If you thought it's a challenge to wean your baby, wait until he's a toddler and you're starting to feed him. Once your child starts to learn to eat independently - thrown cups, spills, and plates dropping are a typical scenario. This particular stage is a common thing for toddlers to go through.

You need to find the right tableware particular designed for your toddler's needs, whether your little one is trying out mashed potatoes for the first time or digging into spaghetti for dinner as only any toddler knows how. Choosing the proper dinnerware will help keep mealtime mess as minimal as possible.

Your child's self-feeding and eating skills will develop over time, while his ability to drink and use utensils will improve gradually. There are utensils available that can help with each stage. Furthermore, fun weaning products that come in vibrant colours and cleverly designed can also entice your picky toddler to eat whatever's on his plate.

Eco-Friendly Options

Any parent wants to give their children the best. When looking for baby products, it is essential to look into how these products are made to avoid getting ones that contain harmful chemicals. Most parents today are opting for eco-friendly alternatives which will benefit their families and the planet as well.

Although there are some companies claiming their products are eco-friendly, they tend to exaggerate their information which will leave you confused. One company that you need to check out when it comes to environmentally-friendly tableware for children is Re-Play. The company was launched in 2011 and is now sold worldwide across varying platforms and verticals.

Re-Play sources material and vibrant colour concentrates to meet strict FDA & EU purity standards. All Re-Play products are BPA, BPS, PVC, lead, phthalates, surface coatings -free. As of 2017, Re-Play has saved 20 million milk jugs, our primary source for material, from the landfill. All their products are manufactured in the USA from recycled, food safe plastic. From start to finish a Re-Play product travels only 940 miles before being shipped to their customers. For comparison, most conventional plastic goods made in China travel over 12,000 miles. Choosing Re-Play over other brands help reduce greenhouse gases and saves energy.

What you Need to Remember when Choosing Tableware for your Toddler

• Cups

You may need to try on a few sippy cup styles before your child gets the hang of drinking from one, or find the one that he loves. You need to consider things such as whether it leaks and how easy it is to use. A cup with vacuum valve that's spill-proof may seem like the best choice, but your toddler will have to work harder to get a sip of the drink from it. This may frustrate your kid, especially if he's a beginner and has less oral control.

A traditional cup like the Re-Play Sippy Cup with a perforated sippy spout is ideal for kids since it's easier to drink from. It's also durable, easy to wash and spill-proof.

• Dinnerware

Once your little angel starts to eat solid foods, you'll want dinnerware that they can call their own which are safe even when they throw it around your kitchen. Dinnerware sets for toddlers should be durable, dishwasher-safe, and comes in bright colours.

Their dinnerware set should include a plate and a bowl. You can either choose a flat plate or a divided plate with deep walls which are perfect for babies learning to feed themselves. Each section of the plate provides plenty of room for any mealtime combination. While bowls are great for cereals, soup or other liquid foods.

• Utensils

Look for spoons with a deep scoop and forks with durable, rounded tips. Re-Play utensils are specially-designed to be gentle on your baby's tender gums. They also have looped and wider handles which make it easier for your toddler to grasp them. Choose a pair that comes in vibrant colours to make feeding time more enjoyable.