Best Kids Placemat 2026 — Top Silicone & Non-Slip Options UK
The best kids placemat for UK homes in 2026 is the Ezpz Mini Mat, which combines reliable suction with easy cleaning at £20.99.
Saga HolmbergBeauty & Children's Expert ·
Saga has 5 years' experience testing beauty and children's products. With a background in cosmetology and personal experience as a mother of two young children, she has a dual perspective on the products she reviews. At Testix, she writes detailed reviews of everything from skincare and hair dryers to pushchairs and car seats.
We examined 10 kids placemats and analysed over 1,700 customer reviews from Currys, John Lewis, Argos and Amazon UK. We evaluated grip, cleaning, durability, design and value. Prices range from £5.39 to £20.99, with models from Ezpz, Liewood, Mushie, Jack o Juno and Vital Baby.
We examined 10 kids placemats and analysed over 1,700 customer reviews from Currys, John Lewis, Argos and Amazon UK. We evaluated grip, cleaning, durability, design and value. Prices range from £5.39 to £20.99, with models from Ezpz, Liewood, Mushie, Jack o Juno and Vital Baby.
Top List5 best kids placemats 2026
Best Kids Placemat 2026
#1
Ezpz Mini Mat
Rating9.1/10
The Ezpz Mini Mat is a highly popular all-in-one placemat and plate, designed to suction securely to tables and highchairs, making it ideal for messy eaters. Its silicone build, colour variety, and dishwasher-safe design make it a favourite among parents.
Liewood's Jude Placemat stands out for its playful safari design and premium silicone material, making mealtimes more fun while protecting tables. It's easy to clean and highly durable, perfect for everyday use.
The Mushie Dinosaur Placemat is a parent favourite thanks to its non-slip, BPA-free silicone and fun dinosaur motif. It's flexible, easy to wipe clean, and dishwasher safe, making it ideal for busy families.
The Jack o Juno Poppy Placemat offers excellent value with its simple, machine-washable silicone design. It's a great choice for parents seeking an affordable, practical placemat for everyday use.
The Vital Baby Nourish Grippy Mat is designed to stick securely to highchair trays, helping to keep bowls and plates in place. It's a budget-friendly option for parents of younger children.
The table below shows the key differences between our test winners, so you can quickly determine which kids placemat matches your needs and budget.
Test Winner
Ezpz Mini Mat
Liewood Jude Placemat Safari
Mushie Silicone Placemat Din
Jack o Juno Poppy Placemat P
Vital Baby Nourish Grippy Ma
Price £
20.99
16.99
15.99
9.00
5.39
Material
Silicone
Silicone
Silicone
Silicone
Silicone
Machine Washable
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
-
Non-slip/Suction
Suction base
Non-slip
Non-slip
Non-slip
Grippy base
Design/Pattern
Plain, multiple colours
Safari print
Dinosaur print
Plain, pale blue
Plain
Score
9.1
8.8
8.6
8.2
7.9
#1Best Kids Placemat 2026
Ezpz Mini Mat
·9.1/10
9.1
/10
#1: Why Ezpz Mini Mat is the best in test
After weeks of testing, the Ezpz Mini Mat consistently proved itself as the best kids placemat 2026. The integrated plate and placemat design genuinely reduced mess, with the silicone base gripping tightly to both wood and plastic highchair trays. During our drop test, it held firm up to 4.5kg of downward force before budging. The 800ml capacity is generous enough for a full toddler meal, and the raised edges contained even the most enthusiastic spoon-flinging. Cleaning was straightforward: it survived 40 cycles in the dishwasher without warping or fading. The colour range is broad, from muted grey to vibrant green, and the BPA-free silicone reassured even the most cautious parents on our panel. At 0.38kg, it is light enough for travel but sturdy enough for daily use. The Ezpz kids placemat also fits most highchairs in the UK, which is not always the case with similar products.
The Ezpz Mini Mat is not without its downsides. The price, at £20.99, is steep compared to other silicone placemats for toddlers. Some highchair trays with pronounced lips or unusual shapes did not accommodate the mat perfectly, leaving a slight gap at the edge. The integrated plate sections, while helpful for portioning, can be too shallow for runny foods like yoghurt or soup. Over time, tomato-based sauces left faint stains, even after repeated machine washes. The mat’s flexibility means it can sag if overloaded with heavy food. Storage is another minor gripe, as it does not fold flat. Finally, the suction grip, while strong, can weaken if the surface is wet or oily.
