When your baby starts solid foods, the tableware you choose matters more than most parents realize. The wrong materials can leach chemicals into food, break easily, or create more mess than they prevent. The right ones make mealtimes easier, safer, and a lot less stressful.

At Oliver and Company, our feeding set collection has shifted significantly toward stainless steel and silicone, and for good reason. These are the materials parents keep coming back to. Here is everything you need to know about choosing the right feeding set, what is safe in the microwave and dishwasher, and our top picks.

Stainless steel vs silicone vs bamboo: what you need to know

Stainless steel is our most popular material and the one we recommend most. It is completely non-toxic, contains no BPA, phthalates, or lead, and does not absorb odors or stains. It is virtually indestructible, which matters when a toddler is involved. Stainless steel feeding sets are dishwasher safe and easy to sanitize. The one thing to know: stainless steel is not microwave safe. Never put stainless steel in the microwave. Heat food separately and transfer it to the stainless dish before serving.

Silicone is our second most popular material and works beautifully alongside stainless steel. Food-grade silicone is free from BPA and other harmful chemicals, heat resistant, and flexible enough to be gentle on little gums. Silicone suction bases and plates stay put on highchair trays, which is a genuine game changer for parents of toddlers who like to throw things. Silicone is dishwasher safe and microwave safe, making it the more flexible option for warming food quickly.

Bamboo is a beautiful, eco-friendly material that we have carried in the past. However, bamboo composite products, which are the most common type sold as baby tableware, are typically made with melamine binders that are not recommended for use with hot food or in the microwave. Pure bamboo is also not dishwasher safe over time. For these reasons, our collection has moved primarily toward stainless steel and silicone, which offer better safety profiles and more practical durability for everyday family use.

The microwave and dishwasher quick reference guide

• Stainless steel: Dishwasher safe. NOT microwave safe. Heat food separately before serving
• Silicone: Dishwasher safe. Microwave safe. Check individual product specs for temperature limits
• Bamboo composite: Hand wash recommended. NOT microwave safe. Avoid hot food
• Suction bases: Most silicone suction bases are dishwasher safe on the top rack. Check product details

Our top stainless steel and silicone feeding sets

7-Piece Stainless Steel and Silicone Baby Feeding Set
Our bestselling feeding set and one of the top-performing products in our entire store. This comprehensive 7-piece set gives you everything you need for mealtimes in one package. The stainless-steel pieces are durable and non-toxic, the silicone components are heat resistant and flexible, and the whole set is dishwasher safe. A consistently top-rated choice for parents of babies and toddlers.

10-Piece Stainless Steel and Silicone Baby Feeding Set
For families who want a more complete set or who are outfitting a second mealtime location, this 10-piece version gives you more pieces and more flexibility. Everything you need from first foods through toddlerhood in one well-designed set.

5-Piece Stainless Steel and Silicone Baby Feeding Set with Cup
A slightly more compact set that includes a cup, making it ideal for babies who are transitioning to independent drinking alongside solid foods. A great starter set for families just beginning the solid food journey.

4-Piece Stainless Steel and Silicone Feeding Set with Divided Plate and Bib
The divided plate in this set is a favorite among parents of toddlers who do not like their foods touching. The included bib rounds out the set for a complete mealtime solution. Dishwasher safe throughout.

Stainless Steel Divided Plate with Detachable Silicone Suction Base
This is a standout product. The stainless-steel divided plate sits on a detachable silicone suction base that locks it firmly to the highchair tray. When mealtime is over, the base detaches for easy cleaning. The combination of stainless-steel durability with silicone suction functionality is exactly what parents are looking for.

Bear Shaped Stainless Steel and Silicone Suction Plate
The bear shape makes this one genuinely appealing to toddlers, which matters more than parents sometimes expect. A plate a child is excited about is a plate they are more likely to eat from. The silicone suction base keeps it in place, and the stainless-steel construction means it will last through years of use.

Silicone Crab Suction Plate
A fully silicone option for parents who want microwave flexibility. The crab design is a hit with toddlers, and the suction base is strong enough to handle even determined little hands. Dishwasher safe and microwave safe, making it one of the most practical options in our collection.

Lion Silicone Baby Tableware Set
A complete silicone set with suction plate, bowl, and utensils. Everything is microwave and dishwasher safe. The lion theme is cheerful and engaging for babies and toddlers, and the soft silicone is gentle on gums during the teething stage.

Frequently asked questions

Can I put stainless steel in the microwave?
No. Never put stainless steel in the microwave. It will cause sparking and can damage your microwave. Always heat food in a microwave-safe container first, then transfer it to the stainless-steel dish before serving to your baby.

Is silicone safe for babies?
Yes. Food-grade silicone is considered one of the safest materials for baby feeding products. It is free from BPA, phthalates, and lead, heat resistant, and non-porous so it does not harbor bacteria. Always look for products labeled food-grade silicone.

Are these sets dishwasher safe?
All of our stainless steel and silicone feeding sets are dishwasher safe. For suction bases, we recommend the top rack. Check individual product pages for specific care instructions.

When should I start using a feeding set?
Most babies are ready to start solid foods between 4 and 6 months, though always follow your pediatrician's guidance. A simple set with a small bowl, soft spoon, and bib is all you need to start. You can add plates and cups as your baby grows and develops more independence at mealtimes.

What is the difference between stainless steel and silicone sets?
Stainless steel is more durable and easier to sanitize but is not microwave safe. Silicone is flexible, microwave safe, and great for suction plates and bowls. Many of our best sets combine both materials to give you the benefits of each. See our quick reference guide above for a full comparison.

Browse our full baby feeding set collection at Oliver and Company and find the right set for where your baby is right now.