When it comes to feeding your little one, there are countless options available - from plastic and bamboo to silicone and stainless steel. Two of the most popular choices today are silicone and stainless steel, but which one is actually the better option?
The truth is that both materials have their place. Understanding the differences can help you choose what works best for your family and your child's stage of development.
What Makes Silicone So Popular?
Silicone has become a favourite among parents for good reason.
Food-grade silicone is:
-
Soft and flexible
-
Lightweight
-
Dishwasher safe
-
Gentle if dropped
-
Available in fun colours and shapes
It's especially popular for younger babies who are just beginning solids because it's durable and difficult to break.
However, silicone isn't perfect.
Some Things to Consider About Silicone
While high-quality food-grade silicone is generally considered safe, there are a few drawbacks that parents often notice:
-
Silicone can absorb oils and strong food odours over time.
-
Some foods, like tomato sauce or curry, may leave stains.
-
It can develop a lingering soapy taste if dishwasher detergent builds up.
-
Silicone surfaces may show wear after years of heavy use.
These aren't safety concerns for quality silicone products, but they are reasons some parents begin looking for alternatives.
Why More Parents Are Choosing Stainless Steel
Stainless steel has been used in kitchens for generations, and it's becoming increasingly popular in baby feeding products.
High-quality 304 stainless steel offers several benefits:
It Doesn't Absorb Odours or Flavours
Unlike softer materials, stainless steel has a non-porous surface that won't retain food smells or flavours. Yesterday's spaghetti won't affect today's yogurt.
It's Extremely Durable
Stainless steel is built to last. It won't crack, warp, or stain easily and can often be used through multiple children.
Easy to Clean
Because the surface is smooth and non-porous, food washes away easily, making cleanup simple after even the messiest meals.
A Timeless Look
Many parents appreciate the clean, modern appearance of stainless steel. It pairs beautifully with almost any kitchen or dining space and doesn't go out of style.
What About Suction?
One reason silicone plates became so popular is suction.
Babies and toddlers love testing gravity, and suction helps keep meals on the table instead of the floor.
Fortunately, parents no longer have to choose between stainless steel and suction.
Many modern feeding products combine a stainless steel interior with a removable silicone suction base, giving families the best of both worlds:
-
Durable stainless steel where food sits.
-
Reliable suction underneath to help prevent spills.
-
Removable silicone for easier cleaning.
Which Material Is Best?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer.
Silicone may be a great choice if you want:
-
A lightweight option
-
Soft materials for younger babies
-
Flexible products for travel
Stainless steel may be a better fit if you value:
-
Long-lasting durability
-
Resistance to stains and odours
-
Easy cleaning
-
A timeless, premium feel
Many families eventually use a combination of both depending on the meal and their child's age.
Our Philosophy at BRAI + CO.
When designing our products, we wanted to combine the strengths of both materials.
Our plates feature 304 stainless steel where your child's food is served, paired with a strong removable food-grade silicone suction base underneath. This design offers the durability and easy cleaning of stainless steel while still helping keep meals where they belong.
We also made the silicone base removable so parents can thoroughly clean both pieces whenever needed.
The Bottom Line
Whether you choose silicone, stainless steel, or a combination of both, the most important thing is creating positive mealtime experiences with your child.
Choose products that fit your family's lifestyle, are easy to clean, and encourage your little one to explore new foods with confidence.
Every family is different - and the best plate is the one that helps make mealtimes a little less stressful and a lot more enjoyable.