Posted by Nestling on 3rd Jul 2026
Caring for Your Stainless Steel & Silicone Kids Tableware: The Complete Guide
When your little one starts solids and grows into family mealtimes, having reliable, safe tableware makes a big difference. Stainless steel and silicone tableware is becoming a top choice for parents thanks to its durability, hygiene, and ease of use.
Our thoughtfully designed range is built to support everyday life—from messy first bites to meals on the go. In this guide, you’ll learn how to clean, maintain, and extend the life of your stainless steel and silicone tableware.
Why Choose Stainless Steel & Silicone Tableware for Kids?
Parents are increasingly switching to stainless steel and silicone feeding products for both safety and practicality. Here’s why they stand out:
- Food-grade SUS 304 stainless steel is highly durable, hygienic, and resistant to rust
- Unlike plastic alternatives, it does not retain odours or flavours
- Crack-resistant and long-lasting, making it ideal for daily use
- LFGB-certified silicone ensures safety while remaining soft and easy for little hands to grip
- Suction bases help reduce spills and keep bowls and plates in place
- Removable silicone components make cleaning and storage simple
These features make stainless steel and silicone tableware perfect for babies, toddlers, and growing children.
Preparing Your Tableware for First Use
Before using your tableware for the first time, it’s important to clean all components properly.
How to Clean Stainless Steel
- Wash thoroughly in warm water with a mild, phosphate-free detergent
- Use a soft sponge to avoid scratching the surface
- Avoid harsh cleaners like bleach or abrasive pads, which can dull the finish
How to Clean Silicone
- Soak silicone sleeves, lids, and seals in a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and warm water for 30 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly and air dry or towel dry to prevent water spots
This simple preparation ensures your tableware is clean, safe, and ready for use.
Everyday Cleaning Tips
Keeping your kids’ tableware clean doesn’t need to be complicated. Follow these easy practices:
- Stainless steel components are dishwasher safe (top or bottom rack)
- Place silicone parts on the top rack or utensil basket
- Use eco or standard wash cycles
- Opt for a plant-based detergent to reduce harsh chemical exposure
Maintaining That Shine
To keep your stainless steel looking polished:
- Wash with mild soap and rinse well
- Dry immediately to avoid water marks
- Wipe in the direction of the grain for a streak-free finish
- Use a soft cloth or non-scratch sponge
Tip: Even “non-scratch” scrubbers can slowly dull stainless steel over time, so gentler cleaning tools are best.
How to Remove Marks and Stains
Over time, you may notice marks on your tableware—but don’t worry, most are easy to fix.
- Rainbow or heat stains:
Wipe with white vinegar using a soft cloth, leave for 1 minute, then rinse - White residue or mineral deposits:
Soak in equal parts vinegar and water for 10–15 minutes - Food stains:
Apply a paste of baking soda and water, gently scrub, and rinse thoroughly
Minor scratches are completely normal with everyday use and do not affect performance.
What to Avoid
To protect your tableware and keep it in great condition, avoid the following:
- Abrasive scrubbers or steel wool
- Bleach or chlorine-based cleaning products
- Leaving acidic or salty foods sitting for extended periods
- Stacking items while still wet
These small precautions help maintain both appearance and longevity.
Important Safety Tips
For safe use, always remember:
- Do not microwave stainless steel components
- Do not place stainless steel in the oven
Following these guidelines ensures safe and effective use every day.
Built for Everyday Family Life
Stainless steel and silicone tableware is designed to grow with your child—offering durability, safety, and convenience through every stage of development.
With the right care, your tableware will stay in excellent condition, making mealtimes easier, cleaner, and more enjoyable for the whole family.
About Nestling
At Nestling we create versatile, practical and enduring pieces inspired by and designed for young Kiwi and Aussie families.
Quality over quantity is at the centre of all our ideas. Styles that make a difference to those who make and own them. Nestling is part of a Toitū net carbonzero ISO 14064-1 certified organisation. As part of The Sleep Store Ltd we engaged Toitū to audit our operations and in 2021 we achieved Toitū net carbonzero accreditation.
Designed in New Zealand - The Nestling feed Range
This is a collection of sustainable stainless steel and silicone tableware and accessories. The range is durable, safe and thoughtfully designed to adapt as your child grows. The collection includes divided suction plates, suction plates, bowls, training & sippy cups, cutley and more. You can find the range at the stockists below.
Available at the following stockists:
North Island
August Boutique NZ
Children's Wardrobe
East Outdoor Work & Leisure
Ormiston Kiwi Chemist
South Island
Australia