9+ Best Placemats for Toddlers | Unrivaled Guide 2023

Children’s tablecloths are very useful for ensuring a safe and clean dining table for babies and toddlers, protecting the table (and floor) from all messes, spills and crumbs. They reduce the time spent cleaning up after meals.

Most children’s table mats are made of food-safe silicone. Thanks to their large suction surface, they do not slip off the table, they are waterproof and dishwasher safe, and many are very resistant to high and low temperatures.

Children’s tablecloths are versatile and can be used for many different purposes. They can be used as protective mats when young children are doing art projects, or as hot mats, countertop protection and even as pet food dishes.

I tested dozens of table mats with my toddler, checking for durability, cleanability, absorbency and the ability to use it for other purposes after the baby outgrows it, among other things.

Below you can see the Best Placemats for Toddlers that I really recommend.

Best Placemats for Toddlers

What are the different types of doilies?

As mentioned above, there are many types of tablecloths, the most popular being fabric, plastic and silicone. Others are made of paper, vinyl or adhesive.

Disposable tablecloths may seem easy to clean, but they are not environmentally friendly and not always user-friendly.

Fabrics

Napkins are available in a variety of fabrics, including cotton, polyester and linen. Fabric rugs are a popular option because they can be used as a dining room decoration, but are often removed from the table to prevent them from staining or soiling.

Fabric can be washed easily, but not everyone wants to wash extra laundry every day, and fabric dining mats are a hassle to make. The decorative appeal of fabric table tops is pleasing, but as many parents expect, this material may not protect against spills.

Plastic (polypropylene PP)

Many plastic seating surfaces use fillers in the manufacturing of the product – BPA, phthalates and nitrates can pollute the environment and cause health problems if these chemicals are ingested in excess.

According to the FDA, problems associated with low doses of BPA and other chemical fillers rarely pose a risk to human health, but some experts say the issue should be studied further. Recent FDA regulations require baby products to be BPA-free.

Do I need a table top?

The short answer is yes. My daughter, who is four years old at the time of writing this article, loves to eat at the table with us. However, she often spills food and drinks, so we always have to clean up the table and floor after every meal. Most of the crumbs seem to end up around the table and on the floor, outside my daughter’s plate.

Not only does the placemat protect the surface of the table, it helps children develop good eating habits and enjoy their meals more. Since we introduced dinner plates to our children, they have become an essential part of meals both at home and when eating out.

Best Placemats for Toddlers | Comparison Table 2023

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Best Placemats for Toddlers | 2023 Products Overview

Product Overview:

The Silicone Kids Placemats are a great solution for parents who are looking for a durable and safe placemat for their children. These placemats are made of 100% food-grade silicone which is BPA-free, non-toxic, odorless, and eco-friendly. The material is also reusable, making it a great choice for families who are environmentally conscious. The size of the placemat is 11.8″ ×15.7″, which is large enough to accommodate any meal for your baby or toddler. The raised edge of the placemat helps contain the mess that your child makes while eating, allowing them to learn and grow while having fun.

In addition to being safe and durable, these silicone placemats are also easy to clean. The anti-stain material makes it easy to wipe away any messes that your child makes, and the heat-resistant material allows you to put it in the dishwasher for cleaning. The silicone placemats are also foldable and portable, making them great for use in restaurants or on the go. They can also be used for a variety of other purposes, such as playing with molds, making art crafts, rolling dough, or as a countertop protector for kids. With so many uses, the Silicone Kids Placemats are a versatile and practical solution for families with young children.

Product Overview:

The Munchkin Silicone Placemats for Kids are a practical and convenient solution for families on the go. Each pack includes two 100% silicone placemats in blue and green, or blue and purple, measuring 11.13 inches x 15 inches x 0.07 inches. The rectangular shape fits well on most surfaces and the raised edge helps contain messes and spills, making mealtime less stressful for parents.

The thin design of the placemats makes them easy to roll up and pack in a bag, making them ideal for use in restaurants or on the go. The grippy bottom clings to most smooth and non-porous surfaces to help prevent sliding, ensuring the safety of your child during mealtime. These placemats are also easy to clean, as they are dishwasher safe and BPA-free. With a recommended age of 4 months and up, the Munchkin Silicone Placemats for Kids make mealtime more enjoyable for kids and parents alike.

