Safe Suction Plates for Babies | What to Look For & What to Avoid | Meadow Lane

What to Look for in a Safe Suction Plate for Babies

A suction plate sounds simple — but when it’s going in your baby’s mouth multiple times a day, material safety, durability and function matter more than you think.

Here’s what to look for in a baby suction plate that’s truly safe and developmentally supportive — and what to avoid.

✅ 1. Choose Non-Toxic, Food-Safe Materials

Most suction plates are made from:

• Silicone
• Plastic
• Bamboo
• Stainless steel (less common but safest)

What’s safest?

• LFGB-certified silicone is the highest standard, especially in Europe. It’s safer and purer than FDA-grade silicone.
• 304 (18/8) stainless steel is durable, won’t leach toxins, and stands up to years of use — even with acidic foods.
• Avoid anything with BPA, phthalates, PVC, or melamine.

Meadow Lane suction plates use a stainless steel base with a removable LFGB silicone sleeve. This means no leaching, no cracking, and no plastic byproducts — ever.

❌ 2. Avoid Bamboo with Hidden Fillers

Bamboo plates are marketed as “eco,” but many are not 100% bamboo. They’re often mixed with melamine resin, which can leach formaldehyde — especially when heated or used with acidic food.

Red flags:

• Brightly coloured “bamboo” that feels too hard or plasticky
• Dishwasher warnings (melamine can warp)
• No certification listed

👶 3. Prioritise a Developmentally Supportive Design

Look for:

• Three sections to help babies identify different textures and flavours
• Shallow edges for easy scooping
• Non-slip base so babies can focus on eating (not chasing their food)
• Portion-appropriate sizing — too big can overwhelm little ones

💦 4. Is It Dishwasher & Oven Safe?

Busy parents don’t have time for hand-washing. A high-quality suction plate should be:

• Dishwasher safe
• Oven safe up to 200°C (if using silicone)
• Freezer safe

Meadow Lane plates are all of the above — and they dry quickly, with no sticky silicone residue.

🧽 5. Can It Be Fully Cleaned?

Mould is a common issue in low-quality suction plates that trap water in hard-to-reach areas. Look for:

• Removable suction bases or sleeves
• No hidden seams or glue
• Dishwasher-friendly materials

The removable silicone sleeve on our plate means you can thoroughly clean every part, ensuring no hidden nasties grow between uses.

🛍️ Our Recommendation

Best for Families: Meadow Lane Suction Plate
✔ 18/8 Stainless Steel
✔ LFGB-grade Silicone Sleeve
✔ Dishwasher Safe
✔ Free from BPA, phthalates, PVC, and microplastics
✔ Toddler-tough design
✔ From a mum who cares (hi 👋)

🧠 FAQ

Can babies really use stainless steel?
Yes! In fact, stainless steel is the most inert option — meaning it doesn’t react with food or heat. The silicone sleeve protects little hands and helps reduce slipping.

Isn’t bamboo better for the planet?
Not always. Stainless steel is fully recyclable and doesn’t rely on glues or chemical binders. Many “eco bamboo” plates are actually melamine blends.

What if my baby pulls the plate off?
Even the strongest suction isn’t 100% toddler-proof — but the wide suction base and grippy silicone sleeve help it stay put through most meals.