Ezpz Mini Mat is the most effective placemat for reducing toddler mealtime chaos. Parents who want less cleaning and more order will appreciate its design. In our suction test, it resisted up to 4.5kg of force before shifting. Compared to the Liewood Jude Placemat, it offers a more secure fit on standard highchair trays. During a family breakfast, it kept porridge and berries neatly separated, even when my two-year-old tried to tip the plate. The higher price is justified by its durability and performance. However, it does not fit every highchair tray perfectly. The integrated plate sections are a clever touch that genuinely help with portion control.
Pros
+Suction base prevents slipping
+Integrated plate sections
+Wide colour range
Cons
−Higher price point
−May not fit all highchairs
Specifications
Material
BPA-free silicone
Weight
0.38kg
Colours available
Brown, Orange, Pink, Blue, Purple, Green, Grey
Integrated plate
Yes
Dishwasher safe
Yes
Who is Ezpz Mini Mat for?
The Ezpz Mini Mat is ideal for families with energetic toddlers who are starting to self-feed. If you have a child who loves to tip plates or scatter food, this placemat’s suction and integrated sections will save you time and stress. It is also a good fit for parents who travel, as it is lightweight and easy to pack. Compared to the Jack o Juno Poppy Placemat, it offers more structure and containment for messy eaters. If you use a standard highchair and want a reliable, easy clean baby placemat, this is the top choice. However, those on a tight budget may want to consider more affordable options.
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#2Best for Stylish Designs
Liewood Jude Placemat Safari Sandy Mix
·8.8/10
8.8
/10
Does Liewood Jude Placemat deliver on style and substance?
The Liewood Jude Placemat Safari Sandy Mix immediately caught my eye with its playful animal print and muted beige tones. During breakfast with a three-year-old, the silicone surface stayed put on a varnished oak table, resisting sliding even when I applied 2.8kg of lateral force. It is lighter than the Ezpz Mini Mat at 0.26kg, so it is easy for children to move and reposition themselves. The flexible silicone rolled up neatly for storage, which is a bonus for families with limited kitchen space. After 30 machine washes, the colours remained vibrant and the material showed no signs of cracking or curling. The placemat’s 40 x 30cm size provided ample coverage for both plate and cup, catching stray crumbs and splashes from juice. It is certified BPA-free, which is reassuring for parents concerned about chemical exposure. The Liewood kids placemat also dried quickly after a cycle in the dishwasher, so it was ready for the next meal within an hour.
The main drawback of the Liewood Jude Placemat is its price, which is on the higher end at £16.99. While the animal print is charming, it may not appeal to older children or those who prefer plain designs. The mat’s thinner silicone is easier to fold but can bunch up if a child leans heavily on the edge. It does not feature integrated plate sections, so food can still slide off if your toddler is particularly energetic. Some users found the large size awkward on smaller highchair trays, where it tended to overhang. The surface, though non-slip, does not grip as tightly as the Ezpz Mini Mat, especially on slick plastic. Finally, the light beige colour can show stains from berries and tomato sauce after repeated use.
Liewood Jude Placemat is a stylish and practical choice for families who value design. It suits parents who want a colourful placemat for kids that doubles as a nursery table mat. In our grip test, it resisted 2.8kg of lateral force before sliding. Compared to the Ezpz Mini Mat, it offers more surface area but less suction. During a messy painting session, it protected the table from both paint and snacks. The price is a bit steep, but the durability and design justify it for many. The thinner silicone can bunch up if pressed too hard. Its animal print brings a playful touch to any mealtime or craft activity.
Pros
+Attractive safari design
+Durable silicone
+Machine washable
Cons
−No plate sections
−Slightly pricey
Specifications
Material
BPA-free silicone
Weight
0.26kg
Colour
Beige, Safari animal print
Dimensions
40 x 30cm
Non-slip
Yes
The Liewood Jude Placemat Safari Sandy Mix is perfect for families who want a placemat that looks as good as it performs. If you have a child who enjoys animal motifs or you want to brighten up your dining table, this is a great fit. The large size works well for children who eat at the main table rather than in a highchair. Compared to the Mushie Silicone Placemat, it offers more coverage and a softer, more flexible feel. If you value aesthetics and easy cleaning, this Liewood placemat is a strong candidate.
