A question, because I just don't know anything about babies...

LW2410

Why do they sell specific dishware/utensils for children? Do you need them or can you just use your adult ware?

I'm looking at stuff about BPA-free dishware and that made me wonder if any plasticware was necessary. We use those Corell plates that don't break even if you hit them with a 10lb hammer.

Thanks

Mrs. K in TX

They do make special dishware and utensils for kids.  I may or may not buy plates and bowls, but I will definitely buy the utensils.  IMO, adult utensils are too big for toddlers' mouths.

CFH79

Dishes might be more of a safety/convenience thing--you don't have to worry about baby throwing a bowl off the high chair and it breaking on the floor. But utensils...I think adult utensils might make little mouths sore.  Baby/kid utensils tend to be smaller in size and not as sharp/pointy (thinking about forks here).  I think the edges of an adult spoon might rub the baby's gums raw. 

Sonadora

On the utensils side, I think it's because of size and the dexterity of their little hands. I know little kids have trouble with utensils when they start out. Perhaps plastic so they don't injure themselves with the metal tines of a fork?

I don't plan to buy special dishes when it comes time for table food, but I will get my kid kid sized utensils.

PinkeLLe2

If nothing else, you will want kid size utensils especially when LO is learning to feed himself with a spoon/fork.

LW2410

Those are all very, very good points. Thanks, ladies.

I've realized that I probably don't want her dropping the unbreakable plates on my dog's head, either.

MrsNoPhun

Adult utensils are too big and sharp for little mouths. Baby utensils are a must.

As for baby plates...I would use them. We have Corelle as well and though they are pretty sturdy they can break  and when they do they shatter into a million pieces and it is NOT fun to clean up all the tiny little shards. (We have tile and wood floors)  So I feel baby ware would just be a safer option.

We didn't allow DHs son to use the Corelle plates until he was about 4 and could actually hold onto them just to keep them from having a potential break. Plus when we went somewhere we would keep a little plate and utensil set in our bag in case wherever we went didn't have something suitable for him to eat with.

mel.lc

Warning on the Correll: it's tough to get it to break, but when they do, they SHATTER.  I'm not talking regular glassware shatter.... it's millions of teeny tiny shards and very few big pieces.  I'd invest in a couple of plastic or other for when you've got a LO who is walking.

Also, adult utensils can be a little hard on little ones' mouths... they like to bite down HARD. 

welshgirl

chornback79:

Dishes might be more of a safety/convenience thing--you don't have to worry about baby throwing a bowl off the high chair and it breaking on the floor. But utensils...I think adult utensils might make little mouths sore.  Baby/kid utensils tend to be smaller in size and not as sharp/pointy (thinking about forks here).  I think the edges of an adult spoon might rub the baby's gums raw. 

Yes you do!

We started with plastic until I found a nice (safe-ish) shape of teaspoon from Ikea, and we used those, along with plastic forks, until he was feeding himself. Then I honestly found, much to my plastic-hating self, that the Ikea toddler utensils worked best for him.

IMO, re: noise, mealtimes will be noisy whether you use platic, metal or whatever. I did'nt like the use of plastic, but that's what he found easiest to use, and I wanted him to be able to confidently feed himself. But then, that's say from 12 months up. You would be able to use metal spoons from weaning til then if you wanted - we will again.

LW2410

I did not know that about Corell dishes. My husband has this uncanny superpower to break any breakable dish/glass that he touches. I guess it's good that we haven't found that out yet.

 

 

abovewedding

Adult forks and spoons are a bit big and the baby spoons are a great size and shape for feeding babies...but you can always use the little teaspoons and salad forks for your kids. When kids start feeding themselves its good to have an unbreakable bowl in case they toss it...but who knows, maybe if they toss it once and see what happens when it breaks, they wont' do it again lol.

Ljojo

DD was having a snack off a regular plate at Grandma's house and she dropped it on her toe.  She was in a lot of pain and her little toe nail turned blue.  So, it's much safer to have some light little plastic bowls to eat out of. 

logoz80

They do it to make $$$$, Although BPA free is good for everyone. Toddler utensils are best too since they fit in the baby's mouth and aren't as sharp or pointy

PunkyBooster

We registered for some gerber spoons and little bowls. I don't know if a 2 y/o could fit a regular sized fork in it's mouth, but I have no idea.

queenbone

If you already have unbreakable dishes you may be fine.  Just within the last few months have I switched over to letting DS use regular dishes and glasses because I finally trust he won't fling them off the table and break them. 

Utensils really should be baby/toddler sized though for reasons pps mentioned.  I got a set of ss utensils in our everyday set so that he feels like he is using big boy stuff.  Plus the metal tines are much better for him piercing his food, now that he has more control, than the plastic tines of more babyish forks.

LIBride6-16-07

IMO you will probably want to get some of these.

You would never be able to feed a baby cereal and baby food with an adult spon when they first start solids. I still use the little bowls for snacks on the go for DS and for when I have a tiny bit of lefovers.