Use This Not That: Mealtime Essentials Non-Toxic Switches for Kids

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After my last post I received may request for more ‘swaps’ so here is one more! Let me know what other swaps you are interested in knowing about!

Today lets focus on mealtime for kids

Generally you will find the main rule is to step away from plastic…  However other materials you want to minimize or source carefully (only high quality items) include: 

  • melamine: is suspected of causing damage to the bladder and kidneys when continuously exposed to high heat (never microwave nor place in dishwasher) 

  • wood:  some wooden plates come sealed with lacquers that could wear down with use.   Ideally look for wooden items that are sealed/finsihed with natural beeswax, walnut oil, beeswax, carnauba wax.  Always follow care instructions carefully

  • bamboo:   all bamboo mugs and plates can  released high amounts of the toxins when exposed to heat (up to 30 times the EU’s safe limit for adults and up to 120 times the limit for children) this is because to make bamboo cups and plates you usually need Melamine and formaldehyde containing resins.  

  • silicone:  low quality and brightly colored silicone can contain lead and fillers and can leach siloxanes when exposed to heat.  always confirm your silicone is platinum or medical grade and has been tested for lead and contains no fillers

Switch this: for this!

  • plastic ‘BPA ‘ free baby bottles ————- glass or stainless steel baby bottles

So many good ones today but some of my favorites include:

Lifefactory glass bottles

  • Plastic blender for baby food ——- Beaba Babycook Neo - no plastic comes into contact with the food!

  • Plastic sippy cup ——— Avanchy stainless steel straw cup or Ahimsa stainless steel starter cups (discount code: AIDASPICKS on their website or available on Amazon)

  • Melamine plates —— stainless steel, glass covered with silicone. Some brands I like:

KiddoBloom , Ahimsa ( discount code: AIDASPICKS on their website or available on Amazon )

  • Plastic suction bowls ——— stainless steel and silicone

Avanchy: stainless steel with silicone

  • ‘Safety’ heat sensitive spoons ——- stainless steel, or high quality silicon 

kiddobloom   makes great options in all stainless steel

Avanchy stainless steel spoons  with a silicone handle

Elk and Friends stainless steel set

Ahimsa: stainless steel

Avanchy baby spoons

  • Plastic cups ——— glass , stainless steel

elk and friends: made of glass with silicone protector and silicone straws

Ahimsa stainless steel (toddler size and smaller size) ( Discount code: AIDASPICKS on their website or available on Amazon)

EZPZ tiny cup: for the tiniest little ones, this silicone one is small and great to teach them how to drink from a cup (with your help) as a baby!

  • Plastic PVC or laminated placemats ——-   clothes or silicone

Modern Twist: MODERN-TWIST MARK-MATS   : made of silicone and kids can draw on them

Hevea natural rubber placemat

  • non- stick Pots and pans ——— stainless steel, glass or ceramic and cast iron

360 stainless steel are my stainless steel go to; they are made in the USA and a decent price compared to other companies (I still love Allclad but much more pricey) . More non toxic pots and pans can be found in my Amazon

All my essential kitchen products can also be found here