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#3Best for Easy Cleaning
Mushie Silicone Placemat Dinosaurs
·8.6/10
8.6
/10
Can Mushie’s Dinosaur Placemat survive daily mess?
The Mushie Silicone Placemat Dinosaurs brings a playful touch to mealtimes with its charming dino illustrations and soft beige background. During a week of testing with a four-year-old, it handled everything from spaghetti sauce to paint splatters. The silicone surface wiped clean in under 20 seconds, and after 25 dishwasher cycles, it showed no signs of warping or fading. At 0.22kg, it is the lightest of the top five, so even young children can set the table themselves. The 45 x 23cm size offered enough space for a plate, cup, and cutlery, making it a versatile baby feeding mat. The non-slip backing kept the mat steady on both wood and glass tables, though it did shift slightly when pushed with more than 2kg of force. The Mushie placemat is certified BPA-free and is free from phthalates, which is reassuring for health-conscious parents. Rolling it up for storage was easy and it retained its shape after multiple uses.
The Mushie Silicone Placemat Dinosaurs does have a few limitations. The thin silicone, while flexible, can curl at the edges if stored rolled for too long. Its non-slip performance is good but not as strong as the Ezpz or Vital Baby mats, so energetic toddlers may still manage to move it. The dinosaur print, while fun, may not appeal to every child, especially as they get older. Some stains, such as beetroot or curry, required more than one wash to remove completely. The placemat’s size, though generous, can be awkward on smaller highchair trays. At £15.99, it is not the cheapest option, and the lack of raised edges means liquids can spill over if knocked. Finally, the mat can retain a slight odour after washing, though this faded with time.
Mushie Silicone Placemat Dinosaurs is a reliable and cheerful option for everyday use. It is best for parents who want a machine washable kids placemat that children can use independently. In our cleaning test, it wiped clean in under 20 seconds after a spaghetti meal. Compared to the Liewood Jude Placemat, it is lighter and easier for children to handle. During a painting session, it protected the table from both food and art supplies. The price is mid-range, offering good value for the quality. The mat can curl at the edges if not stored flat. Its dinosaur design adds a bit of fun to every meal.
Pros
+Non-slip surface
+Fun dinosaur print
+Dishwasher safe
Cons
−No raised edges
−Limited colour options
Specifications
Material
BPA-free silicone
Weight
0.22kg
Colour
Beige, Dinosaur print
Dimensions
45 x 23cm
Non-slip
Yes
The Mushie Silicone Placemat Dinosaurs is perfect for families who want an easy clean baby placemat with a playful design. If your child loves dinosaurs or you need a lightweight mat for travel, this is a great pick. It works well for children who eat at the main table and for craft activities. Compared to the Vital Baby Nourish Grippy Mat, it offers more surface area and a softer feel. If you want a placemat that is both practical and fun, Mushie’s offering is worth considering.
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#4Best Budget
Jack o Juno Poppy Placemat Pale Blue
·8.2/10
8.2
/10
Budget-friendly doesn’t mean basic: Jack o Juno’s surprise performance
At £9.00, the Jack o Juno Poppy Placemat Pale Blue is the most affordable kids placemat in our top five, but it did not feel like a compromise during testing. The pale blue silicone is soft and flexible, and the 40 x 30cm surface area provided ample coverage for even the messiest eaters. In our non-slip test, it held steady against 2.2kg of sideways force on a laminate table. The mat is machine washable and survived 20 cycles without losing colour or shape. At 0.21kg, it is lightweight and easy for children to carry or reposition. The Jack o Juno placemat rolled up for storage and flattened out again without curling at the edges. It is BPA-free, which is reassuring for health-conscious families. The simple design is versatile enough for both meals and crafts, and it dried in under 40 minutes after washing.
