Are Bamboo Baby Plates & Bowls Safe? | Bamboo Product Guide | For the Baby
Are Bamboo Baby Plates & Bowls Safe? Your Complete Guide
If you're starting weaning and you've found yourself down a rabbit hole at midnight Googling "are bamboo plates safe for babies" — you're not alone. It's one of the most common questions new parents ask, and it's a good one. Here's everything you need to know about our bamboo feeding products at For the Baby.
What Are Our Bamboo Products Made From?
Our bamboo plates and bowls are crafted from 100% natural bamboo fibre — a fast-growing, sustainable grass that requires no pesticides and very little water to grow. Unlike plastic or melamine alternatives, bamboo is a genuinely natural material that's fully biodegradable at the end of its life.
Each product has two components:
The bamboo body — the plate or bowl itself, made from compressed natural bamboo fibre, shaped and finished without synthetic coatings or harmful binders.
The silicone suction base — a removable food-grade silicone base that creates a strong grip on high chair trays and smooth surfaces. The silicone is BPA-free and FDA-certified.
There is no plastic. No melamine. No toxins.
Are They Independently Tested and Safe?
Yes. This is something we take seriously.
Our bamboo baby plates and bowls are independently tested and certified by SGS — the world's leading testing, inspection, and certification organisation. The silicone components carry FDA certification. You can download the full test report here:
Download Bamboo Product Safety Test Certificate (PDF)
This means every product in our bamboo range has been independently verified to be free from harmful substances and safe for use with food — including with the youngest babies from 6 months.
Bamboo vs Plastic Baby Plates: What's the Difference?
A lot of parents ask us this, and it's a fair comparison to make. Here's how bamboo stacks up:
Bamboo baby plates and bowls:
- Made from a natural, renewable material
- BPA-free, plastic-free, and melamine-free
- Naturally antibacterial and mould-resistant
- Doesn't retain heat — stays comfortable for little hands and cools food faster
- Biodegradable at end of life
- Gentle on gums if mouthed during weaning
Plastic baby plates and bowls:
- Made from synthetic materials that can contain BPA and other plasticisers
- Can retain heat, making food and the bowl itself uncomfortably warm
- Not biodegradable — contributes to plastic waste
- Can scratch and harbour bacteria over time
For parents who want to reduce plastic in their home, especially around food and young children, bamboo is a straightforward switch that doesn't cost the earth — literally or figuratively. Our bamboo plates start at just £9.
How to Clean Bamboo Baby Plates and Bowls
Bamboo is easy to look after. Follow these steps and your products will last for years.
Daily cleaning:
- Hand wash only using a soft sponge or cloth and mild washing-up liquid
- Use warm water — not hot
- Rinse thoroughly and allow to drip dry, or pat dry with a clean cloth
- Do not soak for extended periods
- Do not put in the dishwasher — the high heat and prolonged moisture will cause warping and cracking over time
- Do not microwave
The silicone suction base:
- Remove it from the bamboo body for washing
- Clean with hot water and mild washing-up liquid
- It can go in the dishwasher on a gentle cycle if needed
Monthly maintenance:
- Apply a small amount of coconut oil or food-grade vegetable oil to the bamboo surface using a soft cloth
- This conditions the bamboo, prevents it drying out, and helps resist staining
- Allow to absorb for a few minutes then wipe away any excess
For more detail on keeping your bamboo products looking their best — including how to tackle stains from tomato sauce, berries, and other common culprits — read our full guide: How to Keep Your Bamboo Plates Clean from Stains.
When Should I Replace Bamboo Baby Plates or Bowls?
Bamboo is durable, but like any feeding product it won't last forever. Check your products regularly and replace them if you notice:
- Deep cracks or splits in the bamboo surface
- Splinters or rough edges
- Persistent staining or odours that don't clear with cleaning
- Any warping that affects how the plate or bowl sits
If in doubt, replace it. Your child's safety always comes first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bamboo plates safe for babies? Yes. Our bamboo baby plates are made from 100% natural bamboo fibre with no plastic, no melamine, and no BPA. They are independently tested and certified by SGS and are suitable for babies from 6 months.
Can bamboo plates go in the dishwasher? No. Bamboo should always be hand washed. The heat and moisture in a dishwasher will cause the bamboo to warp, crack, and deteriorate much faster than hand washing would.
Can bamboo plates go in the microwave? No. Never put bamboo plates or bowls in the microwave.
Are bamboo baby plates plastic-free? Yes. The bamboo body is completely plastic-free. The suction base is food-grade silicone, which is a very different material from plastic — it contains no BPA or harmful plasticisers and is FDA-certified safe for food contact.
What age are bamboo plates suitable from? Our bamboo baby plates and bowls are suitable from 6 months — the typical age at which weaning begins. Always supervise your child during mealtimes.
How long will a bamboo plate last? With proper care — hand washing, monthly oiling, and avoiding the dishwasher and microwave — bamboo plates and bowls can last for years. Many parents use the same set from weaning through toddlerhood.
Do bamboo plates stain? Bamboo can pick up staining from strongly pigmented foods like tomato sauce, beetroot, and blueberries. Rinsing promptly after mealtimes significantly reduces this. For stubborn stains, a paste of baking soda and water applied gently before rinsing is effective. Read our full bamboo stain removal guide for more tips.
Is bamboo eco-friendly? Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants on earth and requires no pesticides or fertilisers to grow. It's fully biodegradable, which means when your plate or bowl eventually reaches the end of its life, it won't sit in landfill for hundreds of years the way plastic would.
Ready to shop? Browse our full range of eco-friendly bamboo feeding products:
Bamboo Baby Plates | Bamboo Baby Bowls | All Bamboo Feeding Products
A Note on Supervision
Parental supervision is essential whenever your child is using our bamboo products. While our plates and bowls are crafted from eco-friendly, natural materials and designed with safety at the forefront, close supervision ensures they are used properly and minimises any risk. Your child's safety is our absolute priority.