anyone got a great table mat for toddler?

[mad4mybaby]

Just got ds (18 mtn) into tripp trapp and need a good table mat that will stay in place. I bought him a thomas one which he adores except he doesnt like it being covered up by his bowel coz he likes to look at the trains!! I need ideally a suction one but doesnt seem that anyone makes them!! Any one got a good one that stays in place??

[PutThatInYourPipeandSmokeIt]

This is what you're after!

[PutThatInYourPipeandSmokeIt]

It's not awfully clear from the picture but it's got suction pads plus you can roll it up easily and take it out and about with you. I love ours. It doesn't stick to wooden surfaces BUT it does stick enough to work ok. On non-wood, it's perfect.

[mad4mybaby]

I have solid oak table... would it be worth it thou? Expensive for a mat!

[PutThatInYourPipeandSmokeIt]

It's up to you - does he eat off the mat or do you put his food in bowls/ on plates and then on a mat? We got ours as we fed DD with food directly on to the mat from 6 months as she would just throw bowls etc around at that stage.

If you want a waterproof surface then yes it is worth is as it's better than a normal plastic placemat but if it's just to go under bowls then no I wouldn't bother.

[mad4mybaby]

it is to go under bowls. The mat hes got slips all over the place and he gets frustrated as he now feeding himself and his bowl moves around when hes spooning it up! Would it be any good for that?

[PutThatInYourPipeandSmokeIt]

In that case, I'd honestly be more inclined to give him a crockery pasta (or other shallow) bowl to eat out of! Heavier and if you're there to keep an eye, it should be fine.

The other option is one of those suction bowls but they won't stick to your table either so that's a waste too.

We have a solid wood table and I use the mat and / or a normal dinner plate / bowl depending on what's for dinner as they say. She only starts to 'flick' the plate when she's had enough and then I just take it straight off her.

[PutThatInYourPipeandSmokeIt]

is your table ultra smooth by the way? if it is, then the mat would work and all other suction crockery

[mad4mybaby]

yes it is smooth. Dont want to give crockery just yet as i do leave him eating whilst im unloading d/washer etc (have kitchen/diner) He has some suction bowls but they are too small for his big boy dinners now. I bought him one of those sectioned plate type things which is great but not deep enough for him to scoop up on his own. Never though something so simple would be so hard. Sorry to be annoying, but if i got one of these mats what bowl/plate would you recommend i use other than crockery?

[PutThatInYourPipeandSmokeIt]

If your current suction bowls stick to the table then the mat will too BUT then I was going to suggest suction bowls (they stick to the mat) but they clearly aren't big enough and if they do stick to the table, then you needn't bother with a mat anyway, so now I'm stumped!

Blue tac sticking a plastic bowl to the table????

[mad4mybaby]

the reason i want a mat really is because of mess plus stopping him from scratching table with his cutlery (he does try)

[Pannacotta]

mad4mybaby I have got one of the mats linked to above which I don't need, I know this isnt the Wanted board (!) but if you are interested, maybe you could leave your email and I'll be in touch.

[mad4mybaby]

Thanks pan, i actually ordered one off amazon, so will see what hes like with it. I think it'll be good just got to try to find a bowl that wont skid all over the place !

[mad4mybaby]

is that the heavy/really solid one? If it is the one im thinking i tried, the sides werent very high?? When he scooping the food it goes all over the side with most bowls. Ive got some good suction ones but just arnet big enough now for his meals