Product Overview:

The Babebay Disposable Stick-on Placemats are designed to keep babies and kids safe and clean when eating or playing. These placemats come in a pack of 40 and are made of food-grade plastic, making them BPA, PVC, Phthalate, and Lead-free. The vibrant Blue Ocean Life design is sure to make mealtime or playtime an enjoyable experience for your little one.

The placemats are easy to use and have a 5-sided extra sticky adhesive that ensures they stay in place on any surface. Simply peel off the tapes in seconds and your baby will have a sanitary surface to enjoy their meal, do craftwork, or play. The waterproof surface also makes clean up a breeze - just pull off and throw away for a super easy post-meal cleanup that won't harm the table surface. Additionally, the placemats are packed in a grab-and-go resealable pouch, making them perfect for travel or for use at home or on-the-go. With each placemat measuring 12" x 18", this bulk pack is an affordable and practical choice for new moms or as a baby shower or registry gift.

Product Overview:

The mushie Silicone Placemat for Kids is a high-quality and durable placemat designed to keep your child clean and happy. The placemat features a fun and playful dinosaur design and is made from food-grade silicone, ensuring it is BPA and phthalate-free. This makes it safe for your little one to use and enjoy their meals.

The silicone material is not only safe but also easy to clean. The placemat resists stains and does not absorb water, making it simple to wash with soap. The rectangular shape of the placemat makes it the perfect size for your child's meal and the non-slip design ensures it stays in place, reducing the risk of spills and mess. The timeless and elegant design of the placemat matches well with the brand's silicone bibs, bibs pacifier, and mushie pacifier clips, making it a great addition to your child's mealtime setup.

Product Overview:

The Babebay Disposable Stick-on Placemats are the perfect solution for parents who want to provide a clean and safe surface for their children to eat or play on. The 40-pack of placemats is made of food-grade OPP material that is BPA, PVC, PHTHALATE, and LEAD-free. The waterproof surface of the placemats makes clean-up a breeze, while the extra sticky adhesive ensures they will stay in place on any surface.

The animal alphabet design of the placemats is sure to be a hit with babies and kids. The vibrant and adorable animal friends will make mealtime or playtime more enjoyable, while also teaching young children about the alphabet. The pack comes with 40 placemats, each measuring 12" x 18", making it an affordable and practical choice for a baby shower or registry gift for a new mom. The placemats are lightweight and portable, packed in a resealable pouch, making them perfect for use at home or on-the-go. With the Babebay Disposable Stick-on Placemats, parents can relax and enjoy their mealtime with their little ones, knowing they have provided a clean and safe surface.

Product Overview:

The Kids Silicone Placemats are a set of 2 non-slip table mats designed for kids and toddlers. Made of 100% food-grade silicone, these placemats are safe, non-toxic, odorless, eco-friendly, and reusable. Measuring 11.8x15.7 inches, they are large enough to handle any meal situation for your baby and have a raised edge to help contain any mess. The placemats are also anti-stain, making them easy to clean with a wet rag or by putting them in the dishwasher.

In addition to being great for mealtime, these silicone placemats can also be used for playing molds, slime, clay, and more. They are thin enough to roll up easily and fit in any bag, making them perfect for use at restaurants or on the go. These placemats can also be used as a mat for making art crafts, casting molds, DIY projects, painting, rolling dough, and more. With a 100% money-back guarantee and lifetime breakage replacement warranty, you can make your purchase with confidence. Whether you are using them at home or on the go, these Kids Silicone Placemats are a great addition to your child's mealtime routine.

Product Overview:

This is a set of 4 educational placemats for kids designed to make mealtime creative, educational, and entertaining. The placemats measure 17.2 x 11.8 inches and come in four different designs to help kids learn the alphabet, numbers, shapes, and colors. The colorful designs and fun games encourage vocabulary building and improve kids' knowledge of numbers and counting, shapes, and colors.

The placemats are made of durable food-grade polypropylene, and each one has a superior anti-slip coating to keep food on the table. The non-slip design is especially important for younger children, helping them to focus on their meals and remain seated throughout. The easy-to-clean design makes these placemats ideal for daily use and allows for quick and effortless cleanup with just a damp cloth. Whether you have a toddler or an older child, these placemats are a great tool for motivating kids to sit and eat while learning at the same time.

Product Overview:

The Simply Magic 5 Placemats for Kids are a set of educational placemats designed by teachers to support learning for toddlers. These placemats come in five different themes: Alphabet ABC, Shapes, Colors, Numbers, and Solar System. Each placemat features vibrant UV printing that is sure to spark the curiosity of children and encourage them to learn.

