures.
- BPA-free, phthalate-free, PVC-free: Three key labels confirming the absence of the most common harmful chemicals in plastic components. Read more on our BPA-free kids tableware page.
Our Trust Center contains the specific certificates and test reports for all our products.
Practical tips for everyday use
- Place a damp cloth under plates without suction for extra stability — a simple trick that prevents sliding on smooth surfaces.
- Do not pour hot food directly from the pot into a child's plate. Let it cool slightly first, or transfer to an adult plate then portion into the child's plate.
- Keep 2–3 plate sets in rotation. While one is in use, another is being washed, and a third is ready. This eliminates mealtime rushing.
- Let your child choose their plate when possible. A sense of control over small decisions can positively influence willingness to eat.
Completing the set: what goes with a plate
A plate is just one part of a meal. For a complete feeding setup, consider these additions:
- Cutlery: Spoons and forks sized for small hands, with short handles and rounded tips. Stainless steel cutlery with silicone handles offers a good balance of safety and grip.
- Bowl: For porridge-style meals and soups. A suction bowl complements a flat plate and covers all meal types.
- Trainer cup: Two-handled cups with a lid help children master drinking from a cup without spilling.
- Bib: A silicone bib with a food-catch pocket collects dropped food and protects clothing.
Browse our full range on the products page where you can find sets that include everything you need.
Frequently asked questions about kids’ plates
What plates are best for babies starting solid foods?
Are divided plates practical?
Do metal plates make food too hot?
How many plates do you need for one child?
Are there plates for children with nickel allergies?
How do I stop my child throwing the plate off the table?
Are silicone plates slippery?
From what age can a child use a regular plate?
How do I choose the right plate size for my child?
Find the perfect plates for your child
Stainless steel plates, silicone suction bowls, cutlery sets — all laboratory tested and free from harmful substances.