As your toddler grows, mealtimes evolve, and so do their needs. If you’re moving on from weaning and wondering how to support your little one’s next steps at the table, this guide is for you. From choosing the right cutlery to finding the perfect booster seat, we’ll walk you through the must-have products and helpful tips to make toddler mealtimes more confident, independent, and a little less messy.
Quick Summary: Discover the must-have products and tips to support your toddler’s transition from weaning to independent mealtimes, aged 12–36 months.
Introduction
Moving from weaning to proper mealtimes is a big (and often messy) step for toddlers and their parents too. If you’re navigating the whirlwind between soft spoonful's of purée and your child demanding to “do it myself!”, you’re not alone.
This stage, typically between 12 and 36 months, is full of growth. Your little one is developing coordination, preferences, and independence. While that’s exciting, it can also be overwhelming for parents trying to keep mealtimes calm, nutritious, and not utterly chaotic.
The good news? With the right approach (and the right tools), this transition doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re introducing toddler cutlery for the first time, swapping the highchair for a booster seat, or just trying to keep the kitchen floor crumb-free, having the proper kit can make all the difference.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential products and practical tips to help your toddler feel like a big kid at the table while keeping your confidence (and your patience) intact.
From First Tastes to First Forks - Understanding the Toddler Feeding Transition
The move from weaning to full toddler mealtimes is more than just a switch in tableware, it’s a key developmental shift. Around the 12-month mark, many children begin showing signs they’re ready to take more control over their eating. By 18 to 24 months, they’re often eager to copy what grown-ups do at the table, even if their skills haven’t quite caught up yet.
This phase bridges the gap between being fed and feeding themselves, and it’s when toddlers begin establishing long-term eating habits. It’s also a time when mealtimes can become, let’s say, unpredictable. One day they’re gobbling everything up, the next they’re launching peas across the room. This is all part of learning and totally normal.
During this stage, your toddler is:
- Improving hand-eye coordination and motor skills
- Exploring independence through self-feeding
- Becoming more sensitive to food textures, tastes, and presentation
- Starting to mimic family behaviours around the table
It’s also a time when consistency and routine begin to matter more. Having regular mealtimes, eating together as a family when possible, and offering age-appropriate utensils and seating helps build your toddler’s confidence and reduces stress for everyone involved.
In the next sections, we’ll explore the key products that can help make this journey smoother, more enjoyable, and just a little bit cleaner.
The Essential Toddler Mealtime Kit
(And Why It Matters)
Toddler Cutlery - Teaching Little Ones to Feed Themselves
As your child moves beyond soft weaning spoons, toddler-specific cutlery becomes a must. Designed with little hands in mind, these sets usually include a fork and spoon with short, chunky handles that are easier for toddlers to grip. Some even have ergonomic shapes to help encourage the correct hand position from the start.
At this stage, feeding is no longer just about nutrition, it’s about skill-building. Using proper toddler cutlery helps strengthen fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and even confidence. While mealtimes may get messier before they get tidier, allowing your toddler to experiment is key to their progress.
Look for cutlery made from safe, BPA-free materials with rounded edges to avoid any accidents. Many parents also find it helpful to have a few sets on rotation, especially when one inevitably ends up under the table mid-meal!
Our range of toddler cutlery includes options for every stage from first self-feeds to more advanced eaters so your little one can get to grips with mealtimes at their own pace.
Plates and Bowls - Built for Toddlers and Their Chaos
Toddler mealtimes are rarely neat, and that’s okay. But the right plates and bowls can make a huge difference in containing the chaos. Unlike standard crockery, toddler-friendly options are designed to stay put, survive a few tumbles, and support self-feeding.
Suction plates and bowls are a popular choice, especially in the early stages of this transition. They help prevent the classic “bowl overboard” scenario, giving your toddler a chance to practise scooping and stabbing without everything sliding away. Sectioned plates are also helpful for offering a variety of foods while keeping them separate, ideal for picky eaters or texture-sensitive little ones.
Materials matter too. Many parents love silicone for its durability and ease of cleaning, while bamboo adds a natural, tactile feel that some children enjoy. Lightweight plastic options are great for everyday use and tend to be budget-friendly.
Whichever style you choose, having dedicated toddler plates and bowls on hand gives your child a sense of ownership over their meals and might even make them more willing to try new foods.
Cups - Choosing the Right One at the Right Time
Finding the right cup for your toddler can feel like a bit of trial and error and that’s completely normal. At this stage, you’re moving away from bottles and soft-spouted trainer cups towards more “grown-up” options, helping your little one develop the coordination and skills needed for open cup drinking.
Many parents start with straw cups or spout-less trainer cups, which support the transition while still offering some spill protection. These styles encourage tongue and mouth development in a way that more closely mimics sipping from an open cup but without the puddles on the floor (most of the time).
