Having raised two children, I've accumulated such a vast assortment of baby feeding utensils that I barely have room to store them all. Especially over the last few years-during which I've purchased a great deal of silicone tableware for my kids-I've gained considerable expertise in how to assess the quality of silicone products, as well as how to properly clean and maintain them.
Strictly speaking, silicone tableware is a relatively recent phenomenon; however, it quickly became the go-to choice for moms purchasing feeding plates for their babies. This rapid adoption is largely due to the fact that silicone is a material uniquely well-suited for children's dining ware.
Compared to ceramic, plastic, or stainless steel alternatives, silicone tableware is non-toxic and odorless. It is highly heat-resistant-it won't warp even when sterilized at 240°C-and equally cold-resistant, remaining pliable rather than hardening at temperatures as low as -40°C. Furthermore, it is shatterproof; parents need not worry if a child has an unsteady grip or enjoys tossing their bowl around. Since dropping it produces no loud clatter, it also helps keep parental frustration levels-and tempers-in check.
Additionally, silicone interacts harmoniously with food temperatures. Whether holding hot or cold items, the material helps moderate temperature fluctuations while simultaneously acting as a thermal insulator, preventing the baby from getting scalded.
The tableware materials commonly used in the past each had their own distinct drawbacks: ceramics are fragile and prone to breaking; plastics lack heat resistance, offer poor thermal insulation, and tend to yellow after prolonged use; and stainless steel can be slippery, while also being unsuitable for highly electrolytic foods-which can lead to rusting.
Moreover, silicone tableware can be naturally engineered with a suction base. Simply placing it on a table creates a strong suction grip, preventing the child from knocking over their food-a feature that has truly won the hearts of many moms.
Once you've purchased silicone tableware, it is best to rinse it thoroughly with clean water before its first use. Since silicone products carry a slight static charge, they can easily pick up dust particles during shipping. You can clean them using a soft cotton cloth, a dishwasher, or a soft sponge; after washing, place them in a well-ventilated area to air-dry. Be sure to cover them with a lid to prevent them from re-attracting airborne dust particles.
Incidentally, it is always best practice to either wipe down or air-dry *any* tableware-not just silicone-before storing it in the cupboard; leaving residual moisture behind creates an environment where microorganisms can thrive. When purchasing feeding utensils for your baby, I highly recommend asking if a dust-proof lid is included. Since the tendency to attract dust is an inherent characteristic of all silicone products, acquiring a lid is an absolute necessity. Cleaning silicone tableware after use is actually quite simple. Since silicone does not absorb grease or stains, light oily residue can usually be rinsed away with just plain water.
However, after prolonged use, some silicone tableware may develop a sticky film on the surface. Although a simple rinse with water suffices for daily cleaning, over time, grease and grime can become trapped within the microscopic gaps between the silicone molecules, making them difficult to remove.
Furthermore, silicone is categorized into standard silicone and food-grade silicone. Standard silicone is primarily used in other sectors-such as industrial or electronics fields-and is manufactured using ordinary translucent raw materials and standard vulcanization processes.
In contrast, "platinum-cured silicone" utilizes highly transparent raw materials and employs platinum-based curing agents during the vulcanization process. It resists yellowing and deformation even after long-term use, offering superior safety, high efficiency, and an odorless finish, along with outstanding overall performance and longevity.
To prevent the aforementioned stickiness, I often soak my silicone tableware in water mixed with dish soap for 10 to 30 minutes before washing. I also disinfect them periodically; this is quite simple-you can simply steam or boil them in a pot. Households equipped with baby bottle sterilizers (which often use UV light) can also place their silicone tableware inside for disinfection.
Additionally, even among products labeled as "food-grade silicone," quality can vary depending on the specific testing standards applied.
I only became aware of the distinction between "European Standards" (EU Standards) and "American Standards" (US Standards) when I purchased a silicone dining plate from the brand *beeshum*.
As the names suggest, "American Standards" refer to the testing criteria established in the U.S., while "European Standards" refer to those established in Europe. Generally speaking, tableware that meets European Standards tends to be of higher quality-and consequently, more expensive. EU-certified tableware offers a longer lifespan and greater durability. While the differences may not be immediately apparent, after five or six years of use, you will notice distinct differences in how the color, shape, and firmness of the two types of products have aged and changed.
So, how can you determine whether a piece of silicone tableware meets American Standards or European Standards?
It is quite simple: place the two items side-by-side, then use a hard object to press firmly against the tableware, subjecting it to extreme tension or stretching. If the area being bent or stretched turns white, it indicates American Standards; this occurs because the gaps between the molecules in the material's structure are relatively large. If, however, there is no visible change in color, it indicates European Standards. Of course, if you don't have such high standards for your dinnerware, plates meeting American or national standards are perfectly fine-they work just as well.
