We often prefer silicone-based products including kids plates, bowls, cups, and water bottles over those made with any kind of plastic. We usually include silicone in our list of raw materials, along with wood, stainless steel, cast iron, and glass, that tend to be safer for certain kinds of products. These materials tend to be inherently safer provided that they aren't treated or coated with toxic chemicals. For silicone in particular, it's important to look for products that 100% pure silicone. These may also be described as using "food grade" or "medica grade" silicone, but the important part is that they are 100% silicone. The reason they need to be 100% silicone is that like plastics, some silicone products may be made using toxic chemical additives. When made with chemical additives, silicone loses some of its safety appeal.