What baby plate material do you need?

As soon as your child is 4 or 6 months old, you will begin food diversification by introducing him to new tastes, textures and flavors. This phase requires the purchase of dedicated tableware and healthy manufacturing. Are you looking for a baby plate whose material is respectful of the baby's health? Here we tell you everything you need to know.

Which tableware for babies?

Choosing the ideal material for the Baby's first plate will largely depend on the type of food and how you want to use it.

Stainless steel for cold meals

The stainless steel tableware is one of the strongest on the market. It is especially suitable for cold meals such as compotes, dairy products and fruits. This material is popular for many reasons:

• It is refractory to the migration of substances into the contents of the dish
• It is shock resistant and therefore perfect for the child's learning phase, the latter does not risk any injury by dropping the dish
• It is light, making it easier for the little one to hold
• Stainless steel is healthy, so it does not affect the child's fragile health
• It does not retain food tastes or odors.
• Cleaning it poses few constraints
• stainless steel sets are insensitive to oxidation in contact with water

To top it off, stainless steel preserves the environment, thanks to its composition based on 60% recycled steel. It is free of toxic or polluting substances and has a long life.

Glass for microwaves

For baby meals that require reheating in the microwave, bowls made from glass are the best choice. Apart from its ecological aspect, glass does not contain any harmful products. It is insensitive to temperature variations and retains no taste. As an alternative, it is possible to turn to a silicone dish without pollutants.

Food-grade silicone plates

For a safe baby plates, opt for a silicone-based baby plate. It is a relevant compromise between simplicity, security and will also be unbreakable. This property gives them unfailing durability. Also, they are easy to clean as you can put them in the dishwasher. These dishes do not retain the taste or smell of food. In addition, food silicone sets are mostly equipped with a non-slip suction cup in order to limit the risk of spillage. It is a neutral, recyclable material that promotes the stability of the child's dish. For convenience, opt for a compartmentalized dish made of high-quality food-grade silicone.

Plant fibers

The vegetable fiber baby dishes is gaining popularity with parents for several reasons. First of all, they are compatible with a zero waste lifestyle given their biodegradable aspect. In addition, vegetable fiber dishes are particularly intended for infant use. In addition, these dishes generally have attractive and playful patterns so as to encourage the child to consume his meals. They are usually made from natural resin, bamboo and rice husks. Also, dishes made of natural plant fibers preserve the well-being of the child. They show no trace of plastic, PVC, endocrine disruptors or Bisphenol A. Remember, however, that this material is sensitive to heat. It is therefore not recommended to put vegetable fiber dishes in the microwave or oven.

What other criteria for choosing a baby plate?

If the material the children's plate is decisive, there are also factors that should not be overlooked when making your choice.

Check for compliance with standards

Manufacturers of baby tableware are required to observe certain standards in order to guarantee respect for the environment as well as human health and safety. This is specifically the NF EN 14372 standard. So make sure in advance that the product complies with this regulation. It offers the guarantee of an article in phase with the requirements with regard to materials, quality, manufacture and packaging. In addition to the NF EN inscription on the dishes, the other important indicator on the product remains the presence of the REACH logo (European Regulation relating to dangerous substances). This European text ensures that the product is respectful of the environment and the health of the user. So make sure that the child's dishes comply with the law in order to guarantee their health. The requirement for a healthy composition is also governed by the charter. DGCCRF (Direction Générale de la Concurrence, Consumption et de la Repression des Frauds). This administration intervenes in the withdrawal of products considered toxic to health.

Durability and ease of maintenance

To save money in the long term, bet on durable tableware. This element is important when you know that the child could play with the dish and drop it many times. It is therefore essential that your plate can withstand shocks for a long time. Remember that the child will only be in his learning phase, so it is very likely that the experience will turn out to be messy. To do this, please opt for a plate that is less difficult to maintain. Turn to models that you can put in the dishwasher without risk of alteration. As for the number of dishes, take into account the space you have.

Practicality

To allow the baby to begin his food diversification in good conditions, pay attention to the convenience of the dishes. Compartmental models will help the child discover various textures and tastes at once. In fact, plates with dividers give toddlers the freedom to choose the foods they like. In this way, he is more introduced to the tastes that suit him in particular. In addition, the compartmentalized models help the child to better understand the texture, flavor and taste of each food. He will be able to recognize foods more easily and put an image on those he likes the most. On the parents' side, a baby plate with separators allows the child to better identify the food he likes the most. In addition to this property, plates with a suction cup are very convenient. They can hold on to the high chair so as to avoid soiling the floor. Finally, make sure that the model chosen makes it easy for the little one to hold.

The absence of controversial substances

There are a number of substances prohibited in the manufacture of children's tableware due to health risks. Among these components, we find Bisphenol A (BPA), endocrine disruptors and phthalates. BPA is a carcinogen, it is involved in cardiovascular diseases and could affect human fertility. Also, this component is one of the factors responsible for obesity, type 2 diabetes and neurobehavioral disorders. On the other hand, exposure of children to phthalates could affect their reproductive system, liver and kidneys. Note that the risks presented by phthalates, BPA and endocrine disruptors are increased when these substances are heated. They will migrate more easily into the child's food, hence the usefulness of opting for dishes with the mention "BPA-free".

What about baby cutlery?

For your child's choice of cutlery, stainless steel remains a relevant choice. Also favor the ergonomic aspect then check the thickness of the handles of the spoons and forks. Make sure that there are no harmful components such as phthalates, BPA or even PVC (Polyvinyl chloride). Apart from stainless steel, cutlery made of bamboo fibers is also recommended. They are practical, light and feature playful prints.

Why avoid plastic or melamine?

In general, plastic or melamine tableware is not recommended for many reasons.

Plastic tableware

By nature, plastic contains substances that are harmful to health and the environment. In contact with hot food, it releases toxic components likely to affect the well-being of the child. Due to discoloration and scratches, the prints on this tableware also release harmful microparticles into the food. In addition, plastic tableware has a relatively short lifespan. However, if you want to use this type of tableware, make sure it is free of BPA or phthalates. Also favor models without drawings or prints.

Melamine

Like plastic, melamine releases toxic substances when heated. Indeed, it presents risks of cancer and the appearance of kidney stones in contact with hot foods. It is therefore strongly advised not to insert food whose temperature exceeds 70° or to put it in the microwave.

You will have understood that the choice of a baby meal set is conditioned by the consideration of certain factors. Far from being a superfluous accessory, this set really contributes to your child's autonomy at the table. To make it more original, you can opt for customizable models which are an excellent gift idea.

To sum up, the best options are either baby plates made of neutral and inert material (glass and porcelain) or one sanitarily verified silicone plate, which you will find here!