Material Matters

Mar 8, 2026

A considered guide to choosing dinnerware for your child

When choosing dinnerware for your child, most decisions are guided by aesthetics and practicality. Is it durable? Dishwasher safe? Easy for little hands to hold? Will it survive being dropped (repeatedly)? What colours does it come in?

But beyond colour, shape and convenience lies something equally important: the materials themselves.

Many parents quietly wonder - What's the difference? Why are some cheaper than others? Which option is the right choice for my family?

This guide takes a closer look at the materials commonly used in children’s dinnerware, where they come from, how quality differs, and what to look for when choosing pieces for your family. Clear, considered information so you can make decisions with confidence.

We've taken your most common questions and answered them all -

What exactly is silicone?
What does “food-grade” really mean?
Is all stainless steel the same?
How do I know what's safe?

Understanding Silicone: Where It Comes From

Silicone is not plastic.

It’s a synthetic material derived primarily from silica - a natural compound found in sand and quartz. Through a high-heat process, silica is transformed into a flexible, rubber-like material that is highly durable and resistant to extreme temperatures.

Because of this stability, food-grade silicone does not break down easily when heated or cooled. It’s widely used in medical, culinary and baby products due to its inert properties.

Reputable regulatory bodies such as the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) recognise food-contact silicone as safe when it meets established testing standards.

However, not all silicone is the same.

Food-Grade vs LFGB: What’s the Difference?

When reviewing dinnerware, it’s worth understanding not just that there are many tiers of “food-grade,” so which certification standard it meets is important.

The type of silicone used in dinnerware makes a big difference to the quality.

This is why some products wear faster, stain and absorb odours, and some don't.

Two primary standards regulate silicone used in food-contact products:

FDA (United States)
LFGB (Lebensmittel- und Futtermittelgesetzbuch - German Food and Feed Code)

Both set safety requirements, but LFGB testing is widely regarded as more stringent. It includes:

More rigorous migration testing
Stricter odour and taste neutrality assessments
Higher purity benchmarks

LFGB certification is often preferred within Europe because it aligns with EU Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004 on food contact materials.

All Rommer silicone products are made from 100% LFGB-certified food-grade silicone.

This means they are:

Non-toxic
Free from BPA and phthalates
Tested to meet strict food-contact standards
Non-porous, so they don't absorb tastes or colours
Designed for repeated daily use

Stainless Steel: Understanding the Grades

Stainless steel is another common material in children’s drinkware and cutlery - and again, quality varies, and there are many grades.

The most widely recognised food-safe grade is Grade 304 stainless steel (also referred to as 18/8 stainless steel).

Composed of approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel, Grade 304 stainless steel is:

Highly corrosion resistant
Non-reactive with acidic foods
Durable and rust resistant
Approved globally for food contact use

Lower grades of stainless steel may be more susceptible to corrosion or surface wear over time.

Rommer Smoothie Cups feature a Grade 304 stainless steel inner cup, paired with a protective LFGB silicone sleeve, lid & straw and our Toddler Cutlery includes Grade 304 stainless steel heads. This balance ensures strength where needed, and comfort where it matters.

Safety, Function & Everyday Use

Material choice isn’t only about compliance - it’s also about function.

When developing our range, we consider:

Heat tolerance (oven, dishwasher and freezer compatibility)
Stability during use
Weight and balance for developing motor skills
Grip and ergonomics
Longevity across years of daily meals

Our dinnerware is crafted entirely from LFGB-certified silicone, are intentionally flexible yet structured, helping reduce breakage while remaining stable at the table.

Our smoothie cups are insulated by design.

Our cutlery is balanced for little hands.

As we often share - our entire range is crafted from premium, safe and durable materials designed to last, and 100% plastic-free.

Although it would be a lot more economical to use lower grade materials, we thoughtfully choose the highest quality, with safety and longevity in mind.

We stand for the "buy once, buy well" approach as parents and business owners.

Of course, premium materials are much more expensive to manufacture with, but quality and sustainability win every time over here.