As your child becomes more confident, open cups designed for toddlers are a fantastic next step. Look for small, lightweight options with easy-grip sides. Some even come with lids to help contain any topples during those early attempts.
We offer a variety of toddler cups to suit every stage, whether your little one is still working on those first sips or ready to drink like a big kid at the table.
Booster Seats - Bringing Toddlers to the Table
Once your toddler outgrows their highchair, it’s time to think about the next step, and that’s usually a booster seat. These clever seats raise your child to table height so they can join in with family mealtimes more comfortably and independently.
Many booster seats are designed to attach securely to a regular dining chair, often with adjustable straps and non-slip bases for added safety. Some models come with removable trays for extra flexibility, while others fold away neatly for storage or travel, perfect for grandparents’ houses or holidays.
Making the switch to a booster seat can also help reinforce the routine of mealtimes and give your child a stronger sense of belonging at the table. It’s a great way to support social development too, as they begin to observe and imitate how the rest of the family eats.
Our collection of booster seats offers a variety of styles to suit your home, your space, and most importantly, your toddler’s growing confidence at mealtimes.
Bibs - For Catching Crumbs and Saving Outfits
As toddlers take more control over their eating, mess is guaranteed, and that’s where a good bib becomes your best ally. Unlike soft newborn bibs, toddler bibs are built for bigger spills, flying spoonfuls, and entire meals that occasionally miss the mouth.
Waterproof and wipe-clean materials are a game-changer at this stage, saving both time and laundry. Look out for bibs with built-in crumb catchers or scooped bottoms to collect dropped food. Sleeved bibs are also a great option for particularly adventurous eaters, especially when spaghetti is involved!
Comfort and fit are just as important as coverage. Many bibs for this age group have adjustable neck fastenings to grow with your child and keep things snug (but not restrictive). Having a few in rotation means you’re always ready, even when one’s in the wash, or the dog’s run off with it.
We’ve got a wide selection of toddler bibs designed to suit every mealtime style, from low-key snackers to full-blown food explorers.
Placemats - Keeping the Table (and Your Sanity) Clean
It’s amazing how far a small handful of rice can travel, which is why a reliable placemat is a parent’s secret weapon during toddler mealtimes. More than just a protective layer, the right placemat can help define your child’s eating space, reduce mess, and make post-meal clean-up much quicker.
Non-slip silicone placemats are especially popular for their grippy surfaces and easy-clean finish. Some are even designed with raised edges to catch spills before they hit the floor, or integrated sections that double as plates, ideal for minimal setups and minimal mess.
Placemats can also play a role in building mealtime routine. Using the same one each day creates a visual cue that it’s time to sit down and eat. Bright colours or fun patterns can make meals more inviting, and even help your toddler stay engaged at the table a little longer.
Our selection of toddler placemats includes practical, playful designs to suit every table and every toddler temperament, even on the wiggliest days.
Tips for a Positive Toddler Mealtime Routine
Even with all the right gear in place, toddler mealtimes can still be unpredictable. Building a positive, stress-free mealtime routine is just as important as having the right products. It’s about setting expectations, encouraging independence, and keeping things relaxed when plans go off-script (as they often do).
Here are a few practical tips to help mealtimes run more smoothly:
- Stick to a schedule: Toddlers thrive on routine. Try to offer meals and snacks at roughly the same times each day to help set expectations and avoid grazing.
- Eat together when possible: Sitting down as a family or even just sitting with your toddler helps model good eating habits and makes mealtimes feel like shared experiences.
- Keep portions small: Small servings are less overwhelming and give your toddler the chance to ask for more which reinforces their growing independence.
- Offer variety, not pressure: Toddlers love to assert their opinions. Offer a mix of familiar and new foods, but avoid pressuring them to eat everything. Exposure is more important than clean plates.
- Let them get messy: It’s part of the learning process! Encourage exploration, even if it means wiping down the walls afterwards. Mess now often leads to better skills later.
Above all, keep your expectations flexible. Some meals will go brilliantly. Others will end with peas in your shoe. The important thing is creating a positive environment where your toddler feels confident, curious, and included.
Conclusion - Support for Every Stage
Moving from weaning to full toddler mealtimes is a big step, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful one. With the right mix of patience, routine, and well-designed products, you can help your child build confidence, skills, and healthy habits that will last for years to come.
Every toddler develops at their own pace, and what works one week might change the next. That’s all part of the journey. Whether you’re looking for a non-slip plate that actually stays put, a comfy booster seat that brings your child to the table, or just a bib that survives spaghetti night, we’re here to help.
Explore our full range of toddler mealtime essentials to find the tools that make sense for your family, your space, and your growing little eater. Because mealtimes may be messy, but they should still be joyful.
