Family Homes

This Chic Dinnerware Is Toddler-Proof (and I’m Telling Everyone in My Mom Group About It)

Megan Gray
Megan Gray
Estate sales, yard sales, and antique shops were regular weekend destinations for my brother and me as kids. My parents, always on the hunt for period-appropriate decor for our Staten Island 19th-century house, made sure of it. Since then, I’ve had a love for home design and…read more
published yesterday
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
children eat together, and complete mess reigns on the table.
Credit: Natalia Lebedinskaia/Getty Images

While my kids aren’t picky about their dinnerware, I certainly am. My non-negotiables: plates that are aesthetically pleasing, easy to clean, and — most importantly — plastic-free. (I’m trying so hard to reduce plastics in the home!)

That’s why Ello’s new Clean Start ceramic plates immediately caught my attention. Their design is simple yet chic. Although I had initial reservations about how my sons would handle such seemingly delicate dinnerware, I decided to give them a shot — and I’m so glad I did. These plates have quickly become my family’s new mealtime favorite, and I’ve been singing their praises to all the moms in my group. Here’s my review.

What Is the Ello Clean Start Breakfast Plate?

Sold as a two-pack, the Ello Clean Start Breakfast Plate is made from premium porcelain ceramic and surrounded by soft, removable, food-safe silicone bumpers for safety and durability. Notably, the plates are entirely plastic-free and don’t contain BPA, PVC, phthalates, melamine, and PFAS (forever chemicals). They are designed to fit most standard high-chair trays (in my experience, fit was not an issue) and feature three sections: one large and two smaller ones, allowing for a variety of food on a single plate.

A major plus: Both the plates and their silicone bumpers are dishwasher-safe, and the plates themselves are safe for use in the microwave and oven.

Why I Love the Ello Clean Start Breakfast Plate

At first glance, I was worried about how long the Ello plates would last in my home. Their elegant glazed white ceramic appearance, accented by fun-colored silicone bumpers, is beautiful. However, with 3- and 6-year-old sons who aren’t known for their gentle eating habits, I was skeptical. After two months of use, my worries have vanished. I’ve found the plates have a reassuring weight that prevents accidental tipping, and the silicone bumpers are genuinely effective — we haven’t had a single breakage yet!

I appreciate that the plates come in a convenient two-pack, which is great for my two children (and a useful backup even for a single child household). Cleaning them is a breeze, and they’ve proven sturdy enough to handle my crowded dish rack (I don’t have a dishwasher, so I have to wash everything by hand). In fact, the plates are so lovely, my husband and I often use them ourselves when the kids aren’t eating.

The Ello Clean Start Breakfast Plate has quickly become my essential, all-purpose dish. Plus, the plate’s three sections are a lifesaver for my picky eaters, allowing for easy food separation. I highly recommend exploring the rest of Ello’s offerings on Amazon, which include a beautiful variety of food storage containers, water bottles, and more!

Buy: Ello Clean Start Toddler Breakfast Plate 2-Pack, $24.89

More to Love from Cubby