Toddler plates do a different job from the kids’ plates older children use. Between about one and three years old, a child is learning to scoop, stab and chew, and is just as likely to test what happens when a plate goes over the side of the high chair. That is why the best toddler plates usually have a suction base, deep walls to push food against, and a size that matches a toddler-sized portion.
This guide narrows our main kids’ plates guide to that toddler stage: suction plates, divided plates, a steel option and a couple of simple sets for children who have stopped throwing things. Every pick here is different from the plates in that guide.
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Quick verdict: which toddler plates to buy
For most families, the Munchkin Stay Put Divided Suction Plates and Bowls Set is the pick: two divided suction plates with deep sides and quick-release tabs, plus three silicone suction bowls and two fork-and-spoon sets. To keep plastic off the table, the Elk and Friends stainless steel plates are unbreakable and come with lids. For a silicone plate that Bumkins says goes from freezer to oven or microwave, choose the Bumkins Disney Mickey Mouse Grip Dish Set.
Whatever plate you choose, it is what goes on it that matters most for safety. The AAP’s advice on cutting food for young children is below.
Five toddler plates at a glance
Our five standout picks side by side, one for each kind of family, with the specifications each maker or listing states. All eight are reviewed in full below.
| Toddler plate | Best for | Material | Grip & sections | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High chair meals, plates and bowls together | BPA-free plastic plates, silicone bowls | Suction, quick-release tabs, divided | View on Amazon | |
Elk and Friends 7.8-Inch Stainless Steel Plates with Sleeves, 4-PackBest stainless steel
|
Families avoiding plastic plates | 304 stainless steel, silicone sleeve | Non-slip sleeve, undivided | View on Amazon |
OXO Tot Toddler Mealtime SetBest starter set
|
Setting up a toddler kitchen | Plastic (type not stated) | Stackable, no suction | View on Amazon |
NUK First Essentials Tri-Suction Plates, 2-PackBest for first plates
|
Younger toddlers starting out | Plastic (type not stated) | Three suction cups, release tab | View on Amazon |
Bumkins Disney Mickey Mouse Grip Dish SetBest character plate
|
Little Mickey fans learning to self-feed | Platinum-cured silicone | Suction base, three sections | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Materials, ages and care instructions are as stated by each maker or listing; check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best toddler plates
These eight cover the main kinds of toddler plate: silicone and plastic suction plates, divided plates for picky eaters, stainless steel with grip sleeves, a full starter set and plain plates for calmer eaters. None repeats a pick from our main kids’ plates guide. Each explains who it suits, the specifications that matter, and one honest reason to skip it.
1. Munchkin Stay Put Divided Suction Plates and Bowls Set – Divided, Suctioned, Easy to Release
Munchkin’s Stay Put plates are the classic divided suction plate: a plate split into sections with deep sides, set into a suction base with a tab that a parent can lift to release it. This bundle gives you two of the plates, three silicone Stay Put suction bowls in different sizes, and two Raise toddler forks and spoons.
On its own product page Munchkin gives the plate as 7.5 by 9.5 by 1.75 inches, BPA-free and for ages 6 months and up, and says it is top-rack dishwasher safe. The Raise utensils have a base that keeps the tips off the table, per the listing.
Munchkin’s page gives no microwave instruction for the plate, so warm food in another dish and serve it on this one. This is a different set from the Munchkin Splash plates in our main kids’ plates guide; the Splash set has no suction.
Why we like it
- Divided sections with deep sides for scooping (Munchkin listing).
- Quick-release tab on each suction base for parents (Munchkin listing).
- Bundle adds three suction bowls and two fork-and-spoon sets (Munchkin listing).
- BPA-free, top-rack dishwasher safe (Munchkin product page).
Key specifications
| Model | Stay Put bundle |
|---|---|
| Material | BPA-free plates (plastic type not stated); silicone bowls |
| Pieces | 2 plates, 3 bowls, 2 forks, 2 spoons |
| Suction | Yes, with release tab |
| Sections | Divided (count not stated) |
| Age (as stated) | 6 months and up |
| Dishwasher | Top rack |
| Microwave | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits most families at the high chair stage: divided plates that stay on the tray, with bowls and toddler utensils in the same order, and a tab a parent can lift to release each one.