The Simply Magic placemats are made from polypropylene (PP) plastic with an EVA non-slip foam backing. They are fully CPSIA and ASTM compliant and have been tested by an independent laboratory to ensure they are safe for children. The non-slip backing allows the placemats to easily stick to any table, while the durable, washable, and reusable design makes them a convenient choice for parents. The Simply Magic placemats are a great gift for children and parents who want to support learning and provide a fun and interactive way for kids to learn. Additionally, at least 10% of the money made from these placemats is contributed towards educational non-profit projects, making them a purchase that supports a good cause. And if for any reason you are not satisfied with the Simply Magic educational placemats, you can return them within 30 days for a full refund.

Product Overview:

The UpwardBaby Silicone Placemats are a set of three placemats designed for toddlers. They are made of food-safe and child-safe silicone and free from harmful substances such as BPA, BPS, PVC, Phthalate, cadmium, and more. The placemats are designed to contain messes with slightly raised edges and an easy-to-clean design, making them perfect for meals or other activities.

The unique suction bottom of the placemats sits securely on completely flat, non-textured surfaces, and does not move even when your baby or toddler fusses during mealtime. This makes them ideal for use at home or in restaurants. The convenient design of the placemats makes them easy to store, as they can be rolled up and stored in kitchen drawers, baby bags, or other small spaces. Additionally, a hanging loop allows for quick drying after washing. The UpwardBaby Silicone Placemats make a great gift for a new mom or baby, baby shower, or baby registry of a newborn baby boy or girl.

How To Choose The Best Placemats for Toddlers | Ultimate Guide 2023

Material

Most tablecloths today are made of silicone or thin plastic. Both are easy to clean and can be reused. Some tablecloths are disposable, such as giant stickers.

All are good options, but silicone is the easiest and best choice because it is non-slip.

Easy to clean

Plastic tablecloths and those with painted paper inside must be hand washed and not soaked in water. Silicone mats tend to be dull and don't have much in the way of design other than shape and color, but they are dishwasher safe. Then get a silicone or disposable one if you want an easy-care mat, as you won't have to clean the mat at all!

Size

Choose a size that's the same as your toddler. However, you'll also need to take the size of the table into account. Not all tables can afford to accommodate one toddler, so measure before you buy.

Absorbent/anti-slip backrest

The best tablecloths for children are those with good absorbency or anti-slip backing. This keeps the mat on the table during mealtimes and keeps messes under control.

Extras

Some table plates have built-in spill guards to keep food and drinks from falling out. These are a good choice when your child is learning to eat on their own. Some also have built-in hooks so that tablecloth can be hung to dry after cleaning or during storage. Many brands include a bag in which the mat can be packed and transported in restaurants or on long trips.

Platinum silicone compared to regular food-grade silicone?

Food-grade silicone is a high-quality silicone used in many of the kitchen utensils we use every day. Compared to other materials, silicone is waterproof, flexible and more environmentally friendly. However, this type of silicone can become smelly and hard after prolonged use.

Platinum silicone (food grade) is more durable. In addition, products made from platinum silicone tend to be softer, have no chemical smell and do not harden over time, making them ideal for babies.

It's important to note that both regular silicone and platinum silicone are good options, but you need to make sure that the table top you buy is made from 100% silicone and not mixed with other materials.

Disposable or reusable table top?

Disposable

Disposable table tops have many advantages that make them the best choice for some families who use them. Some of the benefits of using them include convenience, easy cleanability and frequent design changes.

A disadvantage of using disposable tablecloths is that they are disposable and can easily tear. These issues lead some parents to avoid using disposable tablecloths.

Pros

The best thing about disposable placemats is that they can be used anywhere. The convenience of carrying these products allows parents to take the mats with them and throw them away when they're done. This helps protect children from surface bacteria and ensures you don't accidentally leave them behind when you leave.

With disposable mats, there's no messy clean-up required. No need to wipe, rinse or wash them.

Another great thing about disposable mats is that you can choose the type of print you want. By introducing your child to different sights, words and colors, mealtimes can become more enjoyable and educational.

Cons

Easy to clean doesn't always mean they'll stay clean. Disposable tablecloths tear easily and are not made of durable materials, so they can get dirtier than expected.

