Image: MomJunction Design Team
You love your baby to the core, we know that, but even most patient parents find mealtime mess and mayhem annoying. So, to ease up this struggle, you need the best baby placemat for toddlers. Bibs and prompt cleanups become constant in this journey. However, this doesn’t mean it’ll be like this till your baby grows up. Yes, that’s right, so here’s your chance to enjoy mess-free dining by opting for the 11 placemats we listed below. These placemats are cute, portable, make for easy cleaning, and offer cute elements that’ll catch the attention of your little one. Now you can finally enjoy dinners outside as these placemats are also made for restaurant use.
Top Picks
11 Best Placemats For Toddlers In 2024
1. Best BPA-Free:Munchkin Silicone Placemats For Kids
Image: Munchkin Made of 100% silicone, Munchkin’s silicone placemats feature all-around raised edges to keep spills and messes to a minimum. The rectangular shape and thin design help make roll-up easy after meals at any dining table, while the bottom of the baby placemat provides superb grip and clings easily to most smooth and non-porous surfaces without sliding around. You can tuck the pair in your diaper bag without any effort and make weekly restaurant visits totally hassle-free. For a thorough review of the product, have a look at this video showcasing a tester’s experience.
Pros
- BPA-free
- Dishwasher-safe
- Portable
- Lightweight
- Two different-colored placemats
- Affordable price
Cons
- Might easily catch lint and hair
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 12,585 reviews on Amazon indicate that this product has a loyal following.
2. Best Toxin-Free:HomeWorthy Disposable Stick-On Placemats
Image: Homeworthy One of the best silicone placemats in the market, HomeWorthy’s disposable placemats for baby come with an extra-sticky adhesive strip on each side for a secure grip on any flat surface. Every single mat is designed with bright and colorful cartoon prints that are sure to make mealtimes even more engaging for your child. These disposable placemats for babies keep your loved ones safe and clean in unhygienic environments and protect them from severe allergies.
Pros
- BPA-free
- Toxin-free
- PVC-free
- Individually folded in compact pouches
- Pack of 40 mats in three designs
Cons
- Peeling off the adhesive might be a bit tricky.
"These single-use placemats are handy for a mess-free mealtime when going out. I wish the adhesion was stronger; nevertheless, they stay put most of the time. Overall, I find them to be a reliable option."
3. Best Themed:Merka Educational Placemats
Image: Merka If you are looking for the best baby placemats that elevate the look of your dining table, these illustrated and colorful placemats by Merka can add a fun element to your child’s mealtimes. They come in four different themes–jungle, space, ocean, and unicorn carnival. The 11 x 17-inch table mats are easy to wipe clean and maintain, making them a time-saving choice for busy parents. Additionally, the scratch-resistant cover and UV color printing technology make them durable and suitable for long-term use.
Pros
- Free of BPA
- Have a non-slip silicone backing
- Reusable and recyclable
- Enable learning while eating
- Suitable for gifting
Cons
- Lamination may not be peel-resistant
- May not be waterproof
"My child loves these placemats for their diverse themes and vibrant illustrations. While they keep our dining table clean from food mess, they also encourage imaginative play in my little one. I'm pretty impressed with the budge-free grip, which has made it more effective."
| Product Image | Best BPA-Free  | Best Toxin-Free  | Best Themed  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product Name | Munchkin Silicone Placemats For Kids | HomeWorthy Disposable Stick-On Placemats | Merka Educational Placemats |
| Material | 100% silicone | Food-safe plastic | BPA-free plastic |
| Dishwasher-Safe | Yes | No | Yes |
| Grip Bottom | Yes | Yes | No |
| Reusability | Yes | No | Yes |
| Mess Containment | Raised edge helps contain messes and spills | Full coverage with fold-over edge | Non-slip backing |
| Product Dimensions | 15 x 11.13in | 15 x 12in | 17 x 11in |
| Safety | BPA-free | BPA-, PVC-, and Lead-free | BPA-free |
| Number of Pieces | 2 | 40 | 4 |
| Amazon Rating | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.6 |
| Amazon Reviews | 13,723 | 2,326 | 292 |
| Buy Now | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
4. Best Heat-Resistant:UpwardBaby’s Children’s Placemat
Image: Upwardbaby UpwardBaby’s children’s placemat uses an innovative suction technology that attaches to any table style and keeps mealtimes happy, tidy, and enjoyable. Made with 100% silicone, the safe and effective mats feature a catch tray around the edge to intercept any food that happens to spill, saving your toddler’s pretty clothes from temporary ruin. With this handy and cleverly designed placemat, you will never have to dread going out to dine with your babies. It’s slightly thicker than most mats but flexible enough to fold and carry wherever you go, making them one of the best silicone placemats out there.
