Searching for quality feeding and mealtime products for your little one? This guide covers two of the most practical categories for busy families: silicone high chair placemats and silicone bento lunch boxes. Browse our feeding and mealtime range and enjoy free shipping anywhere in Australia.
Why Silicone Placemats Belong on Every High Chair
Mealtime with a baby or toddler is joyful, messy and often both at once. A good silicone placemat is one of those quiet workhorses that makes a real difference. It sticks to the high chair tray, catches spills before they hit the floor, and wipes clean in seconds. Once you have used one, it is hard to go back.
Not all placemats are equal, though. Our full silicone placemat buying guide for Australian parents walks you through exactly what to look for, from suction strength to raised edges to food-safe silicone grades. Worth a read before you buy.
What Makes a Good Silicone Placemat
- Strong suction base that grips the tray and stays put, even with a determined toddler pulling at it
- Raised edges or divided sections to keep foods separated and reduce mess spread
- 100% food-grade silicone, free from BPA, PVC and phthalates
- Dishwasher safe for quick, hygienic cleaning after every meal
- A size that fits standard high chair trays without hanging over the edges
Colour matters too. Softer, neutral tones tend to resist staining better than bright whites. Silicone can pick up pigment from tomato-based foods over time, so a muted palette is a practical choice.
Silicone Bento Boxes: Practical Lunchboxes That Actually Work
A silicone bento box is one of the most useful items you can add to your mealtime kit, whether you are packing daycare lunches, heading out for the day or just serving snacks at home. The divided compartments keep foods separate, which matters a lot for toddlers with strong opinions about things touching.
Silicone is soft, lightweight and far more durable than plastic. It does not crack, warp or hold onto food smells after washing. For little hands, the flexible walls make it easier to scoop food out independently, which supports self-feeding at the table or on the go.
Choosing the Right Bento Box for Your Child's Age
- For babies starting solids, look for fewer, larger compartments. Small sections can be tricky to fill with soft, chunky first foods.
- For toddlers, three to four compartments give you room for a protein, a carb and a couple of fruit or veggie options.
- For kindy and school-aged kids, a lid that seals securely is essential. Check that the lid stays on inside a bag.
- Always check the product is certified food-grade silicone and dishwasher safe on the top rack.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission product safety guidelines are a useful reference point when assessing any food contact product for young children. Look for products that meet Australian safety standards and are free from harmful plasticisers.
Building a Mealtime Routine That Supports Independent Eating
The right gear is only part of the picture. Building a calm, consistent mealtime routine helps babies and toddlers feel secure and more willing to explore new foods. Keep the high chair positioned at the table so your child feels included. Offer foods at a pace that suits them. And try not to stress the mess. That is what the placemat is for.
If your baby is moving away from bottles, the transition to a cup is another milestone worth preparing for. Our guide to helping your baby switch from a bottle to a cup covers the process step by step, including which cup styles tend to work best at different ages.
For trusted, evidence-based advice on introducing solids and supporting healthy eating habits, Raising Children Network is one of Australia's most reliable resources for parents navigating the early feeding stages.
Ready to stock up? Shop our full mealtime essentials collection with free shipping across Australia on every order.
