Mealtime Made Easy: Building a Silicone Feeding Set Your Baby Will Love
The first time you sit a baby in a highchair with a spoon, you quickly realise two things: mealtimes are messier than you imagined, and the right kit makes an enormous difference.
If you're navigating the world of weaning for the first time, the options can feel overwhelming. Plastic sets that stain, metal cutlery that's too harsh for delicate gums, bibs that don't actually catch anything. We've been there — and it's part of why we built the NARA feeding range the way we did. Browse it here →
Whether your baby is just starting solids at around 6 months or you're deep into the toddler years, having a silicone feeding set that actually works makes every mealtime easier. Here's what to look for — and why it matters.
What should a baby feeding set include?
A complete baby feeding set doesn't need to be complicated, but it does need to cover the essentials. A well-thought-out silicone feeding set for babies should include everything your little one needs from first tastes through to confident self-feeding — and nothing that just takes up drawer space.
- Spoon & fork — soft silicone tips with natural wood handles, gentle on sensitive gums and easy for small hands to grip
- Suction bowl — stays put on the highchair tray during those enthusiastic early self-feeding attempts
- Suction plate with lid — divided sections keep foods separate, and the lid means leftovers go straight in the fridge
- Sippy cup — supports the transition from bottle to independent drinking at their own pace
- Placemat — a non-slip silicone surface that protects the table and gives your baby a defined space to eat
- Bib with catch-all pocket — non-negotiable for first foods; a well-designed pocket saves a lot of outfit changes
- Cutlery case — keeps spoon and fork hygienic and together whether you're at home or out and about
When those elements work together, mealtimes become a lot less stressful — whether you're at home, at a café, or visiting family.
Silicone vs Plastic: What's the Difference?
When choosing a baby feeding set, silicone and plastic are the two most common materials you'll come across. Here's how they compare:
| Feature | Silicone | Plastic |
|---|---|---|
| BPA & chemical safety | Food-grade; free from BPA, PVC & phthalates | Varies; look for BPA-free labelling |
| Softness on gums | Naturally flexible and gentle | Can be rigid; harder on emerging teeth |
| Stain resistance | Good, but high-pigment foods (tomato, carrot, turmeric) can stain lighter colours | Stains easily and permanently over time |
| Durability | Long-lasting; doesn't crack or warp | Can crack, warp, or degrade over time |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes | Often yes, but can degrade faster |
| Odour retention | Low | Can absorb food odours over time |
| Sustainability | More durable; longer product lifespan | Often single-use or shorter lifespan |
| Feel & aesthetics | Tactile, considered, pairs well with wood | Functional but often less refined |
For everyday use with babies and toddlers, food-grade silicone is widely considered the safer, more durable choice — and it's the material at the heart of the NARA feeding range.
Why silicone?
Silicone has become the go-to material for baby feeding products — and for good reason. A high-quality food-grade silicone feeding set is free from BPA, PVC, phthalates, and lead, making it one of the safest choices for babies from 6 months and up. It's also dishwasher safe, flexible enough to be gentle on emerging teeth and gums, and far more durable than plastic alternatives.
Paired with natural wood handles, silicone utensils offer something that purely plastic sets can't: a tactile, beautiful object that feels considered. The kind of thing you're happy to have on the table, not just tucked away in a drawer.
Here's what a complete NARA set looks like:
When should you start using a silicone feeding set?
The NHS recommends introducing solid foods at around 6 months, when babies can sit up with support and show interest in food. This is the ideal time to introduce a baby silicone spoon — soft enough for sensitive gums, easy to grip, and safe for self-feeding as their coordination develops.
A silicone bib with a catch pocket becomes essential almost immediately. First foods are messy, and a well-designed bib saves a lot of outfit changes. As your baby moves into finger foods and baby-led weaning, a fork with soft silicone tines helps them practise self-feeding safely.
How to care for silicone feeding sets
One of the biggest advantages of silicone is how easy it is to keep clean. To get the most out of your set:
- Dishwasher safe — most silicone pieces can go on the top rack; always check individual product guidance
- Avoid abrasive scrubbers — a soft sponge is all you need; silicone doesn't harbour bacteria the way plastic can
- Remove suction cups before washing — this helps water reach all surfaces and prevents moisture getting trapped
- Air dry where possible — silicone dries quickly and doesn't need a heated drying cycle
- Check for wear regularly — silicone is durable, but replace any pieces that show signs of tearing or degradation
- Store dry — keep pieces in a clean, dry drawer or the included cutlery case when not in use
To minimise staining from high-pigment foods like tomato, carrot, or turmeric, rinse pieces promptly after use rather than leaving them to sit. Most surface staining can be removed with a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water left for a few minutes before rinsing.
Make it personal
Whether you're treating your own little one or buying as a gift, personalisation makes a silicone feeding set something truly special. A name laser-engraved onto the cutlery handles turns an everyday essential into a keepsake — something that gets used at every mealtime and means something long after the weaning stage is over.
And if you really want to elevate the moment, our Magnetic Keepsake Box can be personalised too — your baby's name applied in a durable vinyl press, with everything nestled inside and lined with luxury tissue paper for that perfect boutique finish. A beautiful choice for a baby shower gift, a first birthday, or simply a thoughtful treat for your own little one.
Explore our Personalised Baby Gift Sets to find a curated combination that's ready to gift, beautifully boxed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is silicone safe for babies?
Yes. Food-grade silicone is widely considered one of the safest materials for baby feeding products. It is free from BPA, PVC, phthalates, and lead — chemicals sometimes found in lower-quality plastics. Always look for products labelled as food-grade or LFGB/FDA-compliant to ensure the highest safety standards.
Can I use a silicone feeding set in the microwave?
Food-grade silicone is generally microwave safe, but always check the specific product guidance before heating. Avoid microwaving pieces with wooden components — such as cutlery handles — as wood can crack or warp with repeated heat exposure. When warming food for babies, always stir thoroughly and test the temperature before serving.
How long does a silicone feeding set last?
A good-quality silicone feeding set should last well beyond the weaning stage — often through toddlerhood and beyond. Silicone doesn't crack, warp, or degrade the way plastic can, and it holds its shape and colour far better over time. Inspect pieces regularly and replace anything that shows signs of tearing, as damaged silicone should not be used with food.
The bottom line
The best baby silicone feeding set is one that's safe, practical, and built to last. Choose food-grade silicone that's free from harmful chemicals, pair it with natural materials that feel good in little hands, and look for pieces that work as hard as you do — at home, on the go, and through every messy, wonderful stage of weaning.
Mealtimes will still be a little messy. But with the right silicone feeding set, they'll be a lot more enjoyable — for both of you.
Browse our full baby feeding collection to find everything you need for weaning and beyond.