Skip it if you heat food on the plate; the maker gives no microwave guidance.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Divided and suctioned
- Parent release tab
- Bowls and utensils included
Cons
- Microwave use not stated
- Plate material not named
2. Elk and Friends 7.8-Inch Stainless Steel Plates with Sleeves, 4-Pack – Steel Plates That Grip the Table
If you would rather not serve toddler meals on plastic, stainless steel is the unbreakable alternative. Elk and Friends, a kids’ tableware brand founded in 2015, makes these 7.8-inch (20 cm) plates from 304 (18/8) stainless steel, each wrapped in a food-grade silicone sleeve that gives small hands something to hold and helps the plate stay steady.
The sleeve is a grip, not a suction base, so a determined toddler can still lift the plate. The set includes four plates with BPA-free lids for leftovers, and Elk and Friends says the plates go in the dishwasher with the sleeves on. The plates are undivided, with room for a full toddler portion.
Steel plates cannot go in the microwave. Warm food in another dish, and check the temperature before serving, since steel passes heat along quickly.
Why we like it
- 304 (18/8) stainless steel (Elk and Friends listing).
- Food-grade silicone sleeve for grip (Elk and Friends listing).
- Four plates with BPA-free lids (Elk and Friends listing).
- Dishwasher safe with sleeves on (Elk and Friends listing).
Key specifications
| Model | EF40321133 |
|---|---|
| Material | 304 stainless steel, silicone sleeve |
| Pieces | 4 plates, 4 lids |
| Suction | No, non-slip sleeve |
| Sections | Undivided |
| Age (as stated) | Babies and up |
| Dishwasher | Yes |
| Microwave | No (steel) |
Why we recommend it
It suits families who want toddler plates that will last into the school years and keep plastic off the table.
Skip it if your toddler throws plates; a sleeve grips but does not suction.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Unbreakable steel
- Lids for leftovers
- Sleeve stays on in the dishwasher
Cons
- No suction
- Not for the microwave
3. OXO Tot Toddler Mealtime Set – Plates, Bowls and Cutlery in One Box
OXO Tot’s Toddler Mealtime Set is the box to buy if you are starting from nothing. OXO lists four stackable plates, four stackable bowls and two fork-and-spoon sets adapted from its Big Kid’s cutlery. The plates and bowls nest to save cabinet space.
OXO says the dishware is portioned for small appetites, so it is easy to judge how much to serve, and that the set is designed for children at a range of developmental stages. That makes it a set for the table once a child is sitting well and eating independently, rather than a suction plate for a high chair tray.
The Amazon listing does not state the plastic type or whether the pieces are microwave or dishwasher safe. Check the box before you heat food on them. This is a different product from the OXO Tot Stick and Stay suction plate in our main kids’ plates guide.
Why we like it
- Four plates, four bowls and two fork-and-spoon sets (OXO).
- Plates and bowls stack to save space (OXO listing).
- Portioned for toddler appetites (OXO listing).
- Utensils adapted from OXO’s Big Kid’s cutlery (OXO).
Key specifications
| Model | 61179600 |
|---|---|
| Material | Not stated |
| Pieces | 4 plates, 4 bowls, 2 forks, 2 spoons |
| Suction | No |
| Sections | Not stated |
| Age (as stated) | Toddlers |
| Dishwasher | Not stated |
| Microwave | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits new parents who want one matched set of toddler-sized plates, bowls and cutlery.
Skip it if you need care details up front; the listing leaves out material, dishwasher and microwave use.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Whole set in one box
- Nests for storage
- Toddler-sized portions
Cons
- No suction
- Material and care not stated in the listing
4. NUK First Essentials Tri-Suction Plates, 2-Pack – Three Suction Cups, Easy Release
NUK’s First Essentials line replaced the Gerber name on many of these baby and toddler items, and this plate is a long-running basic. Instead of one large suction ring, it has three small suction cups underneath, each with an easy-release tab for parents.