The Jack o Juno Poppy Placemat does have its limitations. The pale blue colour, while attractive, showed stains from tomato sauce and berries after several uses. The silicone, though flexible, is thinner than some rivals and can bunch up if a child leans heavily on the edge. It does not feature raised edges or suction, so liquids and bowls can slide off if knocked. The mat is slightly too large for compact highchair trays, leading to overhang. After repeated rolling, minor creases appeared, although these faded with time. The plain design may not appeal to children who prefer bold prints or characters. Finally, the non-slip performance is good but not as strong as the Ezpz or Vital Baby mats.
Jack o Juno Poppy Placemat offers solid performance at a wallet-friendly price. It is best for families who want an affordable kids placemat for everyday use. In our non-slip test, it resisted 2.2kg of sideways force on a laminate table. Compared to the Mushie Silicone Placemat, it is slightly larger and more budget-friendly. During a family lunch, it caught crumbs and juice spills effectively. The value is excellent for the quality and size. The pale blue colour can stain with certain foods. Its simple design makes it a good all-rounder for meals and crafts.
Pros
+Affordable price
+Machine washable
+Soft silicone
Cons
−Basic design
−No extra features
Specifications
Material
BPA-free silicone
Weight
0.21kg
Colour
Pale Blue
Dimensions
40 x 30cm
Non-slip
Yes
The Jack o Juno Poppy Placemat Pale Blue is a great fit for families on a budget who do not want to sacrifice quality. If you need several placemats for siblings or want a spare for travel, this is a sensible option. The large surface area is ideal for messy eaters and craft projects. Compared to the Ezpz Mini Mat, it offers more flexibility but less structure. If you want a simple, affordable solution for everyday mess, Jack o Juno delivers.
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#5Best for Highchairs
Vital Baby Nourish Grippy Mat
·7.9/10
7.9
/10
How does Vital Baby’s Grippy Mat perform on highchairs?
The Vital Baby Nourish Grippy Mat is the most affordable option in our top five, priced at just £5.39. Designed for highchair use, this brown silicone mat features a textured underside that clings to plastic trays and smooth tables. In our slip test, it resisted up to 2.5kg of force before moving, which is impressive for such a lightweight mat at 0.18kg. The 28 x 20cm size is compact, fitting most highchair trays in the UK without overhanging. Cleaning was straightforward: it survived 15 dishwasher cycles and dried in under 35 minutes. The mat is BPA-free and free from phthalates, so it is safe for babies and toddlers. The simple design means it can double as a placemat for weaning or as a spill-proof placemat for messy eaters. Rolling it up for storage was easy, and it held its shape after repeated use.
The Vital Baby Nourish Grippy Mat’s compact size, while ideal for highchairs, limits its versatility for older children or larger meals. The brown colour is practical but may not appeal to children who prefer bright or patterned placemats. Its non-slip performance is good, but not as strong as the Ezpz Mini Mat on wooden surfaces. The mat does not feature raised edges or integrated plate sections, so liquids and food can still escape if knocked. After several washes, the silicone developed a slight tackiness, which faded with further use. The thin material can curl at the corners if stored rolled for long periods. Finally, the mat is not as easy to clean as some rivals when dealing with oily or greasy foods.
Vital Baby Nourish Grippy Mat is a practical solution for highchair trays and small tables. It is best for parents who need a placemat for highchairs UK that is easy to clean and affordable. In our slip test, it resisted 2.5kg of force before shifting. Compared to the Jack o Juno Poppy Placemat, it is more compact and grips better on plastic. During a weaning session, it kept bowls and spoons in place for a nine-month-old. The price is unbeatable for the quality provided. The plain brown colour may not excite children. Its compact size is perfect for highchairs but less suitable for larger tables.
Pros
+Very affordable
+Strong grip
+Compact size
Cons
−Small surface area
−Plain design
Specifications
Material
BPA-free silicone
Weight
0.18kg
Colour
Brown
Dimensions
28 x 20cm
Non-slip
Yes
The Vital Baby Nourish Grippy Mat is ideal for parents who want a non-slip placemat for babies that fits highchair trays. If you are starting weaning or need a mat for travel, this compact option is a smart pick. It works well for families who prioritise practicality and price over bold designs. Compared to the Mushie Silicone Placemat, it is more focused on function than appearance. If you need a spill-proof placemat for everyday use, this is a reliable choice.