Products that are only used once are not ideal for eco-friendly homes. This results in more waste and more resources for manufacturing.

Reusable

Reusable carpets are made from materials that can be cleaned and reused over and over again, reducing the amount of waste required. They are more durable and usually easy to clean.

Some reusables may not move as well, but if you choose one design, they will reduce your ability to try new designs often.

Pros

As we said earlier, reusable tablecloths are made to be more durable. Some materials last longer than others, but the highest quality material is platinum silicone.

Reusable materials do not tear after one use and can be used over and over again.

Reusable products are becoming increasingly user-friendly, and ease of care is becoming an essential factor for companies selling children's products. Some reusable materials are dishwasher safe and can withstand extreme hot and cold temperatures.

Reusable tablecloths are usually made of silicone, plastic or fabric and do not create much waste in the environment. Reusable tablecloths are usually made of silicone, plastic or fabric and do not create a lot of waste for the environment. Reusable seat covers also require fewer products and cannot be thrown away after a single use.

Cons

Reusable tablecloths come in many different colors and you're likely to find a design that appeals to you, but many people opt for plain colors because they're used over and over again.

Best Placemats for Toddlers | Video Explanation

FAQs Session

What are the uses of toddler plates?

We have noticed that there are many uses for dinner plates. From friendly lunches to finger painting, the placemats are useful.

Are these tablecloths safe for my child?

Most tablecloths today are free of harmful substances such as BPA, BPS and lead. However, parents should supervise their children carefully and check the materials of the product before purchasing.

Can high chairs be used with feeding trays?

Many of the products in this list are designed to be used with highchairs. Most but not all products have exact dimensions, so please check these before buying.

Can tablecloths be used on any surface?

We have not yet found any tablecloths that can be attached to a tablecloth in our home. Apart from fabric, using glue or suction cups has worked well.

Can napkins be reused?

There are several fine tablecloths that can be reused. We have found uses for both reusable and disposable, but we always keep the long-lasting ones at home.

Can I use children's table mats for other purposes?

Yes!!! In fact, I recommend getting a universal, multi-purpose table mat as it is the best investment.

A flat tablecloth without a built-in dish can be used for play (coloring, drawing, clay games, etc.). When your child is older, you can use it as a dog or cat dish.

Heat-resistant silicone mats can be widely used in the kitchen as hot mats, hot pads and counter mats.

Do I need a lunch mat for my child?

Napkins are not a necessity, but they are very useful, especially when babies are learning to eat on their own. They are particularly useful for babies who are just starting to wean.

If you're in doubt about whether a placemat is worth the investment, choose a general-purpose silicone placemat (such as Green Sprouts or Munchkin Plate mats) that can also be used for other purposes in the nursery or kitchen.

Can I use the placemats for other purposes after my child has outgrown them?

Absolutely! Silicone lasts a long time and can be used as a base for making dough, cooking, playing with play dough, painting and more. You will find numerous reasons to keep tablecloths on hand during your child's life.

Plus, the silicone folds up for easy storage.

Should I use a tablecloth for my child?

No, you don't need to use tablecloths. But if you love your table, or at least value your money, it's best to prevent damage from toddlers. Fork marks, liquid soaking, food slipping into crevices - tablecloths are an inexpensive way to ensure your table lasts longer.

In addition, tablecloths can be a valuable table manners education tool as children learn their place and no longer occupy the table.

How can I make sure my child doesn't push all the rugs on the floor?

The best tablecloths for toddlers will hopefully prevent children from throwing everything on the floor. Otherwise, teaching a toddler takes time and patience. If your child is not on the tablecloth, he will try to throw his cutlery or plates and bowls. The best way to prevent this is to sit next to them and stop them. It just takes time and maturity for toddlers to finally understand.

Conclusions

In the end, tablecloths have always proven useful. Nowadays they are only used for hygiene purposes. Oddly enough, in our house they are used more often for crafting than for dinner. Whatever their purpose, they are handy. I hope this article is useful and informative in helping you choose the right one for you. With so many products to choose from, it can be difficult to narrow down the selection. However, after research and personal preference, we believe you will love what you buy.

Jennifer Lawrence

Hi, I’m Jennifer Lawrence, Went to Calhoun High School (Georgia) my goal is to make the kitchen fun by providing a mathematical and logical component to our approach to cooking good food. I look not only at delicious recipes but also at kitchen tools and gadgets to give you the tips and tricks we hope you will find useful. Read More Here