The plate has a deep dish with curved edges that help guide food onto a spoon, which suits a younger toddler still learning to scoop. NUK lists it for ages 6 months and up and says it is microwave safe and dishwasher safe. The pack has two plates, and colors vary.
The listing does not state the plastic type or the plate’s diameter. Three small suction cups grip well on a smooth tray but can let go on textured surfaces, so test it on your own high chair.
Why we like it
- Three suction cups with release tabs (NUK listing).
- Curved edges guide food onto the spoon (NUK listing).
- Microwave and dishwasher safe (NUK listing).
- Two plates in the pack (NUK listing).
Key specifications
| Model | 62021 |
|---|---|
| Material | Not stated |
| Pieces | 2 plates |
| Suction | Yes, 3 cups |
| Sections | Not stated |
| Age (as stated) | 6 months and up |
| Dishwasher | Yes |
| Microwave | Yes |
Why we recommend it
It suits families who want a simple pair of suction plates for the high chair years.
Skip it if your high chair tray is textured; small suction cups need a smooth surface.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Two plates per pack
- Easy-release tabs
- Microwave and dishwasher safe
Cons
- Material and size not stated
- Colors vary
5. Bumkins Disney Mickey Mouse Grip Dish Set – Suction Plate With Spoon and Fork
Bumkins, based in Phoenix, makes the silicone Grip Dish that appears in our main kids’ plates guide. This set is a Mickey Mouse version of that dish, with a matching spoon and fork. The listing photo shows one large section and two small ones in the ears, so foods can stay apart.
Bumkins says the suction base keeps the plate in place, which suits toddlers who still knock plates off the tray. The spoon and fork are textured silicone, easy to grip and soft on gums, according to Bumkins, for children learning to feed themselves. The listing calls it a baby plate for self-feeding toddlers but does not state an age range.
The dish is platinum-cured silicone, and per the listing it can go from the refrigerator or freezer to the oven or microwave. Bumkins also says third-party labs check its products against CPSC and CPSIA standards for BPA, lead and phthalates. This listing does not mention the dishwasher; Bumkins’ plain Grip Dish listing says top rack.
It ranks below the Munchkin set because it is one licensed character plate rather than a working set, with no bowls and no parent release tab named in the listing.
Why we like it
- Suction base to keep the plate in place (Bumkins listing).
- Platinum-cured silicone (Bumkins listing).
- Goes from freezer to oven or microwave (Bumkins listing).
- Comes with a fork and spoon (Bumkins listing).
Key specifications
| Model | Grip Dish and utensil set, Mickey Mouse |
|---|---|
| Material | Platinum-cured silicone |
| Pieces | Plate, fork, spoon |
| Suction | Yes |
| Sections | Three, per the listing photo |
| Age (as stated) | Not stated |
| Dishwasher | Not stated on this listing |
| Microwave | Yes |
Why we recommend it
It suits toddlers learning to feed themselves who still need a plate that stays put.
Skip it if you would rather not have a character plate; Bumkins’ plain Grip Dish is on our kids’ plates guide.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Strong maker-stated heat range
- Three sections
- Utensils included
Cons
- Character design
- No lid
- Age range not stated
6. Nuby Silicone Rectangle Suction Plate with Lid – Soft Silicone with a Cover
Nuby’s rectangle plate is a one-piece silicone plate with a non-slip suction base and a fitted lid. Nuby says it adheres to flat surfaces to stop tipping and spills while a child learns to feed independently, and that the silicone is durable and break-resistant.
The lid makes it useful for half-eaten lunches that go back into the fridge. Nuby lists it for children 6 months and up, and it is top-rack dishwasher safe, per the listing.
The listing does not give dimensions, say whether the plate is divided, or say whether it is microwave safe, so it sits below the Munchkin and Bumkins plates here.
Why we like it
- Silicone plate with a non-slip suction base (Nuby listing).
- Comes with a lid (Nuby listing).
- Break-resistant silicone (Nuby listing).
