Best Plates to Make Every Meal a Happy Meal for Your Toddler
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Time to Read: 8 min
I can still picture those early days with my little one. Every single meal felt like a mini-war. She’d shove her plate away, toss food across the room (spaghetti was definitely her go-to), and scream loud enough to rattle the windows. It was draining, beyond frustrating, and honestly, it made me dread mealtimes.
But you know what? Toddlers are just trying to figure things out. They’re getting a feel for textures, tastes, and testing out their independence. As parents, we can actually help them grow by making mealtimes less of a struggle and more of a fun experience.
One surprisingly simple trick? The right plate. Yep, something as basic as the plate you use can grab a toddler's attention, get them to try new foods, and make the whole mealtime thing more enjoyable for everyone. So, let’s check out some great plate options to turn those chaotic mealtimes into happy memories.
About Ahimsa
Founded by a pediatrician and mom of three
Stainless steel is the only kid-friendly material recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics
We are guided by a Scientific Advisory Council comprised of environmental and medical experts, guiding us in creating the safest products, following the latest science and promoting policy to protect human health and our planet
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Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Plates for Toddlers
Safety First, Always
Safety is my number one priority as a pediatrician—even when it comes to what our toddlers are eating off of. Let's leave those cute plastic plates we grew up with in the past. Pick plates made from materials free of nasty stuff like BPA, phthalates, and lead. Food-grade stainless steel dining plates—go for those. Your little one’s health is worth it, after all.
Toddler-Proof Durability
Toddlers are curious little creatures, and their plates seem to spend more time on the floor than the table. So, get plates that can handle all the drops, throws, and whatever other experiments your kiddo might dream up. Solid choices are stainless steel —they’re tough enough to survive the chaos. You don’t want to replace broken plates all the time, trust me. Been there, done that!
Dimensions Matter
Huge portions aren’t needed by toddlers, so pick plates that are just the right size. For them, a big plate can be overwhelming and might make the food seem less inviting. Plates with compartments are a great idea too—they keep foods separate, which is perfect for picky eaters or kids exploring new flavors and textures. The meal also looks more interesting. Try our Balance Bites stainless steel dining plates for kids.
Design That Delights
Bright colors and fun designs are always a hit, so pick plates that make mealtime exciting. Playful patterns, bright colors, cute animal faces, or even their favorite cartoon characters. Just keep it simple...too much going on might distract them from actually eating their food.
My recommendation for the best plates for toddlers is the plate I designed – the Balanced Bites stainless steel kids' plate. You can get it individually or part of the Mindful Mealtimes set. It’s stainless steel, colorful, easy to clean, and they won’t blow your budget.
Functionality for Busy Parents
You’re busy enough without adding complicated cleaning routines to the mix, right? So, get plates that are easy to wash and store. Dishwasher-safe is non-negotiable, and if they stack up neatly, even better. Plates with lots of nooks and crannies where food can get stuck? Avoid those, because who has time for that?
Mealtime should be fun and stress-free for both you and your toddler, in the end. Choose plates that are safe, tough, easy to use, and add a little joy to the table. Happier mealtimes for everyone are just a good plate away with the right gear.
What Are the Best Plates?
Steel Has it All
Have you ever heard the phrase “buy it for life?” It already pretty accurately describes what it is, and it’s a concept that encompasses a huge variety of products, from water bottles to work boots. I like to think of Ahimsa’s dishes as “buy them for life” because, well, that’s what I designed them to be! Turns out, stainless steel is everything you want from dinnerware, so obviously I’m going to start there. Plus, it’s got that shiny, chrome-y modern vibe – or colorful rainbow – that somehow makes mealtime feel just a tad more grown-up (or playful, depending on your mood).
Divided Plates
If you’re into that Montessori methods of parenting and learning, you’ll love divided stainless steel dining plates. They’ve got separate sections for different foods, which lets your toddler check try new flavors and experiment with textures without everything turning into a mashed-up mess. It’ll help them learn to feed themselves and feel like a mini grown-up. And let’s be real, those little sections look super cute filled with tiny portions of food. And our Stainless Steel Dining Trays are great for bigger kids.
Personalized Plates
Want to make mealtime a bit more special? Write your toddler’s name on their plate. Better yet, let your older kids do it! Not only does it make toddlers feel like a superstar, but it might also even encourage them to dig in without a fuss (we can hope!). Personalized plates add a bit of fun to the table, and you could easily turn it into a spelling lesson for older kids.
So there you have it – a lineup of awesome plates that’ll make feeding time a whole lot smoother. Pick one that fits your toddler’s style and your own needs. After all, meals should be fun, not a battlefield. With the right plate, you’re one step closer to less stress and more smiles around the table.
