You know how hard kids can be on dishes. That’s why you want the best daycare plates on the market. But what should you consider when buying daycare plates? That’s why we have put together a few things to consider to help you make the best decision for your daycare. Thanks for reading!
What is the best material for children’s plates?
Choosing the right type of plate material is essential – plastic, melamine, stainless steel, and bamboo are all standard options for daycare plates. Each tableware material has its own benefits and drawbacks that should be considered when choosing the right type of material for your next purchase.
Plastic
The Pros and Cons of Using Plastic Plates for Children
As a daycare provider, you want to choose the best products for the children in your care. This includes finding plates that are durable, safe, and easy to clean. Plastic plates are popular for many daycare providers, but are they the best choice? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of using plastic plates for children.
The Pros of Using Plastic Plates for Children
There are several reasons why plastic plates may be a good choice for your daycare. The most obvious pro of using plastic plates is that they are very cheap. Price is important for daycare providers who have to stay within a budget. Plus, plastic is very durable. This means that it is less likely to break if dropped or thrown than other types of plates, such as ceramic or glass. Second, plastic plates are usually very lightweight, which makes them easy for small children to handle. Third, most plastic plates are dishwasher safe, which means they can be easily cleaned in a short amount of time.
The Cons of Using Plastic Plates for Children
Even though there are some advantages to using plastic plates for children, there are also some disadvantages that you should be aware of.
The Dangers of Plastic for Children
There are two main dangers of plastic for children: leaching and BPA. Leaching is when chemicals from the plastic leach out into food or drinks, contaminating them with toxins. BPA is a hormone-disrupting chemical that is often used in plastics. Studies have shown that early exposure to BPA can lead to developmental problems, reproductive issues, and even cancer.
So, should you avoid plastic altogether? Not necessarily. Some types of plastic are considered safer than others. For example, polypropylene and polyethylene are two types of plastic that are not known to leach chemicals into food. However, these plastics may still contain BPA. If you’re concerned about BPA, look for plastics labelled “BPA-free.”
Another concern is that plastic is not biodegradable, meaning it will exist in landfill sites for years. In fact, it’s estimated that plastic takes hundreds or even thousands of years to decompose. So, even though you may only use a plastic plate for a few years, it could still pollute the environment long after you’re gone.
Finally, many plastic plates are not microwave-safe, so they cannot be heated up in the microwave if you need to serve hot food.
So, should you use plastic plates for children? The answer may depend on your individual preferences. If you are concerned about the safety of plastic plates or the environmental impact, you may want to choose another type of plate made from safer materials. However, if durability and ease of cleaning are your main concerns, then plastic plates may be the best choice for your daycare center.
Melamine
Is Melamine a Safe Choice for Children’s Plates?
Melamine is a popular choice for children’s plates because it is shatterproof and very durable. However, concerns about melamine’s safety have been raised, particularly regarding temperature changes. This section will go over the pros and cons of using melamine plates for children.
The Pros of Melamine Plates
Shatterproof
This is probably the most significant pro of melamine plates. They are made from a strong plastic that is highly resistant to breaking. Being shatterproof makes them ideal for children, who are often very rough on their plates.
Durable
Melamine plates are also quite durable and can last for years without showing any wear and tear. This makes them very economical choice daycares do not want to keep buying new plates every few months.
Lightweight
Melamine plates are much lighter than ceramic or glass plates, which makes them easier for small children to carry.
Easy to Clean
Melamine plates can be easily washed in the dishwasher. This makes them very low-maintenance and ideal for use in busy daycares.
The Cons of Melamine Plates
Not Microwave-Safe
One downside of melamine plates is that they are not microwave-safe. This means that you cannot heat up food on them in the microwave, which can be inconvenient if you are in a hurry.
Can Leach Chemicals
If melamine plates are exposed to high temperatures, they can leach chemicals into the food that is on them. Chemicals can be dangerous, especially for young children whose bodies are still developing.
Not Eco-Friendly
Plates made from melamine are not eco-friendly since they are made from plastic, which does not biodegrade.
So, should you use melamine plates for your children? The answer depends on your particular preferences and needs. If you are looking for an inexpensive and shatterproof plate, then melamine might be a good option. However, if you are concerned about chemicals leaching into your food or want to reduce your daycare’s impact on the environment, then you might want to choose another type of plate.
Stainless steel
The Pros and Cons of Stainless Steel Children’s Plates
Pros:
- Stainless steel is durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear, which is ideal for busy daycares.
- This type of plate is easy to clean and disinfect, which is essential for keeping germs at bay.
- Stainless steel plates are also unlikely to break or chip, which minimizes the risk of injury.
Cons:
- Stainless steel can be heavy for small children to handle.
- Plates can become very cold in temperature, which may not be ideal for some foods.
- They can also be more expensive than other options on the market.
Moulded Bamboo
The Pros and Cons of Bamboo Children’s Plates
Bamboo plates have become popular recently, but is this material the best choice for your daycare? Let’s look at the pros and cons of bamboo plates so that you can make the best decision for your daycare.
The Pros of Bamboo Plates
- They are eco-friendly. Bamboo is a very sustainable material. It grows quickly and does not require harmful pesticides or chemicals to thrive. When you use bamboo plates in your daycare, you can feel good about knowing that you are using an environmentally friendly product.
- They are durable. Bamboo is a very strong material, meaning bamboo plates are less likely to break than other types of plates (such as ceramic or glass). This is important because you want to ensure that your plates can withstand being dropped or knocked over by excited children.
- They are easy to clean. Bamboo plates can be easily washed by hand or in the dishwasher. This is important because you want to be able to quickly and easily clean your plates after each use. Plus, bamboo plates are often naturally stain-resistant.
- Biodegradable. Unlike plastic or melamine plates, which can take hundreds of years to decompose, bamboo plates will break down naturally over time. Furthermore, bamboo is a sustainable resource that does not require pesticides. As a result, it’s a much more environmentally friendly option than traditional plates. Therefore if you’re searching for a way to reduce your impact on the planet, moulded bamboo plates are a great choice.
The Cons of Bamboo Plates
- Moulded bamboo plates are not microwave-safe due to the chance of hot spots and cracking, not because of leaching chemicals.
- Moulded bamboo plates may be more expensive than other options. Bamboo plates tend to be more costly than other types on the market, such as plastic or melamine plates. If you are on a tight daycare budget, this may not be your best option.
Make sure the plates and bowls are easy to clean and don’t stain.
Daycare can be a messy business. From paint to spaghetti, it seems like there’s always something that needs to be cleaned up. And when it comes to plates and bowls, you want something easy to clean and won’t stain. That’s why it’s essential to choose tableware made from durable materials that can withstand a lot of daycare wear and tear. You also want dishes that are dishwasher safe, so you can save time on cleanup. And finally, you want bowls and plates that won’t absorb food odors or flavors.
Choose fun and colorful design that will appeal to children.
Daycare plates should be fun and exciting for kids while also being durable enough to stand up to daily use. The best daycare plates are those that are simple and brightly colored. Plates with cartoon characters or other playful motifs are a big hit with kids but often become a distraction and can cause fights among the kids. And finally, consider plates with built-in dividers or compartments.
Look for a brand that is known for quality and durability
When choosing plates for your daycare, you want to make sure you pick a brand known for quality and durability. You don’t want dishes that break easily or get stained and scratched. You want tableware that is easy to clean and that will last.
Price should be considered when making your purchase, but don’t sacrifice quality just to save a few bucks.
When you are shopping for daycare plates, it is important to find ones that are both affordable and high quality. Cheaper options might tempt you to save money by buying the most inexpensive plates available, but this is often a false economy. Cheap plates are more likely to break, so you will have to replace them more often. Instead, investing in a few good-quality tableware that will last for years is better. High-quality options will not only save you money in the long run, but your daycare kids will be safer and more comfortable.
With all of these factors to consider, it’s no wonder you’re feeling overwhelmed. But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. Check out our list of the best daycare plates on Amazon, considering everything you need to look for. So we’ve got you covered if you’re looking for something cheap and cheerful or want to splurge on something a little nicer. Check out our suggestions here.
GET FRESH Bamboo Kids Divided Plates
Shopwithgreen Bamboo Divided Plates
RE-PLAY Toddler Feeding Divided Plates with Deep Sides
Stainless Steel Divided Plates/Compartment Trays
