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When your tot starts daycare it’s time to buy a lunch box for them, but it can be hard to know what to go for – a box, or a lunch bag, or a thermos? Or maybe all three?
With so many different food containers on the market it can be hard to make the best choice for your child – and there’s no question you’ll go through quite a few of them between toddlerhood to the early teen years.
Here are some important things to consider when choosing the perfect lunch box for your child.
Toddler-friendly: One of the first things to think about is how easy it is for your child to open. For little kids, look for zips with sturdy tags, and containers that seal well but are easy to open and close. Avoid latches that might catch small fingers.
BPA free: BPA has been proved to alter hormones and therefore is no longer used in children’s drink bottles and food containers, however, it’s important to check that the lunch box says BPA free.
Easy to clean: Embellishments might be cute but they can be hard to keep clean, the same for hinges. For lunch boxes, choose lids that can be popped on and off, where possible, as they are much easier to keep clean (but easier to lose, too…).
Dishwasher safe: Because you are busy enough!
Machine washable: As above – it’s great to be able to throw lunch bags in the washing machine for a good, hygienic clean.
Size: There are several factors to weigh up. Do you need to put both morning tea/fruit break and lunch in one container? Will it fit into your child’s bag? Can they manage a lunch bag as well as as day/school bag?
Sections: If you child enjoys a simple lunch of a sandwich, fruit and a yoghurt, you don’t need multiple sections, however bento-style boxes provide lots of sections for numerous portions of your little one’s favourite foods.
1/10
Cognikids Sip Natural Drinking Cup
Ideal for toddlers, the Cognikids Sip Natural Drinking Cup features extensive holes for gripping and easy holding. Sip helps develop the pincer grip and builds muscles in the hand of children.
(Image: Cognikids)
2/10
Avanti YumYum 3D Unicorn Dreaming Lunch Bag
This gorgeous BPA-free, insulated lunch bag will keep your child’s food warm or cold, and its double zipper makes it easy to open and close. It comes with its own ice brick plus there’s an area to write your child’s name and address so it doesn’t do astray.
Also available in ‘Surfie Sharkie’ and ‘Building Blocks’.
(Image: Kitchen Warehouse)
3/10
PackIt Freezable Lunchbag in Wild Leopard Grey
A canvas lunch bag that folds flat so it fits neatly in the freezer is a bit of an innovation! The bag contains a freezable non-toxic gel that guarantees food and drinks will be kept colder for longer. A pouch on the front is perfect for storing cutlery, plus it has buckles to attach it to a school bag, making it great for older kids and teens.
Available in two other colours.
(Image: Kitchen Warehouse)
4/10
Sachi Style 34 Insulated Lunch Bag, Llamas
This adorable lunch tote is perfect for older kids and comes in eight more styles, so there’s something for everyone. It’s BPA fee and features a thermal lining to ensure food is kept nice and cool. The flat bottom reduces the chance of things tipping over and the two handles make it easy to carry.
(Image: Kitchen Warehouse)
5/10
Hop Skip Zoo Lunch Kit, Zebra
With its sweet giraffe design and easy-to-open clasps, this is ideal for little kids. It has a removable snack container for recess/morning tea, plus it’s BPA free and dishwasher proof.
Other designs also available.
(Image: Kitchen Warehouse)
6/10
Avanti YumYum Building Blocks Bento Box
Your growing tween or teen will love this bento-style box that you (or they!) can pack with a selection of their favourite foods. Moulded silicone seals ensure that wet food (not liquids) can be safely stored.
Available in nine designs.
(Image: Kitchen Warehouse)
7/10
Kitchen Pro Bento Stainless Steel Lunch Box 1.2L
A three-compartment bento lunch box, older kids will covet this durable, eco-friendly lunch box. Plastics and BPA free, this 100% food-grade brushed stainless steel container has a removable silicone seal and cramp click locks to ensure food stays fresh.
(Image: Kitchen Warehouse)
8/10
Thermos FUNtainer Insulated Food Jar, 290ml
Available in two cute designs, this insulated container keeps hot food warm for up to five hours and cold food cool for up to seven hours. The exterior stays cool and it has a wide opening that makes packing, eating and clearing it a breeze. This is a game-changer for warming soups and pastas in the cooler months.
(Image: Kitchen Warehouse)
9/10
Thermos FUNtainer Insulated Food Container with spoon, 470ml
A vacuum insulated food jar that’s ideal for teens due to its larger capacity, you can layer salads in here, soups or pasta, and they’ll stay cool (for up to seven hours) or warm (for up to five hours). It comes in purple or charcoal and comes with its own spoon.
(Image: Kitchen Warehouse)
10/10
Thermos Foogo Insulated Food Jar, 290ml
This Thermos comes in silver and blue, or silver and pink, and is excellent for foods that are best served either warm or cool. The double-walled vacuum jar keeps cold food cool for up to seven hours and hot food warm for up to five hours.
(Image: Kitchen Warehouse)
Brought to you by Kitchen Warehouse.
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