Best Kids Plates and Utensils That Actually Work
Mealtime with toddlers is beautiful chaos. Plates get launched, forks get bent, and somehow there's yogurt on the ceiling. The right gear won't eliminate the mess, but it makes it manageable. Here's what actually works.
Best Plates
1. ezpz Happy Mat — Best Suction Plate
The original all-in-one placemat + plate that suctions to the table. Made from FDA-grade silicone, it's nearly impossible for little hands to flip. The built-in placemat catches spills. Dishwasher safe.
Ages: 6 months – 3 years
Check Price on Amazon →2. Munchkin Stay Put Divided Plate
Strong suction base with three divided sections. Click-lock suction actually holds — tested against determined toddlers. Comes in a 3-pack for under $15, so you always have a clean one.
Ages: 6 months – 4 years
Check Price on Amazon →3. Replay Recycled Divided Plate
For older toddlers and preschoolers who've graduated from suction plates. Made from recycled milk jugs — lightweight, colorful, basically indestructible. Dishwasher and microwave safe.
Ages: 2+ years
Check Price on Amazon →
Best Utensils
4. NumNum Pre-Spoon GOOtensils — Best First Utensil
Designed for babies just starting solids. The flat, textured design lets food stick without needing scooping skills. Brilliant concept that actually works for 6-12 month olds learning to self-feed.
Check Price on Amazon →5. Grabease Ergonomic Utensils
Short, chubby handles designed for the way toddlers actually grip things (fist grip, not adult grip). The choke-guard barrier prevents gagging. These are the utensils that finally got our toddler to stop eating with their hands.
Check Price on Amazon →6. OXO Tot Fork & Spoon Set
The upgrade utensil for 2-4 year olds. Soft grip handles, stainless steel heads that actually stab food (unlike all-plastic forks). The gentle curve matches the way small hands scoop. Our pick for preschool-age kids.
Check Price on Amazon →
Best Cups
7. Munchkin Miracle 360 Cup
No spout, no straw, no spill. Kids drink from any edge like a regular cup, but the silicone valve prevents spills when tipped. Teaches proper cup drinking without the mess. Every parent we know has at least three of these.
Check Price on Amazon →The Essential Setup by Age
6-12 Months
- ezpz Happy Mat (suction)
- NumNum GOOtensils (pre-spoon)
- Munchkin 360 Cup (trainer)
1-2 Years
- Munchkin Stay Put Divided Plate
- Grabease Utensils
- Munchkin 360 Cup
3-5 Years
- Replay Recycled Plates
- OXO Tot Fork & Spoon
- Regular kids cup (they're ready!)
Planning meals is half the battle — the other half is having the right gear at the table. For help with the planning side, check out Kids Meal Planner to organize your week.
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