That's why parents today pay much more attention to what the tableware is made of, how it reacts to heat and wear, whether it absorbs odors and grease, and how stable it is for daily contact with food.
In recent years, regulators and researchers have paid particular attention to topics like migration of chemicals from certain types of plastic and other materials, bisphenols (BPA, BPS, BPF), phthalates, microplastics and long-term wear of materials used for food. That's why many parents today choose simpler, more stable materials such as stainless steel, glass, ceramic or quality silicone for secondary parts of products.
In this guide we explain which materials are most commonly used for children's tableware, their advantages and limitations, what to look for when buying, and how to choose practical and safe tableware for different age groups.
Overview of children's tableware materials
Stainless steel
Stainless steel 304 (18/8) and 316 is considered one of the most stable materials for food contact. Its biggest advantages are a non-porous surface, a very long service life, corrosion resistance, the fact that it doesn't absorb odors or food colors, and easy maintenance. That's exactly why it has been used for decades in professional kitchens, the food industry and medical equipment.
For children's tableware it's especially practical because it's not breakable like glass, it's lightweight, and it handles daily washing and drops well. For a deeper comparison with other materials and how we choose the steel grade, see our stainless steel guide.
Silicone
Food-grade silicone is often used for anti-slip bases, straws, lids, handles and flexible parts of products. It handles high temperatures well and is practical for parts that need to be soft and pliable. That said, silicone can over time hold onto food and detergent smells, especially if it stays closed and damp after washing.
That's why we've used silicone mainly for secondary and outer parts, while food rests on stainless steel.
Glass and ceramic
Glass and ceramic naturally do not contain plasticizers or bisphenols and have long been standard materials for serving food. Their main downside for small children is fragility and the possibility of breaking on drops and impacts.
Enamel
Enamel is a glassy coating over a metal base and doesn't contain the plasticizers or bisphenols typical of plastics. That said, enamel can chip or be damaged on drops, which is why it requires more care in daily use with small children.
What to look for when buying
A clear material declaration
The manufacturer should clearly state what material the product is made of, which class of stainless steel is used (304 or 316), and whether there are food-contact certifications. Avoid products without a clear declaration and origin.
On our Trust Center page you can view certificates and laboratory test results confirming the safety of our products.
Stability and practicality
For younger children, practical details make a huge difference: a suction or anti-slip base, rounded edges, ergonomic cutlery and a size adapted to small hands.
Easy maintenance
Tableware that can go in the dishwasher and washes easily is usually the one parents use the most over time.
How to choose tableware by age
6–12 months: the start of solid foods
At the start of solids, the most practical items are bowls that stick to the table, small cutlery sized for a child's grip, and divided plates - they help many children explore new flavors, textures and ingredients.
1–3 years: developing self-feeding
In this period children practice using a spoon and fork, hand-eye coordination, independent scooping of food and recognizing the feeling of being full. They need stable cutlery for better control of movement, tableware that doesn't shift on the table, a smaller cup (up to 220 ml), and your patience and trust that they'll try, practice, make mistakes and get messy. Browse our full cutlery range for this age.
3–6 years: moving on to "grown-up" tableware
Older children can use regular plates and cutlery, but unbreakable materials such as stainless steel are still very practical for everyday use and for the occasional drop of a plate or cup from the table.
The most common mistakes when choosing children's tableware
Through conversations with parents we most often notice a few of the same dilemmas:
- Buying based only on a product's looks.
- Paying little attention to the material and the declaration.
- Warming food in old or damaged plastic.
- Using tableware that's too big or impractical for a child's hands.
- Ignoring signs of wear and damage.
Our approach to materials
In HocuNjam products food comes into contact with stainless steel 304 or 316, stable, non-porous materials that handle daily use, washing and long-term use very well.
We use silicone where its flexibility has a practical function, for anti-slip bases, lids and outer parts of products, while the surface holding food and drink is always stainless steel.
Browse the full HocuNjam range - plates, bowls, cups and cutlery from 304/316 stainless steel.
Frequently asked questions
Which materials are safest for children’s tableware?
What does BPA-free actually mean?
From what age can a child use metal tableware?
Is silicone safe for long-term use?
How do I recognize quality children’s tableware?
Is children’s tableware dishwasher-safe?
Browse our products
Food always comes into contact with stainless steel 304 or 316. We only use silicone for secondary and outer parts. All products are lab-tested and free from BPA, phthalates and PVC.