Baby-led weaning is an important stage in your toddler’s journey towards eating family foods. As a parent, introducing your baby to solid foods is no less than achieving a milestone. But, as crucial as this stage is, it doesn’t come without its challenges. We’re talking about the spills and stains accompanying your baby’s self-feeding adventures. So, if you don’t want to spend hours cleaning up after these messy little eaters, you may want to invest in the right silicone feeding accessories, like silicone baby bowls. When your baby is ready to start solid foods, a baby bowl can make the transition as smooth as possible. These bowls come in various shapes and sizes, so you can find one that’s just right for your little one. Since picking the right one among plenty of options can be overwhelming, we’ve created this guide to help you find the finest baby bowls.

Baby Bowls: A Buying Guide

What To Look for When Buying a Baby Bowl

Durability

Nobody wants to replace baby bowls every few months because they’ve been dropped or scratched. So, to avoid that, you should look for ones made with durable materials, like silicone, plastic, or metal. You can get a good idea of a baby bowl’s durability by going through some customer reviews.

Safety

Another thing to consider when looking for a baby bowl is safety. You want to ensure that the bowl has no small parts that could come loose and pose a choking hazard. Also, remember to make sure the bowl is safe to put in the microwave or dishwasher. 

Portability

If you’re going to be feeding your baby on the go, find a bowl that is easy to transport. Look for a lightweight bowl that can be easily packed in a diaper bag. You may also want to consider finding a silicone collapsible bowl so it takes up less space when you’re not using it.

Lid or no lid?

Some parents prefer to have bowls with lids to keep the food fresh and clean. Besides, lids also make it easier to store leftovers or take food on the go. On the other hand, some parents find that a cover makes it more difficult to feed their baby, so they prefer lidless bowls. If you’re unsure, you can always buy a bowl with a lid and see how it works for you.

Suction base

A suction base is a great feature to have on a baby bowl. This will keep the bowl in place, even if your baby tries to knock it over.

What Else Do You Need To Consider in Baby Bowls?

Raised edges

A baby bowl with deeper walls or raised edges can prevent food from going everywhere. Raised edges also help toddlers learn to scoop their food with a spoon without spilling.

Portion size

Too much food can be overwhelming. It is best to start with a small amount of food and gradually increase the portion size as your baby gets older. So, make sure the baby bowl you get has enough capacity to serve a fulfilling portion to your baby.

Cleaning options

Multiple cleaning options are also something to consider. You want to ensure the baby bowl is dishwasher-safe so you don’t have to worry about bacteria build-up. That being said, having the option to hand wash the bowls also comes in handy at times.

What To Avoid When Choosing a Baby Bowl

BPA and phthalates

These are two common chemicals that can be found in many household items, including baby bowls. Both of these chemicals have been linked to health problems in children, so it’s essential to avoid them when choosing a bowl for your baby.

Breakable items

If you’re looking for a bowl that can withstand a little wear and tear, consider one made with durable and unbreakable materials. While plastic bowls are lightweight and durable, they can still break if dropped. So, your best bet is metal or silicone baby bowls.

Choking hazards

Babies are still learning to eat, so it’s crucial to choose a bowl that doesn’t have any small parts. If a bowl comes with detachable parts, it can become a choking hazard. 

Non-slip bottoms

Babies are wiggly and love knocking their plates off the table. So, if you don’t want to spend hours cleaning up after your baby, choose a bowl with a non-slip bottom. This will help prevent spills and keep your baby safe while eating. 

What Are Baby Bowls Made Of?

Silicone

Silicone baby bowls are the perfect way to feed your little one without any mess. These bowls are made with non-toxic, food-grade silicone that’s safe for your baby. They often come with a suction feature that ensures the bowls stick to any high chair tray, making them spill-proof and leak-free. 

Plastic

Most readily available baby bowls are made with durable plastic that can be easily cleaned. Although they’re a great option for feeding your little one, they may contain harmful elements. So, unless these bowls are made with BPA and phthalate-free plastic, they can be unsafe for your baby.

Bamboo

Bamboo bowls can work well for your baby if you’re looking for an alternative to traditional plastic bowls. Made from sustainable bamboo, these bowls are reusable and leakproof. Plus, they’re safe for babies and toddlers since they’re made without any harmful chemicals and are antimicrobial by nature.

Stainless steel

These bowls are durable and easy to clean, which is important when you’re dealing with food spills. And, like bamboo bowls, they’re also safe for babies since they don’t contain harmful chemicals. Unfortunately, you cannot use them in the microwave.