7 reasons to use a baby plate when starting weaning

The weaning plate may seem to many parents just an extra plate to wash. But it’s not like that. Baby plates are a very useful accessory. Here are 7 clear reasons why a special baby plate will help both you and your baby during the weaning period. Read also ” 7 reasons to use a baby bowl when starting weaning”.

Reason 1. Right size for the right portions

A frequent mistake that many parents make at the beginning of weaning is too large portions of food offered to the child. These parents are then disappointed and discouraged when their baby does not eat all from the plates or becomes overwhelmed and even refuses to interact with the food. Baby-friendly portions are small. Smaller than you might think. A plate for babies has small dimensions, precisely to remind parents that ”less is more” in terms of portions at the beginning of weaning.

Tip During the first months of weaning, at a meal, the plate should be a third full, maximum half. As the baby grows and solid foods become the main source of food, the appetite will also increase. You will then receive news that you need to increase the portions.

Reason 2. Useful compartments

A baby plate is usually compartmentalized. Those compartments have the role of separating the tastes and aromas of different dishes and help even more to prepare optimal portions. Moreover, the compartments should remind the parent that diversity is very important for babies. Do not forget that the solid food offered to the child is primarily a way for the little one to get to know new flavors and textures, to get familiar with this new and wonderful concept called ”food”. Babies exposed to the aromas and tastes of different foods between 6-18 months have the best chance of not growing up to be fussy and excessively selective with the food they eat.

Tip For a plate with roughly equal compartments, each compartment should be a third full, at most half full. Try to offer your baby 2-3 different foods, divided into 2-3 sittings at the table. Before you say ”well when do I make so much food?!”, not all food has to be freshly cooked food. You can combine vegetables, fruits and prepared meals with leftovers from other meals. The compartmentalized plate will remind you of the importance of diversity in your baby’s life.

Reason 3. Less dirt, less stress

Mealtime, especially if you have opted for baby-led weaning, is an adventure with a lot of food on the floor, on the table, on clothes, and on the walls. Maybe you think that a special baby plate is just another dish to wash. And yes, if you also have a baby bowl, that adds up to 2 more dishes to wash. But using the baby plate and bowl helps you get rid of a lot of mess and stress. Here’s why:

– The edges of a variety plate are vertical and raised, acting as a stop for the food on the plate. The edges are a help for the little one, who will use them to ”catch” the food more easily with the hand or the cutlery. So less food on the table.

– Suction cup for fixing. A baby plate is not complete without an effective suction cup to secure the plate to the table. The suction cup prevents the plate from being pushed off the table or lifted and thrown. 

Tip The suction cups of these plates also have a mark to pull when you want to detach the plate. That mark must be on the opposite side of the child, otherwise the little one will quickly learn how to pull it.

– Studies show that babies who are offered food on a plate are much less likely to throw or reject food. Babies try to imitate you, and at the table you eat from the plate, right? Your toddler is eager to imitate you and wants to take part in this family mealtime ritual.

Tip To keep mealtime even cleaner, we suggest you also use a pocket bib for babies. We invite you to read the article ” The best bib for babies – 8 reasons ”.

4. Stimulates coordination

It is important for babies to practice hand-eye coordination. Either grabbing the food directly with the hand or using a special baby dipper . The straight and raised edge of the plate, in combination with a light cutlery, will help the baby to practice his ”talents” in grabbing, holding and ”transporting” the food to the mouth.

5. Mealtime will be more fun

A children’s plate is available in bright and attractive colors, in interesting patterns, and will turn mealtime into a desirable and fun event. Moreover, plates in fun shapes of animals or objects are even more interesting for young children. If you also add a glass or cup for babies, you are ready for family fun.

6. It doesn’t break

It may seem like an obvious advantage, but it is clear that a porcelain plate is not recommended for babies. A baby plate is made of shock and impact-resistant materials. You can choose a plastic, silicone or, if you want something really interesting, bamboo plate. However, we suggest you avoid plastic plates. They are as expensive as a silicone plate, but with many disadvantages for health and the environment.

7. The price is affordable and the advantages are many

Let’s take the example of a top quality food grade silicone plate. Such a plate can be used in the microwave oven, it can be used in the classic oven, it can be kept in the refrigerator. It is equipped with a suction cup and with a spoon included. It does not contain plastic, it is very light.

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