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Non-plastic alternative tableware for children

Photo: Pexels
Photo: Pexels

In recent months, we’ve been reading more about the increased use of plastic and its effects on the environment. We also came across a recent news article on discussions among Singapore supermarket chains to charge shoppers for plastic bags. We thought this a good move, and reminded us of the good practice we noticed during our recent visit to the United Kingdom, where every plastic bag used at the grocery store is chargeable, encouraging customers to bring their own reusable bags.

Taking thoughts a step beyond environmental concerns, we are also wary about whether plastics are good for our health. We had tried in the past to ensure that the plastic bottles or containers we purchased were Bisphenol-A- (BPA) and phthalate-free, as we had read that these could possibly be hormone disruptors. However, we were still not entirely at ease because with so many different types of plastics out there, we were unsure as to what other chemicals might have gone into their production.

Attracted by the many colourful designs and cartoon characters, we had also previously been buying plates for our children made of melamine, which is essentially a hard plastic. However, we have since done more reading and found that melamine plates can cause chemicals to leech into the food and drink (especially if the food is hot). We thus decided to stop using all melamine tableware for our children’s meals. However, since melamine is non-recyclable, we decided not to throw these away, and have added them to our children’s play kitchen instead.

Better alternatives

After much searching and asking for recommendations, these are the non-plastic tableware and cups that we have purchased for our children. We also let our 4.5-year-old use ceramic mugs and plates, as he is old enough to handle these on his own. While some of these were slightly more pricey than simple plastic plates, we only bought what was necessary for their daily use, and are happy with our small investment, as it has given us peace of mind that we are not burdening their already sensitive immune systems with unnecessary chemicals.

A. Children’s tableware
We purchased Marcus & Marcus silicone bowls, easily available at Kiddy Palace and 1010 Mother & Child Essentials stores. More recently, we discovered rice husk tableware which we love, as this tableware is safe for use with no toxic substances. Better still, it is good for the environment as it utilises rice husks to make, transforming agricultural waste into biodegradable tableware. Some also have cute Mickey Mouse designs, which makes them excellent gifts.

From left: Innobaby stainless steel cup; Daiso ceramic mug; rice husk mug. Photo: Mummy and Daddy Daycare
From left: Innobaby stainless steel cup; Daiso ceramic mug; rice husk mug. Photo: Mummy and Daddy Daycare

B. Storage and snack containers
For some time, Lock & Lock glass containers were our go-to for food storage. However, these are quite heavy to bring out and also breakable. We recently found out about Innobaby stainless steel containers that also have dividers to keep food separate, and the same brand also has a range of stainless steel cups and divided plates.

C. Water bottles
Instead of plastic bottles, we purchased the Pura stainless steel sport bottle for our firstborn. The bottle is entirely plastic-free as it has a food-grade silicone spout. For our 20-month-old, we are still using the Pacific Baby stainless steel bottle with a plastic spout as he is able to open and close the spout on his own to drink independently. We also have a couple of Thermos stainless steel straw bottles.

For ourselves, we love Life Factory glass bottles which can get slightly heavy if you carry them around, but are great for use in the office.

D. Food chopping board
Apart from replacing our children’s plastic utensils and tableware, we also got rid of all our plastic chopping boards. We purchased a rice husk chopping board, which was a very good buy as it is sturdy and strong.

Marcus & Marcus silicone bowls, with a rice husk divided plate and chopping board. Photo: Mummy and Daddy Daycare
Marcus & Marcus silicone bowls, with a rice husk divided plate and chopping board. Photo: Mummy and Daddy Daycare

We are glad we have embarked on the effort to reduce the number of plastics in our home, as it has achieved not just one, but three objectives: Peace of mind for our children’s health, a small effort toward saving the environment, and of course, less clutter in our kitchen cupboards!

Mummy and Daddy Daycare are the pseudonyms of a Singaporean husband and wife who are raising two young boys aged four and one, nicknamed Barnacles and Kwazii from the children’s Octonauts series. Get into the minds of this couple who describe parenthood as a lifetime adventure – you are always learning something new! Whoever said parenting was a walk in the park?

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