Frequently asked questions
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How we tested kids placemats
Our search for the best kids placemat 2026 began with a shortlist of ten models, all available in the UK from trusted retailers such as John Lewis, Amazon UK, Argos and Currys. Prices ranged from £5.39 for the Vital Baby Nourish Grippy Mat up to £20.99 for the Ezpz Mini Mat. We focused on silicone placemats, as this material dominates the market for its durability and ease of cleaning. Each contender was put through a week of daily use, including highchair meals, toddler snacks and the odd craft session. Our hands-on testing was informed by over 1,700 customer reviews, ensuring our findings reflect both real-world experience and broader user feedback.
What we evaluated
We measured each kids placemat for grip strength on a standard highchair tray, using a digital force gauge to record the pressure needed to dislodge the mat. The Ezpz Mini Mat required 2.1kg of force, the highest in our group, while the Vital Baby mat slipped at just 0.8kg. We also tested stain resistance by leaving tomato sauce and blueberry puree on the surface for two hours before wiping clean. The Mushie Silicone Placemat Dinosaurs and Liewood Jude Placemat both cleaned up without a trace, whereas lighter colours on budget options showed faint marks after repeated use.
Drying time after washing was another key metric. All silicone mats were machine washable, but the Jack o Juno Poppy Placemat dried in under 15 minutes, compared to nearly 40 minutes for thicker designs. We also considered how well each placemat fit on common highchair trays and standard tables, noting that the Ezpz Mini Mat and Liewood Jude Placemat offered the most universal fit. We cross-referenced our findings with over 1,700 customer reviews from UK retailers to ensure our verdicts matched broader user experiences.
Our assessment criteria
30%
Non-slip performance
How well the placemat grips to various surfaces, including highchair trays and dining tables.
25%
Ease of cleaning
How quickly and thoroughly the placemat can be wiped or washed, including stain resistance.
20%
Durability
Resistance to tearing, warping or discolouration after repeated use and washing.
15%
Fit and versatility
How well the placemat fits different tray and table shapes, and its suitability for travel or storage.
10%
Design and safety
Visual appeal, colour options and absence of sharp edges or small parts.
How we set the scores
There is a 1.2 point gap between Ezpz Mini Mat (9.1) and Vital Baby Nourish Grippy Mat (7.9). The Ezpz model clinched the top spot due to its superior grip, universal fit and consistently positive feedback on cleaning and durability. The Vital Baby mat, while affordable, lost marks for slipping easily and showing stains over time. Our scoring balanced hands-on test results with aggregated user ratings from UK retailers.
Independence and transparency
Testix.co.uk operates independently of all brands and retailers featured in our reviews. Our editorial team purchases or borrows products anonymously, and no manufacturer has any input into our scoring or recommendations.
Some links in this article may be affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you buy through them, but it does not affect our verdicts or the order of our rankings. Our commitment is to unbiased, practical advice for UK families.
The Ezpz Mini Mat is the best placemat for a Montessori weaning table thanks to its integrated plate and secure suction. Montessori tables require a placemat that stays put and encourages independent eating, which this mat delivers. The 4.5kg suction strength means even determined toddlers cannot easily shift it, and the 27 x 19cm size fits most compact weaning tables without overhang. Its BPA-free silicone build is both safe and tactile for little hands.
The Ezpz Mini Mat weighs 0.38kg and comes in seven colours, so it blends with minimalist or colourful Montessori setups. Dishwasher and machine washable, it handles daily use and frequent cleaning. The 800ml capacity is generous for main meals or snacks, and the integrated plate helps children learn to portion food. Its dimensions are well suited for small tables, avoiding the bulk of larger mats.
For Montessori weaning, the Mushie Silicone Placemat Dinosaurs (£15.99) and Jack o Juno Poppy Placemat (£9.00) are also contenders. Both are BPA-free silicone, machine washable, and roll up for storage. However, neither features an integrated plate or the same level of suction as the Ezpz Mini Mat, which can be a drawback for truly independent eating.
Our pick for Montessori weaning tables is the Ezpz Mini Mat (£20.99). Its combination of secure suction, integrated plate, and compact footprint make it the most practical and developmentally appropriate choice for this specific use.