Pros
- Dishwasher-safe
- Heat-resistant
- Microwave-safe
- Phthalate-free
- Lead-free
- Wrapping band included
Cons
- Some may find it to be slightly heavy
"This placemat keeps our dining table mess-free, and as it doubles as a tray, it also helps keep my munchkin’s clothes free from food stains. It doesn’t adhere well to glossy laminated surfaces but provides a budge-free grip on our wood table. Overall, this product has significantly reduced my cleaning time post-meals."
5. Best Phthalate-Free:Busy Baby Adjustable Mat
Image: Busy Baby What sets these placemats for babies apart is the capacity to make both mealtime and playtime super-convenient. They have a powerful suction cup embedded in every corner that creates a tight seal. Sticking neatly onto smooth and clean surfaces, this mat features tethers with ‘squiggles’ that absorb energy when the corners are pulled. The end of the tethers have holes that can fit your baby’s toys, while the ball end can easily hold a sippy cup handle to keep the little one amused. One of the best silicone placemats for babies, it can also be attached to windows and helps speed up their development process through engrossing play. Check out this YouTuber’s review of the product if you require more details about this expert-approved product.
Pros
- FDA-approved
- Made of BPA-free safe material
- Phthalate-free
- Versatile
- Packing sleeve included
- Available in ten colors
Cons
- Might have a slight chemical smell
"I'm pretty happy with these placemats. Their innovative toy tethers keep my child busy and entertained while he patiently waits for the meal to be served. Although I find it a bit challenging to fix it onto textured tables, its suction works well on glass and metal surfaces. All in all, it is a decent choice."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Do not miss out on this product that has earned 5,219 positive reviews on Amazon.
6. Best Non-Slip:Suessie Disposable Placemats
Image: Suessie Keep your child safe from contaminated surfaces with these non-slip and disposable baby placemats by Suessie–stick them on a table or any other surface and create a clean area for your baby to eat or play. One of the best toddler placemats, these measure 12 x 8 inches and come in fun and vibrant prints. The sides are equipped with extra sticky adhesive to keep them secured in place. Moreover, you can carry these mats when traveling as they come in a resealable pack.
Pros
- BPA-free and eco-friendly
- Easy to use
- Can be used during craft sessions
- Easy dispense pack
Cons
- Adhesive might leave a sticky residue
"These disposable mats have made traveling with our baby much more manageable. They are easy for me to carry and stay put even on slippery surfaces. Although they tend to leave a slight gluey residue on the table, it is a minor trade-off for the convenience they offer."
7. Best BPS-Free:UpwardBaby Mats
Image: Upwardbaby Want to give your baby an eating space that’s 100% safe and hygienic? These UpwardBaby mats might end up exceeding your expectations. The silicone-crafted placemat is constructed with a flexible material that’s durable and has a long lifespan. A hanging loop on the left side makes it ideal for easy drying, while the attached suction bottom keeps the mat glued to most flat surfaces. For cleaner lunchtimes, these safe and effective silicone placemats include raised edges that catch accidental spills. The pack of three placemats will keep your baby happy and mess-free whether you’re home, in a restaurant, or on the go, making them one of the best toddler placemats.
