What other features you need – if you’re out and about, then look for mats that can fold or bowls with lids so you can take food with you (and home again if it doesn’t get eaten). If your baby likes to use a spoon themselves, then bowls with slightly angled edges can make scooping easier for them. If you plan to use a microwave to reheat food, make sure the bowls and plates are microwave safe.

How well it washes - If you want a product that will wash easily, look for one that can be put in the dishwasher. You may not be able to do this with some bamboo products. When whittling down our list of recommendations, our trusted and experienced parenting journalists spend hours researching each product category, using a variety of sources to evaluate which products are the best. We had various sized Munchkin bowls with suction bases and spoons that worked (and work still!) well.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Modge) Our verdict IKEA weaning stuff (plates/bowls) is generally really good quality and cheap.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user MyCatShopsAtAldi) Our verdict Related: If you're still breast- or bottle feeding, see our guides to the best nursing chair and top bottle warmers to make feeds as easy as possible Are bamboo bowls safe for babies?Once he did have a bowl I found the OXO Tot ones had the best suction."(Vetted by Mumsnet user Sideofnoreturn) Our verdict They may not come with a cute design, but Mumsnet users who have tested the range rave about IKEA’s weaning products, including the Antilop Highchair which we’ve included further down our list, for being such good value, easy to clean and good quality. If you are heating food though, transfer it to a ceramic or glass bowl first as temperatures over 100 degrees can degrade the plastic and could cause some transfer to the food. Also something like this is really useful once you're started as you just make dinner with less salt and mash the babies' in this.” (Recommended by Mumsnetter Kwaziseyepatch) Our verdict When you’re learning to drive there’s so much to take in. It’s more difficult than ever with both a theory and practical test to pass. While we can’t help you on the day, at Halfords you’ll find everything you need to make the whole process pain-free. We love that this eco rascals Bamboo Plate has a large suction base, which means less likelihood of your little one removing it from the table or highchair tray.

The plates should be removed once the learner is no longer behind the wheel and the car is being driven by someone who holds a full licence. Remember, once you’ve passed your driving test, it’s time to swap those L plates to green P plates! Are P plates a legal requirement after you have passed your driving test? Related: Up your sustainability efforts with the best reusable nappies, according to parents When should babies start using plates? When you start weaning, it's a good idea to arm yourself with some basics. Our guide to the best highchairs has plenty of parent-approved options for a safe and secure place to put your baby during their mealtimes, and we've also researched the best sippy cups Mumsnet users swear by so they can learn how to use a cup.Material: Bamboo | Size: ‎20 x 20.5 x 3.3 cm | Dishwasher safe: No | Microwave safe: No What we love Some cheaper bamboo products are made from fibres that are then glued together with melamine. Watch out for these as, while the FDA says it’s safe, they caution not using melamine in the microwave or with food hotter than 160 degrees. Also avoid serving highly acidic foods as it increases the chance of the material migrating or transferring into baby food. Are silicone baby plates safe? Bamboo Bamboo’s Suction Bowl is, as you’d expect, made from bamboo, as well as food-grade silicone to protect your child from BPA, phthalates and other toxins. The suction is very effective and it’s also removable so you can turn it into a regular bowl if/when your child stops throwing their bowl onto the floor, giving it longevity that other baby bowls simply don’t have. As we know children like to get messy when they eat, you’ll be glad to know the mat is dishwasher-friendly - although some parents found it didn’t wash well - and you can also put it in the microwave if you need to heat up any food. There are seven colours to choose from including orange, lilac and teal so there’s something for everyone here. Material: BPA-free silicone | Size: ‎6.6 x 17.78 x 17.02 cm | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Microwave safe: Yes What we love