Hosting your in-laws for a toddler playdate? You’ll need more than patience—you’ll need a baby plate that can survive Grandma’s opinions and flying peas. Because as any seasoned parent knows, the real show isn’t your kid’s ability to stack blocks; it’s the family commentary on how you do everything differently.

Baby Plate Battles: Grandma Says “Back in My Day…”

We’ve all heard it. “Back in my day, we didn’t need all these fancy contraptions.” Translation: expect judgment on everything from your snack choices to your parenting methods. The best way to handle it? Smile, nod, and redirect the conversation—preferably toward something neutral like how adorable your toddler looks eating off in a baby plate, like the stainless steel open plate.

Pro tip: Have a few well-rehearsed phrases in your pocket. You: “That’s such a helpful story, Mom! Speaking of which, did you notice how our new baby plate doesn’t slide off the table anymore?” Diversion? Complete. Sanity? Intact.

Set the Stage for Success (And Sanity)

First, toddler-proof your space like your reputation depends on it—because it does. Keep snacks simple, furniture padded, and screens off. But the real game-changer? Ditching flimsy plastic plates. Set out your trusty SS Open Plate to avoid the flying-dish drama that will definitely earn you a raised eyebrow from Grandpa.

Pair it with a matching silicone bib and bamboo spoon set from our best-sellers collection to keep things clean and classy. Bonus: They’re all dishwasher-safe. Less mess, more bragging rights.

Cue the Commentary: “Are You Sure That’s Safe?”

Whether it's your feeding style, your baby plate, or your decision to not feed your toddler a spoonful of sugar before nap time—someone will comment. That’s when you turn into the CEO of Calm.

You: “We like to stick with eco-friendly options like Avanchy because they’re safe and sustainable.”
And just like that, you've turned a critique into a teachable moment. Boom.

Quick Wins That Feel Like Genius Moves

1. Serve snacks on the SS Open Plate before they arrive so your toddler’s munching (and distracted) when the doorbell rings.
2. Have a pre-nap wind-down zone—blanket, books, and a no-grandma-allowed policy.
3. Show off your organized feeding drawer, stocked with utensils and bamboo toddler bowls that say, “Yes, I have my life together.”

The Snack Setup Strategy

Presentation counts—especially when Grandma is silently judging from the couch. Set out your toddler’s favorite fruits, crackers, and finger foods in small, neat portions using our SS Open Plate. The separate sections help you offer variety without creating chaos. Plus, it visually communicates that you’ve got this parenting thing down, even if you haven’t showered since Tuesday.

Your in-laws may not say it out loud, but when your little one happily munches through snack time without a single overturned dish, you'll see the approving nods. (Or at least a decrease in passive-aggressive questions.) By simply choosing the right dishware, you’ve elevated the entire playdate experience—and maintained control over the mess.

Cue the “Toy Talk” and Tame the Chaos

After snacks, comes toy time. Inevitably, one grandparent will dig out an ancient rattle or suggest toys that are—well, let’s say “vintage.” Keep things flowing smoothly by pre-setting a toy station with your toddler’s go-to favorites, like a baby plate. This creates familiarity for your child and helps gently redirect your in-laws toward age-appropriate play.

And if conversation lulls or gets a little... opinionated? Shift the spotlight to your toddler’s fine motor skills—“Watch her use her spoon! She learned using her Avanchy utensils!” That subtle brag is your secret weapon.

The Art of the Exit (AKA How to End on a High Note)

You’ve survived. The snacks were a hit. The dishes didn’t fly. The toddler didn’t meltdown (much). Now it’s time to end the playdate gracefully. Offer your toddler’s last juice in their favorite cup, say your thank-yous with genuine gratitude, and mention casually, “We’ve loved having you, we just keep mealtimes stress-free with Avanchy gear—it really helps.”

It plants the seed, closes the visit on a positive note, and reminds everyone (especially the opinionated guests) that you're managing this parenting gig beautifully—with just the right blend of patience, planning, and sustainable gear.

Wrap It in Humor (and Humility)

At the end of the day, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s survival with a smile. So yes, the spaghetti might end up in someone’s purse, and Grandpa might feed your toddler three cookies behind your back. But with the right mindset and a reliable baby plate that stays put, you’ve got this.