When New Zealand mum and founder of 1 little cub Cheyne Kiddle couldn’t find safe, easy-to-clean dinnerware for her toddler that didn’t trap food, stains or odours, she decided to create her own. What began at her kitchen table has grown into a heartfelt business combining practicality, safety and playful design. Inspired by her own parenting journey and a passion for natural, toxin-free living, she set out to make mealtimes simpler, safer and more joyful for families. Today, 1 little cub offers beautifully designed stainless steel dinnerware with removable silicone sleeves that are a thoughtful alternative to plastic, giving peace of mind to parents. Here Cheyne talks to The Natural Parent Magazine about the inspiration behind her business, the challenges she has overcome, and her hopes and dreams for the future.
The Passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
As a stay-at-home mum, I was always searching for safe, practical dinnerware for my toddler – something that didn’t hold onto soapy residue, was gentle for little hands and tough enough for everyday family life. When I couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for, 1 little cub was born.
During our baby-led weaning journey, I thought silicone was the safest choice. It was marketed as durable and non-toxic but what I didn’t realise was how easily it absorbs soapy residue. My child’s appetite suddenly dropped, and after some digging, I discovered the bowls and plates were leaving behind a chemical taste. I was shocked, and I knew there had to be a better option.
I started searching for dinnerware that was:
• Safe and non-toxic
• Taste-free
• Durable enough for the toddler “plate throwing” stage
• Dishwasher-safe
• Still fun and appealing for little ones (and parents too!)
When I couldn’t find it, I decided to create it. That’s how our stainless steel dinnerware with removable silicone sleeves came to life – thoughtfully designed to combine safety, practicality and playful aesthetics. Even our fox logo was toddler-approved, chosen as a symbol of curiosity, resilience and fun.
At 1 little cub, we’re proud to offer a dinnerware solution that gives peace of mind to parents and makes mealtimes a little more joyful for children.
The Launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
1 little cub began at my kitchen table. What started as a personal mission to find safe, taste-free dinnerware for my own toddler quickly grew into something bigger. I worked closely with manufacturers to develop prototypes, tested them at home through plenty of messy mealtimes, and refined every detail until I was confident they were truly parent and toddler proof.
From there, I launched a small first batch online to see if other parents were facing the same struggles, and the response was overwhelming. It turned out I wasn’t the only one frustrated with the soapy aftertaste of silicone or worried about plastic at mealtimes. That encouragement gave me the confidence to officially launch 1 little cub and bring our stainless steel dinnerware sets to families across New Zealand.
The Innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
The real breakthrough came when I realised I didn’t need to choose between safety, practicality and style, I could combine them. Stainless steel was already trusted as a safe, durable material for food, but on its own it felt a little too clinical for little ones. The idea of adding removable silicone sleeves was the game-changer: they make the sets easier for toddlers to grip, protect little hands from hot or cold food, and add a playful splash of colour, while still being removable for thorough cleaning.
That simple combination turned out to be exactly what parents were looking for: safe, taste-free dinnerware that still feels fun and modern. And of course, our cheeky little fox ties it all together – a symbol of curiosity, resilience and joy that makes mealtimes feel just a little more special for both parents and cubs.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
Balancing motherhood and running a business is a constant juggling act. Some days flow beautifully and others are pure chaos (usually involving a toddler, a laptop and a scattered pile of blocks!). I’ve learned to work in the pockets of time I have, to be flexible, and to give myself grace when things don’t go perfectly.
With baby number two arriving in October, I know life is about to get even busier. But that’s also my biggest motivation. Building 1 little cub isn’t just about dinnerware; it’s about creating something meaningful for my own children and for other families too. At the end of the day, family always comes first, and the business naturally fits around that.
