Plating your baby’s food is one of those things that sounds obvious until you find yourself in the throes of serving their first meals. What plate is best? How big should their servings be? Even little moments bring big questions; we’ve got answers!
Pros and cons of different baby plates
You’ve got options, which can sometimes be overwhelming! Here’s the scoop:
Material: Most baby plates and bowls come in plastic, bamboo, stainless steel, or silicone.
If dishwasher-safe is important to you, you’ll want to skip bamboo, which is hand wash only.
Double-check that plastic options are BPA-free.
Stainless steel is known for being both easy to clean and durable, but this also makes it less affordable.
Silicone is well-loved for its soft, flexible design, but one common critique is that it can take on the smell and taste of detergent. This is why fragrance-free detergent is often recommended for silicone sets.
Design: Many baby and toddler plates feature suction bottoms and divided compartments. These aren’t clear wins for every family. Here’s why:
Many babies and toddlers figure out how to break the suction, and it becomes extra fun for them to mess with. However, when they do work well, it can be a valuable layer of convenience that prevents spills.
Plates with divided compartments can visually remind you to offer a variety of foods. Also, the raised edges can make it easier for babies and toddlers to scoop up their food independently.
However, if you only use divided plates, some think this can enforce picky eating by limiting exposure to foods touching other foods.
How much to serve
Serve your baby smaller portions than you think! Offering too much is common, which can feel frustrating, add pressure, and create food waste. By starting small, you can always add more.
For specific guidelines, here’s a sample menu using guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Breakfast:
1/4 - 1/2 cup whole-grain infant cereal mixed with formula or breast milk
1/4 - 1/2 cup diced fruit
Snack:
1/4 - 1/2 cup diced cheese or vegetables
Lunch:
1/4 - 1/2 cup yogurt or cottage cheese or diced beans or meat
1/4 - 1/2 cup cooked pureed or diced yellow or orange vegetables
Dinner:
1/4 - 1/2 cup diced diced poultry, meat, or tofu
1/4 - 1/2 cup cooked green vegetables
1/4 - 1/2 cup cooked soft-whole grain pasta or potato
1/4 - 1/2 cup diced or mashed fruit
Tips and tricks for plating
Start with small portions. First time trying broccoli? Just start with one floret.
Serve a variety. Mix up the colors and textures.
Try cutting certain foods into fun shapes for extra appeal.
Allow food to touch; don’t only use divided plates.
Add different dips for added flavor and sensory exposure.
Roll slippery things like avocado wedges in hemp seed for extra grip.