Between work deadlines, endless laundry, and keeping your little one happy, the last thing you need is stress about whether those tiny bowls and cups are truly clean. The good news? A few smart habits can keep your baby's dishes spotless without eating up your entire day. Here's your material-by-material guide to cleaning and replacing baby tableware—plus a simple checklist that takes the guesswork out of mealtime hygiene.
Want the quick reference version? Jump to our checklist below, or download our complete care guide for easy reference whenever you need it!
✔️ Kid's Tableware checklist download here!
Quick Care Guide by Material
PP Plastic
- Cleaning: Hand-wash with warm water and mild dish soap. For deep cleaning, boil for 5 minutes.
- When to replace: Every 3-6 months, or immediately if you notice scratches or discoloration.
- Important notes: Skip the microwave and avoid abrasive scrubbers that can create bacteria-harboring scratches.
Glass
- Cleaning: Regular dish soap works great; boil for 5 minutes if you want extra sterilization.
- When to replace: Glass can last indefinitely—just replace immediately if you spot any chips or cracks.
- Important notes: Watch out for temperature shock and handle with care to prevent breaks.
Stainless Steel
- Cleaning: Hand-wash or run through the dishwasher; always dry completely to prevent water spots.
- When to replace: These are built to last—you can boil them repeatedly and use them for years.
- Important notes: Never put in the microwave; avoid chlorine bleach which can cause pitting.
Food-Grade Silicone
- Cleaning: Hand-washing is best; boil for 2-5 minutes when you need to sterilize.
- When to replace: Check annually after 1-2 years of use—replace if the material feels sticky or shows tears.
- Important notes: Keep sharp utensils away and skip alcohol-based wipes that can break down the material.
Your Daily Hygiene Checklist
| Habit | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Wash hands for 20 seconds before handling clean dishes | Eliminates up to 99% of surface germs that could transfer to clean items |
| Use a dedicated drying area | Prevents cross-contamination from adult cookware and utensils |
| Let everything air-dry completely | Damp surfaces are breeding grounds for bacteria |
| Sterilize regularly | Daily for newborns; at least weekly once your baby starts solids |
Stick to this checklist and you’ll slash mealtime germs in no time.
Pro tip: Food-grade silicone is both low-maintenance and ultra-durable. If you’re still juggling plastic or stainless bowls, upgrade to our non-toxic, scratch-proof PICKCUP. A quick “boil or bake” keeps it looking brand-new, easing one more stress from your parenting plate.
👉 [Browse every PICKCUP color here]
Wishing you and your little one many safe, happy meals!
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