It is tough to feed active toddlers. They fall, knock things over, and cause general chaos. Were you overjoyed when you discovered Munchkin’s toddler-friendly tableware designs?
You should be!
Munchkin cups and bowls help you keep your home clean. And they make cleaning up after your baby easier too. Most of the plates, cups, and bowls are dishwasher safe. Only selected items are safe for microwave use, though.
This article will give you the lowdown on all the categories and their maintenance.
Table of Contents
What are Munchkin cups made of?
There are quite a few varieties of Munchkin cups for toddlers. The ranges include Miracle, trainers, sippy, and straw. The cups have either a plastic or stainless steel body. The stainless steel is double-walled vacuum insulated. This maintains the temperature, whether hot or cold.
The lid is made of TPE (thermoplastic polymers). These are a type of rubber with a few properties of plastic. It is flexible, soft, and can withstand high temperatures. The rim of these cups is made of polypropylene plastic. It is clear, lightweight plastic.
The O-ring is the seal between the lid and the bottle surface. It is made of silicone which keeps the bottle airtight, secure, and insulated. Some have a 360-degree design and no spout or straw. These are recommended by the dentist to strengthen teeth and jaw function.
Other cups may have weighted straws that can tilt to the baby’s mouth. The cups for 6-month-old infants have handles for training and transition. It helps them with their motor skills and ability to grip. You can fill anything from 7 to 10 ounces of liquid. But never fill them with sodas.
All cups have either a click-lock flap or spill-proof design. This prevents leaks even if your baby drops the bottle or runs around with it. Some cups can be dismantled into separate parts. This makes thorough cleaning easier.
For teething babies, some cups are bite-proof as well. It is a soft plastic spout. So it doesn’t hurt their gums even if they gnaw in it. There are fun features like color-changing cups, glow-in-the-dark, and fruit infusers. These cute designs can encourage more liquid intake.
Are Munchkin cups BPA-free?
Yes, all Munchkin cup ranges are free of BPA. BPA or Bisphenol A is a chemical used to make polycarbonate plastic on an industrial scale. This kind of plastic is hard and reusable. It is used in water bottles, plastic containers, and packaging, to name a few.
There are concerns that BPA could cause hormone imbalance, lifestyle diseases, and developmental issues. The U.S. FDA does not flag the current regulated levels of BPA as harmful. Munchkin is BPA-free, but experts think even BPA-free is toxic.
It could be equally or more harmful than BPA itself. The substitute chemical in BPA-free plastic may also have adverse health impacts. Neither possibility of ill-effects has been proven conclusively.
Are Munchkin cups microwave-safe? What about sippy cups?
No, the instructions for Munchkin cups are clear. They should not be put in the microwave. Stainless steel can combust or cause overheating. Steel cups conduct heat and electricity. This could damage your microwave. It is also a risky fire hazard.
Munchkin plastic may be BPA-free. But the heat from the microwave can still melt the plastic components. This releases noxious chemicals. This is quite toxic for babies and adults alike. It is better to heat the milk or water in a separate utensil, then transfer it.
This applies for sippy cups as well. The plastic will warp and deform if microwaved.
Are Munchkin bowls and plates microwave-safe?
Yes, Munchkin bowls are microwave-safe. They are made of 100% silicone. Silicone is heat-resistant so it won’t release vapors or injurious substances when heated. It is safe and hygienic. Neither the microwave nor the bowl will be wrecked.
The plates can also be placed in the microwave. They are non-breakable too. They also have a suction base. This suction property reduces the chances of dropping the food. The Munchkin Stay-Put Suction bowls are microwave-safe, but not the plates.
Are Munchkin cups, spoons and plates dishwasher-safe? What about snack cups and weighted straw cups?
Yes, Munchkin cups can be cleaned in the dishwasher. Only use the top-rack of the dishwasher. This part is furthest away from the heating coil. So it doesn’t ruin the cups. The weighted straw cups can also be washed the same way. Make sure you are as gentle as possible.
Munchkin spoons and plates are also okay to put in the machine. You can wash them with warm water and detergent. The plates and spoons are made of silicone, stainless steel, plastic, or some combination.
The snack cups or catchers have a stainless steel body and a silicon top. Snack containers also have flaps that are easy to open. They are suited for a machine wash that can reach all the nooks.
Hop onto the Munchkin mania and make mealtimes a smooth ride for you and your kiddie!
References:
- https://www.munchkin.com/toddler/tableware.html
- https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/best-sippy-cups#A-quick-look-at-the-best-sippy-cups
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