Bamboo vs Plastic Plates for Kids: What's Actually Different?
The biggest differences between bamboo and plastic kids' plates are care and look. Our bamboo plates are hand wash only and stay out of the microwave, while plastic plates vary, so the label tells you what they can handle. Bamboo gives you a warm wood-grain look, fun shapes and the option of a name engraved on the plate.
Are bamboo plates better than plastic?
Neither is better for every family. Bamboo suits you if you love the look and don't mind a quick hand wash. A plastic plate labelled dishwasher-safe suits you if everything at your place goes through the dishwasher.
| Our bamboo plates | Plastic plates | |
|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher and microwave | Neither: hand wash only | Depends on the plate, so check the label |
| After washing | Take the silicone base off and let every part dry completely | Follow the label |
| Drops and knocks | Heavy drops and repeated knocks can crack or split it | Varies from plate to plate |
| Look | Wood grain, animal shapes and coloured silicone bases | Every colour and character you can think of |
| A name on it | Available on our personalised designs | Depends on the maker |
Bamboo is also the eco-friendly option in our range. If that's part of your reason, it's one more tick in the bamboo column.
How do bamboo and plastic plates compare on care?
Bamboo needs more hands-on care: our plates are hand wash only, never go in the microwave and need to dry completely. Plastic plates range from dishwasher-safe to hand wash only, so check the label before you buy.
Here's what bamboo care looks like day to day:
- Hand wash in warm soapy water after each use, then rinse with clean water.
- Take the silicone suction base off before drying.
- Dry the bamboo and the silicone thoroughly, and put them back together, or away, only when every part is completely dry.
- Don't leave it soaking or sitting wet for long.
It's a quick job, but it is a job. If that sounds like one too many on a busy night, a plastic or silicone plate labelled dishwasher-safe will suit you better, and that's completely fine. The full routine is in our bamboo care guide.
Which lasts longer with a toddler?
There's no single answer, because both depend on how the plate is made and treated. With bamboo, the two things that shorten its life are water and hard knocks.
Heavy drops and repeated knocks can cause cracks, splits or deep scuffs, and leaving it soaking or wet for long periods is a no. Look over the bamboo and silicone before each meal, and if you see a crack, split or loose piece, stop using it and contact us.
A suction base helps here too, because a plate that stays on the tray is a plate that hits the floor less often. Here's how suction plates work, and where they don't. For a plastic plate, follow the maker's guidance on care and when to replace it.
What about looks, sections and a name on the plate?
This is where bamboo shines: a warm wood-grain finish, animal shapes and, on our personalised designs, your child's name engraved on the plate.
Our plates come as koalas, owls, avocados, paws and trains, as well as classic round and rectangle shapes, with silicone bases in colours like Forest Green, Sky Blue and Sweet Cream. Divided sections keep foods apart, which is handy for little ones who like their peas nowhere near their pasta.
A name on the plate makes it feel like theirs, and it's a sweet gift for a baby shower or first birthday. Our personalised plate and cutlery set comes with a matching spoon and fork. Plastic wins on range: you'll find just about every colour and favourite character going.
Which should you choose for your family?
Choose bamboo for the look, the shapes and a name on the plate, or a plastic plate labelled dishwasher-safe if easy clean-up comes first.
| Choose bamboo if… | Choose plastic if… |
|---|---|
| You love a wood-grain look on the table | You're after bright colours or a favourite character |
| A quick hand wash after meals is fine by you | Everything needs to go in the dishwasher |
| You'd like a name on it, or you're buying a gift | You want to warm food on the plate, and its label says microwave-safe |
If safety is your deciding question, start with what the plate is made of: here's the difference between solid bamboo and bamboo fibre plates.
Ready to make the switch? Our bamboo plate and cutlery sets and bamboo suction plates are a good place to start.
Common questions: Bamboo vs Plastic Plates for Kids
Quick answers to what usually comes up next
Can bamboo plates go in the dishwasher or microwave?
Ours can't. Our bamboo plates, bowls and bamboo-handled cutlery are hand wash only, and they don't go in the microwave. Wash them in warm soapy water, take the silicone base off and let every part dry completely.
Do bamboo plates need oiling?
No, it's optional. If a clean, completely dry bamboo plate or bowl looks dry, you can apply a very light coat of plain, food-grade coconut oil and wipe away the excess. Skip it if your child has a coconut allergy. Oil doesn't treat mould or repair cracks.
What should I do if my bamboo plate gets mould?
Stop using it. Removing visible mould doesn't show the plate has been fully cleaned and dried, so don't rely on vinegar or baking soda to make it safe to use again. Email a clear photo of the affected area to hello@thelittlebunny.com.au and we'll help with the next step.