Whether you are on vacation or just a family date night, eating out with kids can be a wonderful experience or a nightmare.
Cory and I love to eat out, so we have been bringing our kids to restaurants since they were still in carseat carriers! Along our eleven years of parenthood we have found some things that work and make the experience more enjoyable for all. No phones or technology needed!
I have rounded up some of my favorites just for you!
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Eating With Babies + Toddlers
If you are eating out with babies and toddlers, the key is to engage them in the food. We practice Baby Led Weaning, therefore the baby eats along with us. It is helpful to have a designated bib in the diaper bag or disposable bibs to always have available.
Disposable sticky placemats are a life saver! Don’t tempt your toddler with a real plate only for it to be thrown on the floor. And don’t put your kids food on the table with all the chemicals used to clean it between guests.
In addition, it is surprising how some restaurants still do not have adequate cups for toddlers to drink from! We found travel sippy covers to be an awesome solution. They fit over all cups and instantly you have a sippy cup. There are straw options too.
Eating with Older Kids
As kids get older the key is to engage them with you. Meal times are an opportunity to connect. As tempting as it is to throw a YouTube show at them, use the time you wait for you food to be together. Our solution, bring games!
Paper games like hangman, stickers, or coloring. Card games like Go Fish, Spot it, or Old Maid. They are small and fit in your purse or bag and everyone can be apart of the fun.
Dining out doesn’t have to be stressful.
I cannot guarantee a card game will stop your preschooler from a tantrum, or a placemat will solve all your toddler eating woes. However, these products go a long way to helping claim back your meal time while eating out.
I’d love to hear if I missed something. Comment below what you use to keep your sanity while eating out with kids, big and small!
babystaylittle.com 