How to Choose the Right Dishes for Your Kids

Do you even feel excitement whenever you shop for your kids’ silverware or dishes? Are you fascinated by the cute designs of the plates? Are you guilty of buying them because you know that your kids will like the design?

As a parent, don’t just buy your kids plates or dishes and other silverware just because they look cute. Even if has your child’s favorite shape, character or color, and you shouldn’t just buy it because of that sole reason.

You should also think about the type of material these dishes are made of. You wouldn’t want your child using a plate that will start to peel easily. Plastic isn’t good for kids, especially if it gets mixed with their food. If you are looking for the right type of dishes that your kids will use, then make sure to pay attention to the material. Below are some tips on how to choose non-toxic dishes for children.

When you are choosing a dish for your child, make sure that it doesn’t contain the following:

Melamine – This is a common component that is used in plastic tableware. This can get caught in food, and have the possibility of having harmful effects on human’s kidneys. It is harmful when children are exposed to high levels of this type of chemical.

BPA – BPA is another harmful chemical that may be found in plastic. It can cause harm to the brain, behavior and possibly glands of kids or infants.

PVC – PVC is a plastic that is among the most toxic ones. It can lead to health issues, and risks such as cancer and/or defects at birth. Beware of dishes that are made from them, because they can easily be transferred onto our food.

Although some plastics may be FDA approved, it may be best to stay away from the material and consider the following alternatives:

Silicone

 Silicone a type of rubber that can handle harsh conditions, and heating this material won’t cause harm to humans be leeching onto the food. They can be put in the microwave, and they are also dishwasher safe. However, make sure that you choose dishes that are made from all food grade silicone. Avoid and be careful about products that may use plastic as their fillers.

Stainless Steel

 Stainless steel plates are easy to clean, and they don’t retain stains. You won’t have problems with odor and other residues as well. Most stainless dishes are dishwasher safe. However, one downside is that these aren’t microwavable.

Wood

Wood is considered as an eco-friendly alternative that is durable. Your children won’t be able to break them that easily. However, it cannot be put in the microwave or dishwasher. This is because wood can easily swell when it is heated.

Glass

Although glass can easily break especially when kids are using them, you can try to consider using tempered glass instead. It is stronger than the regular type of glass dishes. However, be careful when you break it, because when it breaks, you’ll get a lot of very small broken pieces. To add some durability, you can use a silicone cover to avoid the glass from slipping.