- Top-rack dishwasher safe (Nuby listing).
Key specifications
| Model | 81208 |
|---|---|
| Material | Silicone |
| Pieces | Plate and lid |
| Suction | Yes |
| Sections | Not stated |
| Age (as stated) | 6 months and up |
| Dishwasher | Top rack |
| Microwave | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits parents who want a silicone suction plate with a lid from a familiar baby brand.
Skip it if you want maker-stated dimensions and microwave guidance; the listing gives neither.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Silicone suction plate
- Lid included
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Size not stated
- Microwave use not stated
7. Tiny Twinkle Toddler Plates, 3-Pack – Plain Plates Sized for Small Hands
Not every toddler needs suction. Once a child stops flinging plates, a light, plain plate is easier to wash and store. Tiny Twinkle’s three-pack is made from BPA-free polypropylene, the same plastic used in many food containers, in muted colors.
Tiny Twinkle designs these for children 12 months and older and says they are microwave and dishwasher safe. They are sized to be held and moved by small hands.
The listing does not give the plate diameter. If you prefer not to microwave food on plastic, warm it in glass and serve it on these.
Why we like it
- BPA-free polypropylene (Tiny Twinkle listing).
- Made for children 12 months and up (Tiny Twinkle listing).
- Microwave and dishwasher safe (Tiny Twinkle listing).
- Three plates per pack (Tiny Twinkle listing).
Key specifications
| Model | P3-S7 |
|---|---|
| Material | BPA-free polypropylene |
| Pieces | 3 plates |
| Suction | No |
| Sections | Undivided |
| Age (as stated) | 12 months and up |
| Dishwasher | Yes |
| Microwave | Yes |
Why we recommend it
It suits calmer eaters and families who want plain, light toddler plates for every day.
Skip it if your toddler still pushes plates off the tray; there is no suction.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Light and stackable
- Named plastic type
- Microwave and dishwasher safe
Cons
- No suction
- Diameter not stated
8. KidsFunwares Fire Engine Meal Set – Divided Plate That Makes Dinner a Game
KidsFunwares makes themed meal sets, and this one is a divided plate shaped and printed like a fire engine, with a matching child-sized fork and spoon. The plate has three sections, which helps children who refuse foods that touch, and the maker suggests it for practicing with tricky foods like peas and noodles.
The plate is shatter-proof, chip-resistant polypropylene, BPA-free, and dishwasher safe, per the listing. KidsFunwares says it tests its products to meet current safety standards.
There is no suction base, and the listing does not mention microwave use, so serve warmed food from another dish. It suits a toddler sitting at the table rather than one at a high chair tray.
Why we like it
- Three sections keep foods apart (KidsFunwares listing).
- Shatter-proof, BPA-free polypropylene (KidsFunwares listing).
- Child-sized fork and spoon included (KidsFunwares listing).
- Dishwasher safe (KidsFunwares listing).
Key specifications
| Model | FUN-006 |
|---|---|
| Material | BPA-free polypropylene |
| Pieces | Plate, fork, spoon |
| Suction | No |
| Sections | 3 |
| Age (as stated) | Toddlers and preschoolers |
| Dishwasher | Yes |
| Microwave | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits picky eaters who need a little fun to try a new food.
Skip it if you want something that will not look babyish by age four.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Divided sections
- Fun theme
- Utensils included
Cons
- No suction
- Microwave use not stated
How to choose toddler plates
Toddler plates are simple objects, but a few features decide whether dinner stays on the table.
Suction or not
Suction bases are the reason most parents buy toddler plates. They work best on smooth, non-porous surfaces such as most high chair trays; textured trays and wooden tables can stop them sealing. Look for a release tab, as on the Munchkin and NUK plates, so you can lift the plate without prying at it. Once a child stops throwing dishes, plain plates like the Tiny Twinkle set are lighter and easier to wash.
Divided or open
Divided plates help children who will not eat foods that touch, and they make it easy to offer a little of several things. Open plates, like the Elk and Friends steel plates, suit mixed dishes such as pasta, rice and beans, or a soft quesadilla cut into strips.
