If you’ve ever lunched with a toddler, you know the term “long lunch” takes on a whole new meaning. One day, their favorite snack is a must-have; the next, it’s the enemy. And heaven forbid you let any of their food touch—prepare for a meltdown of monumental proportions. The lunch challenge doesn’t end when they head to daycare or school. You’ll need to carefully pack a lunch and hope for the best. Of course, with many kids staying home due to COVID-19 restrictions, chances are you’ll be prepping meals in your own kitchen anyway.
Related Reading: For more insights, check out this informative article on toddler lunch ideas and tips — every kid has their quirks!
The key to making lunchtime smoother is in the preparation, and selecting the right lunch box is crucial. It should be user-friendly for tiny hands, sturdy enough to withstand daily use, keep food fresh, and be easy to clean. Whether your child prefers playful designs or a compartmentalized setup, here are 13 top toddler lunch boxes to help make mealtime a breeze for both you and your little one.
Best Lunch Boxes for Kids and Toddlers:
- TARLINI HOME Bento Lunch Box for Kids – $10.98 – Available on Amazon
- Bentgo Kids Children’s Lunch Box – $28 – Available on Amazon
- Yumbox Original Leakproof Bento Lunch Box – $30 – Available on Amazon
- OmieBox Bento Box for Kids – $40 – Available on Amazon
- LunchBots Small Protein Packer Toddler Bento Box – $20 – Available on Amazon
- EasyLunchboxes 3-Compartment Bento Lunch Box Container – $14 – Available on Amazon
- Rubbermaid LunchBlox Sandwich Kit – $12 – Available on Amazon
- BUILT Soft Neoprene Lunch Tote Bag – $20 – Available on Amazon
Best Insulated Lunch Boxes for Kids:
- Fun Life 5 Compartment Bento Lunch Box – $24.97 – Available on Amazon
- Skip Hop Zoo Kids Insulated Lunch Box – $15 – Available on Amazon
- Thermos Foogo Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel 10-Ounce Food Jar – $18 – Available on Amazon
- Wildkin Kids Insulated Lunch Bag – $17 – Available on Amazon
- Thermos Soft Lunch Kit – $13 – Available on Amazon
Need more gear for your little ones? Check out the top picks for kids gear here.
Featured Lunch Box Highlights:
- Bentgo Kids Children’s Lunch Box: This bento box is drop-proof and made from BPA-free materials. With five compartments, it’s designed for little fingers, and it’s easy to clean thanks to its removable tray. Price: $28 on Amazon.
- Yumbox Original Leakproof Bento Lunch Box: Lightweight and featuring five 1/2 cup compartments, this box allows for a variety of foods, perfect for picky eaters. The latch is simple to operate, making it a breeze for toddlers. Price: $30 on Amazon.
- OmieBox Bento Box for Kids: Equipped with a removable thermos insert, this lunch box lets you pack warm meals along with their favorites. Although leakproof, expect some messes at lunchtime! Price: $40 on Amazon.
- LunchBots Small Protein Packer: If you prefer non-plastic options, this stainless steel box offers durability and is dishwasher safe. It’s perfect for packing a few different snacks. Price: $20 on Amazon.
- EasyLunchboxes 3-Compartment Bento Lunch Box: A practical choice, these BPA-free containers come in a set of four and are stackable and microwavable. Price: $14 on Amazon.
- Thermos Foogo Vacuum Insulated Food Jar: For those who prefer just one main dish, this insulated jar keeps food warm for hours. It has a rubber grip and a wide opening for easy access. Price: $18 on Amazon.
- Rubbermaid LunchBlox Sandwich Kit: This versatile kit includes containers that snap together and to reusable freezer packs, making lunchtime prep fun and efficient. Price: $12 on Amazon.
Conclusion
With all these options, preparing your toddler’s lunch can become a much more organized affair. Whether your child is enjoying a fun day at home or headed to school, these lunch boxes can help facilitate a smoother mealtime experience.
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