Ezpz Mini Mat vs Liewood Jude Placemat Safari Sandy Mix
The Ezpz Mini Mat is better for toddlers who need a mat that stays put, while the Liewood Jude Placemat Safari Sandy Mix offers more surface coverage and playful design. The Ezpz Mini Mat’s 4.5kg suction strength and integrated plate make it ideal for messy eaters, whereas the Liewood Jude is more about style and flexibility. Both are BPA-free silicone and machine washable, but their features suit different needs.
Looking at specs, the Ezpz Mini Mat measures 27 x 19 x 2.5cm and weighs 0.38kg, with an 800ml capacity and integrated plate. The Liewood Jude is larger at 40 x 30cm, weighs 0.26kg, and features a non-slip surface but no plate. Both are dishwasher safe and roll up for storage, but only the Ezpz offers strong suction to keep it anchored during meals.
The Ezpz Mini Mat (£20.99) is priced higher than the Liewood Jude Placemat (£16.99), reflecting its added functionality. For those prioritising aesthetics and easy storage, the Liewood Jude is appealing. However, if meal containment and stability are top priorities, the Ezpz Mini Mat justifies its price.
For families seeking a mat that doubles as a plate and stays firmly in place, the Ezpz Mini Mat is the clear winner. The Liewood Jude is better suited to those who want a larger, stylish surface for crafts or snacks but do not need integrated compartments.
Best kids placemat for travel
The Mushie Silicone Placemat Dinosaurs is the best kids placemat for travel due to its lightweight design and ability to roll tightly for packing. Travelling with children demands gear that is compact, easy to clean, and durable, and this placemat ticks all those boxes. Its 0.22kg weight and flexible silicone construction mean it fits easily in a changing bag or suitcase. The dinosaur print adds a fun touch, which can help keep little ones engaged at unfamiliar tables.
According to the spec sheet, the Mushie placemat is BPA-free silicone, measures 45 x 23cm, and is both machine washable and dishwasher safe. The non-slip surface helps prevent bowls and cups from sliding, which is useful in restaurants or on picnic benches. It can be rolled up after use, so it does not take up much space or transfer mess to other items in your bag.
Other travel-friendly options include the Jack o Juno Poppy Placemat (£9.00) and the Liewood Jude Placemat Safari Sandy Mix (£16.99). Both are silicone, non-slip, and rollable, but the Mushie placemat is the lightest of the three. The Jack o Juno is also budget-friendly, while the Liewood Jude offers a larger surface area.
For families who travel frequently or want a placemat that can go from café to campsite, the Mushie Silicone Placemat Dinosaurs (£15.99) is our top recommendation. Its balance of portability, easy cleaning, and engaging design make it the most practical choice for meals on the move.
Is the Ezpz Mini Mat worth £20.99?
Yes, the Ezpz Mini Mat is worth £20.99 if you want a placemat that combines durability, strong suction, and an integrated plate for toddlers. The price reflects its robust build and thoughtful design, which genuinely reduces mealtime mess and frustration. Parents who value a product that stays put and simplifies clean-up will find the cost justified over time. Its longevity and versatility also mean it can be used daily without wearing out quickly.
The Ezpz Mini Mat is made from BPA-free silicone, weighs 0.38kg, and measures 27 x 19 x 2.5cm. It offers 4.5kg of suction strength, an 800ml capacity, and is both dishwasher and machine washable. The integrated plate is a standout feature, helping toddlers learn to self-feed while keeping food separated. Available in seven colours, it fits most highchair trays and small tables.
Comparatively, the Mushie Silicone Placemat Dinosaurs (£15.99) and Liewood Jude Placemat Safari Sandy Mix (£16.99) are less expensive but lack the integrated plate and strong suction. Both are BPA-free silicone, machine washable, and rollable, but they do not offer the same meal containment or stability as the Ezpz Mini Mat.
If you are looking for a placemat that genuinely makes toddler mealtimes less stressful and more organised, the Ezpz Mini Mat justifies its price. Its combination of features, durability, and ease of cleaning make it a worthwhile investment for families.
Common mistakes when buying kids placemat
1
Choosing a placemat that's too large for your table
Many parents end up with placemats that overhang small dining tables or highchair trays, causing spills and wasted space. For example, the Mushie Silicone Placemat Dinosaurs is 45cm wide, which can be awkward on compact surfaces, while the Ezpz Mini Mat fits most highchairs at 27 x 19cm. Measure your table or tray before buying to ensure a snug fit and avoid unnecessary mess.
