6 Tips to Ensure Your Suction Plates and Bowls Stay Put
Keeping your little one's meals off the floor and on the table can be challenging as a parent. While suction plates and bowls stick and stay in place with the right techniques, ensuring proper adhesion requires some know-how. In this guide, we'll explore how to get the most out of your silicone feeding sets so they stay firmly in place during mealtime. Plus, we'll share some tips and tricks to make feeding your child a more enjoyable experience for everyone!
How Suction Keeps Plates and Bowls in Place
Suction works by creating a vacuum seal between the plate or bowl and the surface it's placed on. This seal prevents air from entering, which keeps the items firmly in place. Here's how to get it right:
- Smooth, Clean Surface: The surface should be soft, clean, and free from scratches or textures. Even minor imperfections can compromise suction effectiveness.
- Expel All Air: Press down firmly in the centre of the bowl or plate to expel all the air underneath. Press down on the central divider for bowls with dividers to ensure maximum suction.
Choose the Right Surface
The surface on which you place your suction tableware is crucial in how well it sticks. Here's what to keep in mind:
- Smooth and Flat: The surface should be flat, without any textures or ridges, allowing air to enter under the suction base.
- Cleanliness Matters: Ensure the surface is dry and free from grease, water, or food residue. Even tiny particles can disrupt the suction.
How to Care for Your Silicone Tableware
Make sure to take proper care of your silicone tableware to ensure it performs at its best:
- Avoid Residue: After washing, rinse thoroughly to remove any soap or oil residue that could reduce suction.
- Use Mild Detergents: Clean your silicone plates and bowls with mild soap and warm water. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers that can damage the suction base.
Choosing the Right Plates and Bowls for Effective Suction
Not all plates and bowls are created equal. The design of your tableware can significantly impact its suction performance. Like silicone bowls and plates, silicone tableware is better for suction as it naturally adheres to smooth surfaces more effectively than other materials. Compared to plastic, silicone tableware offers superior suction, making it a more reliable choice for keeping plates and bowls firmly in place during mealtime.
- Check the Base: Look for a broad, flat base to maximise surface contact and suction strength.
- Material Choice: Silicone is a superior material for suction tableware due to its flexibility and ability to create a strong seal. Silicone tableware is also more durable and resistant to wear and tear than plastic alternatives.
Common Mistakes to Avoid Suction Issues
To ensure your suction bowls and plates work effectively, here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Using Damaged Tableware: Cracks or scratches on the base of the suction plate or bowl can allow air to enter, reducing its ability to stick. Inspect your tableware regularly and replace it if necessary.
Ignoring the Surface Condition: Placing your suction tableware on a textured or uneven surface can weaken the suction. Always ensure the surface is smooth and flat before placing your items.
Improper Cleaning: Using strong detergents or not rinsing thoroughly can leave residues interfering with suction. Always clean your tableware with mild soap and rinse well.
Misapplying suction: Simply pressing the edges of the bowl or plate won't create a strong seal. Press down firmly in the centre to expel all air for maximum suction.
Embracing Your Child's Curiosity (& Tendency to Lift the Plates)
As your child grows, they may become curious about how things work, including how to remove their plate or bowl. Here's how to handle it:
Supervise Mealtimes: Stay close during meals and gently discourage them from pulling at their plates or bowls.
Engage Them: Use stories, songs, or interactive feeding techniques to keep their attention on the food rather than the tableware.
Solutions for Textured High Chairs and Tables
Textured surfaces can be a challenge when using suction plates. Here's how to get around it:
Use a Suction Sticker: Brightberry's suction stickers are designed to create a smooth area on textured surfaces like highchairs or tables, ensuring your plates and bowls stay in place.
Easy Application: Here's how to apply a suction sticker briefly. Clean the surface, position the suction sticker, and press down firmly to create a smooth, firm base for your tableware. This ensures your plates and bowls stick securely and stay in place during mealtime.
How to Encourage Your Child to Eat
Making Mealtime Enjoyable and Stress-Free
Introducing new foods and encouraging your child to eat can be challenging. Here are some strategies to help make mealtime more enjoyable:
Create a Routine: Serve meals regularly to give your child a sense of structure and predictability.
Offer Choices: Allow your child to choose between different foods or serving styles. This sense of control can make them more willing to try new things.
Use Divided Plates: Divided plates can help separate different foods, especially for picky eaters or children who dislike their food.
Make It Fun: Use colourful, engaging tableware and arrange food in fun shapes or patterns to make eating more appealing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to use a suction bowl?
Press the suction bowl firmly onto a smooth, clean surface and press down in the centre to create a strong seal.
How do you get suction cups to stick to Tripp Trapp?
Use a suction sticker on the Tripp Trapp tray to create a smooth surface, then press the suction cup firmly for a secure hold.
Do suction plates stick to wood?
Suction plates may stick poorly to wooden surfaces due to their porous and uneven texture.
My bowl sticks initially but comes off after a while. Why?
This usually happens if air is trapped or the surface or bowl is not clean and dry.
Can I improve the suction of an older bowl or plate?
Ensure the bowl and surface are clean and residue-free; using a suction sticker can also help improve adhesion.
My baby has figured out how to remove the bowl. What should I do?
Supervise mealtime, distract your baby, or consider transitioning to non-suction tableware as they grow.