Pros
- Doesn’t contain PVC
- Super-lightweight
- BPA and BPS-free
- No LED or phthalates
- Three times thicker than other mats
Cons
- Might stain easily
"I love how easy it is to clean these mats because of their convenient dishwasher-friendly design. Their tack is effective enough to keep them fixed on the table until and unless my little one gets too fidgety with them. Moreover, I find these to be pretty versatile, as I also use them during my child's painting sessions."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It's no wonder that this quality product has earned over 765 positive reviews on Amazon.
8. Best Educational:Little Wigwam 1 To 20 Placemat
Image: Little Wigwam Encourage your child to learn numbers while eating with the Little Wigwam 1 to 20 placemat. This A3-sized mat provides ample coverage on the dinner table and is made of durable and safe polypropylene plastic. Each number is accompanied by illustrations, enabling your child to learn counting in an engaging and enjoyable way. One of the best plastic mats, it also has rounded corners and smooth edges, making it a safe and effective option.
Pros
- Non-reflective matte finish
- Child-safe ink illustrations
- Designed by teachers
- Easy to spot clean
- Helps in number and color recognition
- Colorful and adorable designs
Cons
- May not have an anti-slip coating
- Color may not be waterproof
9. Best Travel-Friendly:Mighty Clean Disposable Placemat
Image: Mighty Clean Baby If you’re in search of finding the best toddler placemat that’s perfect for use when traveling with your toddler, consider the Mighty Clean disposable placemat. It’s specially designed with adhesive strips on all sides to keep the mat securely in place on the dinner table. The safe and effective placemat is spill-resistant and water-resistant, ensuring no spills or liquids transfer to the table. Additionally, the plastic placemat is disposable and doesn’t leave any sticky residue, so you don’t have to worry about cleaning up any messes.
Pros
- Free of BPA, lead, and PVC
- Eco-friendly, as it’s biodegradable
- Thin and resealable pouch for portability
- Each pack includes 24 mats
- Attractive gender-neutral design
Cons
- May not stick well on certain surfaces
- Ultra-slim design may make the sticking process time-consuming
"Since I started using these mats, food stains on clothes have decreased considerably. They fit into my diaper bag without taking up much space and are versatile enough to adhere to most restaurant tables and trays. Plus, their fun design keeps my child happily engaged while waiting for their meal."
10. Best Versatile:Jessie&Jade Educational Placemats
Image: Jessie&jade The polypropylene-based placemats by Jessie&Jade are BPA-free and durable. The set includes four placemats, each representing a particular theme–letters, colors, numbers, and shapes. The educational mats encourage your child to learn these concepts at mealtime in a fun way. These plastic placemats have an anti-slip coating that prevents them from budging from their place, and the illustrations are UV-printed using non-toxic and child-friendly inks for safe use. Furthermore, the placemats have cute designs and are versatile as they double up as a desk pad, writing mat, or learning poster.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Waterproof
- Reusable
- Features rounded corners
Cons
- May not be dishwasher-friendly
- May have a slight chemical smell
"These placemats caught my attention for their educational design. They allow my little one to explore numbers, shapes, letters, and colors in an engaging manner. Also, they are pretty helpful in keeping stains and spills at bay. Their multifaceted utility and durability deserve a nod of approval."
Quick Tip11. Best Waterproof:Moonkie’s Placemats
Image: Moonkie Moonkie’s placemats for small tables will perfectly fit your child’s highchair trays and protect them against spills, courtesy of the boosted edges. Even if food accidents happen, you can just wipe them away with a washcloth to keep the mat sparkling clean. Soft and flexible, busy moms can carry this travel placemat for baby by rolling or folding it into their totes or diaper bags. For added safety and convenience, this pack of two kids’ placemats comes with a free pouch.
Pros
- Waterproof
- BPA- and PVC-free baby-friendly material
- Contains no phthalates
- Available in four color combinations
Cons
- Might not be as adhesive
"The waterproof feature of these placemats saves me time and effort, as cleaning food messes and stains off them is quick and easy. They have also made dining out with my baby more feasible due to their roll-up design. In short, I would recommend these mats for their functionality and versatility."
