Baby & kids
Plastic and "bamboo" kids' tableware → stainless steel
"Bamboo" kids' tableware is usually melamine plastic. Steel is unbreakable and safe with hot food.
Swap Priority
73/100
High priority
Swap Priority 73 out of 100: High priority- Plastic avoided
- ≈ 200 g a year
- Typical cost
- £10 – £30
- Swap from
- Plastic or bamboo-composite kids' plates, bowls and cups
- Last reviewed
- 26 September 2026
How strong is the evidence?
How the dials work- Exposure evidenceHow strong is the evidence that the plastic version exposes you to microplastics or plastic chemicals?
- Moderate · 3/4
- Environmental evidenceHow strong is the evidence that this swap cuts environmental harm over the product's whole life?
- Weak or mixed · 1/4
- Claim verificationHow well has the alternative's plastic-free claim been verified?
- No product yet
Why swap
Bamboo-fibre tableware is bound with melamine-formaldehyde resin, which UK regulators say is not authorised and can release chemicals into hot or acidic food.
What to look for
- 18/8 stainless steel plates, bowls and cups
- Wooden plates with a plain oil finish for dry food
Watch out for
- "Bamboo", "plant-based" and "eco" tableware is almost always a plastic composite
- Silicone suction mats and bibs count as plastic
Evidence and sources
More swaps in baby & kids
Baby & kids72/100Swap Priority 72 out of 100: High priority
Polypropylene baby bottles → glass or steel
Preparing formula with hot water in plastic bottles releases particles. Glass bottles avoid it.
High priority · about 300 g of plastic a year
Baby & kids67/100Swap Priority 67 out of 100: High priority
Plastic-based baby wipes → cloth wipes
Many wet wipes are plastic fabric. Cotton cloths and warm water do the same job for pennies.
High priority · about 2.0 kg of plastic a year