The Great Plate Debate
If you're setting up for starting solids, you've probably wondered: do I really need a suction plate, or will a regular plate do the job? It's a fair question — and the answer depends on your baby's age, feeding style, and your tolerance for food on the floor!
Here's an honest breakdown to help NZ parents make the right call.
What Is a Suction Plate?
A suction plate has a suction base on the bottom that sticks firmly to a highchair tray or flat table surface. When pressed down, it creates a seal that keeps the plate in place — even when your baby pushes, pulls, or swipes at it (which they absolutely will).
Most suction plates for babies are made from food-grade silicone, which is soft, flexible, non-toxic, and easy to clean.
Suction Plate vs Regular Plate: Side by Side
| Suction Plate | Regular Plate | |
|---|---|---|
| Stays in place | ✅ Yes — suction holds it firm | ❌ No — easily knocked off |
| Less mess | ✅ Food stays on the tray longer | ❌ Plate and food can be swept to the floor |
| Encourages independence | ✅ Baby can scoop without the plate sliding | ⚠️ Sliding plate is frustrating for self-feeders |
| Safety | ✅ Silicone is soft and BPA-free | ⚠️ Depends on material — ceramic/glass not baby-safe |
| Travel-friendly | ⚠️ Works best on flat, smooth surfaces | ✅ Works anywhere |
| Cost | ⚠️ Slightly higher upfront | ✅ Generally cheaper |
When Is a Suction Plate Best?
Suction plates shine from 6 months through to around 2 years — the stage when babies and toddlers are learning to self-feed but don't yet have the coordination or impulse control to leave a plate alone. Key scenarios where suction plates win:
- Baby-led weaning (BLW) — when your baby is scooping food themselves, a stable plate is essential
- Distracted or active babies — some babies just love to swipe everything off the tray. A suction plate dramatically reduces this.
- Mealtimes without constant supervision — when you need to step away for a moment, a suction plate keeps things contained
When Does a Regular Plate Work Fine?
Regular plates make more sense when:
- Your toddler is older (2.5–3+ years) and has developed enough coordination and self-control
- You're travelling or eating away from home where suction surfaces aren't available
- Your child has specifically learned not to push or throw their plate
Do Suction Plates Always Stay Put?
A good quality suction plate will hold firmly on smooth, flat surfaces like a highchair tray or table. However, suction works less effectively on:
- Textured or rough surfaces
- Surfaces with ridges or grooves
- Fabric or silicone placemats (ironically!)
For best results, press the plate firmly onto a clean, dry, smooth surface before adding food. Our suction plates are designed with a strong, wide suction base for maximum hold on standard highchair trays.
What About Suction Bowls?
The same logic applies to bowls — a suction bowl is a game-changer for babies eating porridge, yoghurt, or anything scoopable. Without suction, a bowl is almost impossible for a baby to eat from independently without it sliding or tipping.
Our Recommendation for NZ Parents
For babies and toddlers aged 6 months to 2.5 years, a suction plate is absolutely worth it. The reduction in mess, the support for independent eating, and the safety of food-grade silicone make it the clear winner for this stage.
Our 6-piece silicone baby feeding sets include both a suction plate and suction bowl, along with a silicone bib, cup, spoon, and fork — everything you need for stress-free mealtimes from 6 months. Available in six beautiful colours to suit any nursery aesthetic.
The Bottom Line
- ✅ Suction plate — best for babies and young toddlers learning to self-feed
- ✅ Regular plate — better suited to older toddlers and children with established mealtime skills
Ready to make mealtimes easier? Shop our silicone feeding sets and see the difference the right gear makes.