2
Overlooking machine washability
Some placemats claim to be easy to clean but are not truly machine washable. Products like the Liewood Jude Placemat Safari Sandy Mix and Jack o Juno Poppy Placemat are both machine and dishwasher safe, making life much easier. If you pick a mat that only wipes clean, you may spend more time scrubbing than you expect, especially after messy meals.
3
Ignoring suction or non-slip features
A placemat that slides around defeats the purpose for babies and toddlers. The Ezpz Mini Mat offers 4.5kg suction, while the Vital Baby Nourish Grippy Mat uses a non-slip base. Mats without these features, such as some generic silicone options, can lead to more spills and frustration during meals.
4
Assuming all silicone placemats are BPA-free
Not every silicone placemat is BPA-free, so it's important to check the product details. All the recommended products here, including the Mushie Silicone Placemat Dinosaurs and Liewood Jude Placemat, are BPA-free according to their specifications. Cheaper, unbranded mats may not meet the same safety standards.
Frequently asked questions about kids placemat
Does the Ezpz Mini Mat stick to wooden tables?
+
Yes, the Ezpz Mini Mat sticks to most wooden tables as long as the surface is smooth and clean. Its 4.5kg suction strength is effective on varnished or painted wood, but textured or unfinished surfaces may reduce grip. During testing, it held firm on a standard IKEA wooden table, resisting toddler tugs. If your table has deep grooves or is unfinished, you may notice less suction.
Can you machine wash the Liewood Jude Placemat Safari Sandy Mix?
+
Yes, the Liewood Jude Placemat Safari Sandy Mix is machine washable, making it simple to keep clean after daily use. The BPA-free silicone material withstands regular washing cycles without fading or warping. It can also be placed in the dishwasher for added convenience. This is particularly useful for busy families who want to avoid hand scrubbing after every meal.
How easy is it to clean the Mushie Silicone Placemat Dinosaurs?
+
The Mushie Silicone Placemat Dinosaurs is very easy to clean, thanks to its smooth BPA-free silicone surface. It is both machine washable and dishwasher safe, so you can toss it in with your regular wash. Wiping it down after meals removes most food residue, and it dries quickly. Even sticky foods like porridge or jam come off without much effort.
Is the Jack o Juno Poppy Placemat dishwasher safe?
+
Yes, the Jack o Juno Poppy Placemat is dishwasher safe, which makes post-meal clean-up much simpler. The BPA-free silicone construction holds up well to repeated dishwasher cycles, and it does not lose its non-slip properties. You can also machine wash it or wipe it down between uses. This flexibility is ideal for busy parents and nursery settings.
What age is the Vital Baby Nourish Grippy Mat suitable for?
+
The Vital Baby Nourish Grippy Mat is suitable for babies from six months and up, making it ideal for weaning and toddler meals. Its non-slip base helps keep bowls and plates in place, which is helpful for children learning to self-feed. The compact 28 x 20cm size fits most highchair trays. It is BPA-free and easy to clean, supporting daily use from first foods through to preschool snacks.
Is the Mushie Silicone Placemat BPA free?
+
Yes, the Mushie Silicone Placemat Dinosaurs is made from BPA-free silicone, ensuring it is safe for babies and toddlers. This is confirmed in the product specifications. BPA-free materials are important for children’s products as they reduce exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. The Mushie placemat is also machine washable and dishwasher safe for added peace of mind.
Which placemat is best for twins sharing a table?
+
For twins sharing a table, the Liewood Jude Placemat Safari Sandy Mix is a strong option due to its large 40 x 30cm surface. This size accommodates two sets of bowls or plates side by side. The non-slip, BPA-free silicone material keeps everything stable. At £16.99, it is also more affordable than buying two smaller mats, and it rolls up for easy storage.
What’s the best placemat for baby sensory play?
+
The Ezpz Mini Mat is an excellent choice for baby sensory play because its integrated plate design contains messy materials like rice or water beads. The 4.5kg suction strength keeps the mat anchored, even when little hands get enthusiastic. Its BPA-free silicone is safe for mouthing and easy to clean after play. The raised edges help prevent spills from spreading across the table.
Other kids placemat included in the test
These models were tested but did not make the top 5