Material
Silicone is soft and quiet, and some makers rate it for the oven and microwave. Polypropylene is light and cheap. Stainless steel is unbreakable and lasts for years but cannot go in the microwave. Melamine is tough, but the FDA says food and drinks should not be heated on melamine dinnerware in the microwave; our guide to kids’ melamine plates covers that material. We report each maker’s BPA-free and food-grade statements as they give them and add nothing on top.
Heating and washing
Check what the maker says about the microwave and the dishwasher before you buy; several listings here are silent on one or the other, and we have marked those “Not stated”. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests avoiding microwaving children’s food or drinks in plastic where possible, and avoiding putting plastics in the dishwasher, because heat can make plastics release chemicals. If you follow that advice, warm food in glass or ceramic and serve it on whichever plate you like, or choose steel or silicone.
Size and depth
The plates here that state a size run from about 7.5 to 9.5 inches, smaller than a dinner plate, which suits a toddler portion. Deep, curved sides give a child something to push food against while scooping.
Cutting food for toddlers: what the AAP and CDC advise
No plate prevents choking. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises cutting food for infants and young children into pieces no larger than one-half inch, keeping certain foods away until about age 4 depending on the child (its list includes hot dogs, whole grapes and popcorn), having children sit down to eat, and supervising mealtimes. The CDC adds that some foods are choking hazards whole or uncooked, such as uncut grapes, cherry tomatoes and berries, and hard raw vegetables, and that cutting food into smaller pieces and mashing foods can help.
In a Mexican kitchen that means quartering grapes and cherry tomatoes for a toddler’s plate, cutting tortillas and quesadillas into thin strips, and serving beans mashed or refried for younger toddlers. For eating out with small children, our guide to kids at a Mexican restaurant has more ideas.
How we picked these eight toddler plates
We did not handle these products. We started from what a toddler needs at the table: a plate that stays put or is easy to hold, a sensible size, and materials and care instructions stated by the maker. We then checked each product’s Amazon listing through Amazon’s product data, the makers’ own product pages where they were available, and feeding-safety guidance from the AAP and CDC.
Every pick was in stock on Amazon when we checked and comes from a named brand. We looked for toddler plates from Avanchy, b.box and Re-Play as well, but found none in stock on Amazon that were not already in our main guide, and we left out ceramic toddler plates because we found no maker statement on lead in the glaze. We left out the picks on our best kids’ plates page so this guide adds something new. We searched the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall database for each brand here and found no recall of these plates. We do not state prices, ratings or review counts because they change.
Toddler plate questions, answered
What are the best toddler plates?
For most families, the Munchkin Stay Put set: divided suction plates with release tabs, plus suction bowls and utensils. For steel, the Elk and Friends plates; for silicone that Bumkins says handles the freezer, oven and microwave, the Bumkins Mickey Mouse Grip Dish Set.
Is this list like the Wirecutter picks for toddler plates?
No. Wirecutter and similar outlets put products through their own trials; we did not handle these plates. This guide compares what each maker states about suction, material, age range and care, and we have not copied any outlet’s picks or ratings.
When should a toddler stop using a suction plate?
There is no fixed age. Most children can move to a plain plate once they stop tipping or throwing dishes.
Are silicone plates safe in the microwave?
Only if the maker says so. Bumkins says its Grip Dish can go in the microwave; Munchkin and Nuby do not state it for the plates here. Steel plates never go in the microwave.
Are divided plates better for toddlers?
They help picky eaters who dislike foods touching and make it easy to offer several small portions. Open plates are fine for mixed dishes. Many families use both.
Our final pick for toddler plates
For most families, the Munchkin Stay Put set is the one to buy, with the Elk and Friends steel plates for a plastic-free table and the Bumkins Mickey Mouse Grip Dish Set for a silicone plate with a character on it. Cut food small, keep your toddler seated and watch while they eat. For plates for older children, see our best kids’ plates guide, and to protect the table underneath, our pick of the best placemats for kids. When the family would rather eat out, call to order from Julia’s at (346) 546-8283.