It’s easy to feel unsure about sizing when you’re setting up baby mealtimes. Is that bowl too big for first tastes? Will the bento box actually fit a toddler lunch? And how much neck room do bibs really need?
This simple guide walks through how to choose sizes for silicone bowls and plates, bento boxes and bibs, with tips for common Australian setups like the Ikea Antilop highchair and daycare lunches.
For a full overview of how feeding sets, bento boxes and highchair placemats fit together, see our Silicone Mealtime Guide (AU).
Quick reference: sizes by stage
Every brand uses slightly different dimensions, but these ranges are a helpful starting point:
| Stage | Bowl / plate | Bento box | Bib neck fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| First tastes (around 6–7 months) | Small, shallow bowl (around 150–250 ml) | Not essential yet | Soft silicone bib with multiple snug settings |
| Everyday meals (7–18 months) | Medium bowl or divided plate (around 250–400 ml) | Compact bento for snacks & simple meals | Adjustable bib that can grow through toddlerhood |
| Toddlers (18+ months) | Flatter plate or larger bowl for bigger portions | Bento with room for main + 2–3 sides | Bib still comfortable on the widest or second-widest setting |
Use these as a guide only and always check the actual measurements on the product page before you buy.
How to measure your bowls and plates
When you’re comparing silicone bowls and plates, three measurements matter most:
- Diameter/width: how much space it takes up on the tray.
- Height/depth: how easy it is for tiny spoons (and hands) to reach the food.
- Capacity: roughly how much food it can comfortably hold.
For first tastes (6–7 months)
- Choose a smaller, shallower bowl so baby can see and reach the food easily.
- Low sides help beginners scoop without hitting a high wall every time.
- Plan for just a few teaspoons to a couple of tablespoons per meal at this stage.
For everyday meals (7–18 months)
- Move to a medium-sized bowl or plate that can hold a full meal as portions grow.
- Divided plates can be helpful for separating textures, but simple bowls also work well.
- Make sure the base still fits comfortably on the highchair tray without hanging over the edge.
For toddlers (18+ months)
- Some toddlers prefer a flatter plate with more room to spread food out.
- Check that portions fit without being piled too high – this can make food harder to manage.
- If you’re still using suction, make sure the base has a good contact area on your tray or placemat.
If your suction plates or bowls aren’t gripping well, see our suction plate troubleshooting guide for simple fixes.
Choosing the right bento size
For babies and toddlers, a bento doesn’t need to be huge. It just needs to comfortably fit what they’ll realistically eat between meals.
For babies (around 7–12 months)
- Look for a compact bento with a few small compartments.
- It should comfortably hold a few soft finger foods, not a full-school-sized lunch.
- Make sure it’s shallow enough that little hands can reach the bottom.
For toddlers and daycare
- Choose a bento that fits a simple main + 2–3 sides (e.g. sandwich or pasta, plus fruit and a snack).
- Check the external dimensions if it needs to fit into a specific lunch bag or daycare cubby.
- Consider the weight when full – silicone is soft and gentle, but still has a little heft.
For ideas on what to pack, we’ll have easy snack and lunch ideas here soon: Baby & toddler bento snack ideas (AU).
Bib sizing and neck fit
A good bib size is mostly about comfort and coverage. For silicone bibs:
- Neck circumference: choose a bib with multiple button or notch settings so it can fit snugly without digging in.
- Coverall length: check that the bib covers the chest area where food usually lands.
- Pocket size: a slightly deeper pocket can catch more food before it reaches the lap.
How to check bib fit
- Fasten the bib so you can comfortably fit one finger between bib and skin.
- Make sure there’s no rubbing at the neck folds or shoulders.
- As baby grows, move to the next setting so it stays comfortable through toddlerhood.
Will these fit on the Ikea Antilop highchair tray?
The Ikea Antilop tray is a common base for silicone bowls, plates and placemats in Australian homes. A few quick checks help make sure your pieces fit well:
- Choose bowls and plates that leave a little space around the edges of the tray so baby can still rest their hands comfortably.
- Make sure the suction base sits fully on the flat area, not up onto the curved edges.
- If you’re using a fitted silicone placemat, place it first, smooth out any bubbles, then position your bowls and plates on top.
If suction is inconsistent on your tray, our suction plate not sticking guide covers surfaces, soap film and baby hands in more detail.
How many pieces do you really need?
You don’t have to own every size. Most families are comfortable with:
- 2 silicone bowls/plates – one in use, one clean or drying.
- 1 silicone bento box – for daycare, outings or grandparents.
- 2 silicone bibs – one for home, one for the nappy bag or daycare.
If your routine changes (more daycare days, more outings), you can add extra pieces later without replacing everything.
Recommended pieces
For help building a calm, matching setup for home, daycare and outings, visit our Silicone Mealtime Guide (AU) and our How to clean silicone feeding gear.