Mealtime Essentials
Tips for a Joyful Mealtime Experience
The start is just picking out the right plate. Make their mealtimes more than just eating—make it a fun, happy time.
Mix things up on the menu: first up, go for bright colors, different textures, and a variety of flavors. Keep those tiny bellies full and healthy with protein, veggies, & fruits. You can get your toddler in on the fun too: simple things like washing their veggies or stirring a pot (under supervision, of course!) can make them feel involved. Engage their innate curiosity about food, and make them more likely to try new things.
Create a chill vibe. Turn off the TV, play some fun music, and maybe light a candle or two. A little bit of atmosphere can really turn a hectic meal into something calm and enjoyable.
Make it fun! Use colorful utensils, playful food cutters, or even make themed meals. Try a "pirate picnic" with sandwiches shaped like boats, or an "under the sea" theme with fish-shaped crackers and seaweed snacks. Let your imagination go a little crazy—get creative!
Patients, parents! Remember that meals with toddlers can be slow and messy. Expect spills and even the occasional food fight – that can mean a verbal fight over food but also a tiny toddler-sized handful of weaponized mashed potatoes. Hey, all in a day’s work of being a parent. Roll with it, laugh it off, and enjoy the moment. They grow up faster than you can ever expect.
Mindful Mealtimes with Happy Plates
A happy mealtime with your toddler is absolutely within your reach. Choose the right plate, involve your little one in the process, and embrace the messiness that comes with life. And if you're looking for more tips and tricks, check out my free Mealtime Guide. It's packed with helpful advice and delicious recipes to make every meal a happy meal for your toddler.
Dr. Manasa Mantravadi
Dr. Manasa Mantravadi is a board-certified pediatrician whose dedication to children’s health drove her to launch Ahimsa, the world's first colorful stainless steel dishes for kids. She was motivated by the American Academy of Pediatrics’ findings on harmful chemicals in plastic affecting children's well-being. Ahimsa has gained widespread recognition and been featured in media outlets such as Parents Magazine, the Today Show, The Oprah Magazine, and more.
Dr. Mantravadi received the esteemed “Physician Mentor of the Year” award at Indiana University School of Medicine in 2019. She was also named a Forbes Next 1000 Entrepreneur in 2021, with her inspiring story showcased on Good Morning America. She serves on the Council for Environmental Health and Climate Change and the Council for School Health at The American Academy of Pediatrics. She represents Ahimsa as a U.S. industry stakeholder on the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) for the Global Plastics Treaty, led by the United Nations Environment Program. Dr. Mantravadi leads Ahimsa's social impact program, The Conscious Cafeteria Project, to reduce carbon emissions and safeguard student health as part of a national pilot of the Clinton Global Initiative.
She is dedicated to educating and empowering people to make healthier, more environmentally friendly choices at mealtime. Her mission remains to advocate for the health of all children and the one planet we will leave behind for them through real policy change within our food system.
More Mealtime Essentials
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use stainless steel instead of plastic? Is stainless steel better for health?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a report in July 2018 suggesting ways that families can limit exposure to certain chemicals at mealtime, including “the use of alternatives to plastic, such as glass or stainless steel, when possible.” The report explained that “…some additives are put directly in foods, while “indirect” additives may include chemicals from plastic, glues, dyes, paper, cardboard”. Further, “Children are more sensitive to chemical exposures because they eat and drink more, relative to body weight, than adults do, and are still growing and developing.” While stainless steel items meet the recommendation to avoid plastic products in children, Ahimsa® products have the obvious advantage of not breaking like glass.
Is stainless steel better for the environment than plastic?
According to the Steel Recycling Institute, steel can be recycled over and over and over again without losing its integrity and requires less energy to recycle than to make anew. Most plastic unfortunately ends up in landfills and it is estimated to take 700 years to decompose. Our special coloring process that allows Ahimsa® products to be fully metal is environmentally friendly, so it does not produce toxic run-off into the ecosystem.
Will Ahimsa products break or peel?
No. Our steel is durable, so it won’t break or shatter with everyday use, like glass. And it won’t peel, like other colored stainless steel products you’ve seen. We use a special process that allows the colors to naturally occur in the metal.
Which Ahimsa products are best for my little one(s)?
Our products are meant to last, you can use Ahimsa at ages 1, 8 and 18! We thoughtfully design our products to be safe for little ones and our planet while reducing consumption. Once your child outgrows the Starting Solids Set and can use regular cups and utensils, the training cup is the perfect size rinse cup in the bathroom, the infant spoon doubles as a tea stirrer and the bowl is great for snacks or as an additional compartment to our modular divided plate. Our plates are great for any age as they encourage choosing a variety of healthy foods at each meal and help visualize portion sizes easily. It’s the lasting beauty of stainless steel - grows with your child and reduces waste.