How To Choose The Right Placemats For Toddlers
- Material: Generally, placemats for children are made of thin plastic or food-grade silicone. While these two materials can be reused and cleaned with ease, the silicone is better. It offers more anti-skid properties, like anti-slip coating or base, and can be free of toxic chemicals like lead, BPA, or phthalates, which is a safer and kid-friendly option.
- Ease of cleaning: If you opt for kids’ educational placemats that are made of plastic or contain pictures inside, they might be tougher to clean because you can’t soak them in water. Silicone mats may or may not come with fun pictures and designs, but they can be tossed in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. Disposable placemats for kids or silicone ones are the best if you want to avoid cleaning after every meal.
- Size: If your toddler is super-messy, you will need to opt for a larger placemat. Also, take into consideration the size of your table or your child’s highchair tray. It’s best to have the right measurements on hand before making your purchase.
- Extras: The best baby placemats have a built-in spill catcher to prevent food and drinks from falling. If your child is just beginning to learn how to eat on their own, this is a great option. Some mats also feature a built-in hook that can be used to hang the placemat dry after cleaning or for storage. Many brands include a pouch to pack and carry the mat with you to the restaurant or on long-distance trips.
Are Toddlers’ Placemats Machine Washable?
The best baby placemats for toddlers can survive one to two washes in the dishwasher but not the washing machine. Even the former must be limited as it can cause the mat to fall apart due to agitation. Ideally, a wet washcloth is enough to wipe down your kids’ placemats after use.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use placemats for other purposes after my child outgrows them?
Since most toddler placemats may not be made of regular fabric, they may be less versatile for repurposing. However, they may be used as regular placemats or in the kitchen, to reduce mess while cooking.
2. Do I need to use a placemat for kids?
Being new to hand-eye coordination, toddlers are most often messy eaters by default. Placemats come in handy to prevent your furniture and tablecloth from soiling and spoiling. Plus, the placemat will be used exclusively for the little one, making it a more hygienic proposition.
3. How do I prevent my child from pushing the entire mat on the floor?
Keeping extra fidgety children in mind, there are stick-on mats available as well. Certain mats are also equipped with suction units to prevent food and plates from sliding off the table along with it.
4. Can placemats be used on high chairs?
Since high chairs may require placemats of a particular dimension, certain brands also make placemats exclusively for highchairs.
5. Do placemats work on all surfaces?
Although most placemats could be placed on any table, silicone placemats may cling better to tables made of non-porous surfaces. Further, stick-on placemats are mostly compatible with any kind of surface.
6. What is the best material for placemats?
In terms of safety, placemats that are made of BPA-free and non-toxic material are ideal for children. However, it also depends on your needs, the material of your table, and how fidgety your child is.
7. Are round or rectangular placemats better?
While both serve the same purpose, round placemats are more suitable for round or oval tables while rectangular placemats suit a rectangular or square table better.
Why Trust MomJunction?
We have scoured hundreds of trusted websites and product quality reviews to bring you a list of the best placemats for toddlers. We believe an ideal placemat should have an anti-slip coating, be non-toxic, portable, easy to clean, and fun. Hence, we provided detailed information about placemats for toddlers, including specifications of each product, for your convenience. We have also included a buying guide to help you choose the right one.
The Bottom Line
When you introduce your child to the habit of independent eating, it will be messy and troublesome. However, the best placemat for toddlers can make it relatively effortless and easier to clean up. Choosing a placemat made from BPA-free, food-grade material that is easy to clean and washable ensures easy maintenance. You should also check the mat’s size depending on the table and available space. Keeping that in mind, we suggest the Little Wigwam 1 To 20 Placemat for its unique learning features; the Suessie Disposable Placemats for travel-friendly, resealable packs; and the Merka Educational Placemats for being scratch-resistant and recyclable. Once you select a good-quality placemat, it will take care of the mess and prevent stains until your baby is properly trained to eat without spilling their food.
Infographic: How To Clean Your Toddler’s Placemats?
The best baby placemats can protect your dining tables from stains caused by a messy eater. In addition, the mat can be easily cleaned and replaced, unlike the dining table. So, check out the following infographic to learn how to clean a placemat without affecting its color and print.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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