Mealtimes for little ones are about more than just food – they provide opportunities for connection, learning, and growth. Therefore, it’s important to create a positive experience around the table and choosing the right tableware can play a crucial role in making mealtimes enjoyable and stress-free for everyone involved.
From encouraging independent eating to reducing spills, the right plates, bowls and cups can make a world of difference. In this post, we’ll guide you through the essential factors to consider when choosing tableware for your child with help from our Little Wren collection.
Materials
One of the first factors to consider when selecting tableware for your little one is the material it’s made from. Safety is paramount, so selecting pieces that are crafted from non-toxic and durable materials is important. In the UK, you’ll find several common types of materials used for children's tableware, such as melamine, bamboo, silicone, and stainless steel.
Our Wrendale Designs Little Wren collection is made from 100% melamine – a type of plastic that is tested and approved for food contact. BPA-free, melamine doesn’t leach harmful chemicals into food, even when it’s exposed to heat.
We also chose melamine as it’s remarkably break-resistant, durable and lightweight. It can withstand the rigors of daily use, from enthusiastic scooping to accidental drops. You’ll also find our Little Wren tableware is dishwasher safe, making clean-up a breeze for busy parents, it’s smooth surface also resists staining, and it’s suitable for both hot and cold food, making it adaptable for your child's needs.
Size and shape
Choosing tableware that aligns with your child’s age and development stage is important for fostering independent eating and minimising mealtime mishaps. The right shape and size can empower your little one to explore new foods and develop essential motor skills.
deal for toddlers, aged 1-3 years, our Little Wren Divided Tray and Bowl Set offers separate compartments for different food types, promoting self-feeding and an easy way to introduce new foods alongside familiar favourites. The shallow sections help to prevent spills, featuring sweet illustrations to make dinner time a fun experience for inquisitive children. At this age, toddlers are also mastering grasping and hand-eye coordination, so the fox Cup with its easy-grip handle aids in transitioning from bottles to cups.
As their independence grows, little ones aged 3-5 years may prefer using utensils and exploring a wider variety of foods. The Little Wren Beaker promotes independent drinking, while the Plate and Bowl Set provides ample space for larger portions and diverse food combinations. There’s also matching cutlery, designed specifically for when little hands are ready to use a metal knife, fork and spoon.
Mealtime fun
As well as functionality and safety, tableware can play a delightful role in shaping positive mealtime experiences for your child. The Little Wren collection, adorned with charming baby animal illustrations, such as fox cubs, fawns, bunnies, and owls, creates a whimsical atmosphere that sparks joy and curiosity at the table. Cheerful designs such as this, help to create positive associations with dinner time, making little ones more likely to look forward to sitting down and enjoying their food.
Captivating designs help to capture children’s imaginations and interesting illustrations can spark conversations, promoting learning and language development during meals. Colourful yet calming colours featured on tableware, such as the white and pale green featured across our Little Wren collection, are also eye-catching for your little one, adding to the enjoyable atmosphere.
Discover more about the Little Wren collection by Royal Worcester here and shop below: