Thursday, July 5, 2012

Toddler Dining Out Kit

Since Trey was about 10 months or so old I have kept a "dining out kit" in my car. It's just a really small tote with things to make our dining out experiences go smoothly.

(I personally think that going out to eat with him consistently since he was teeny-tiny is key! We've been having weekly mexican dates with this crew for forever!)


This picture is from when Trey was right around a year old. I don't always take it now but sometimes I do! I also have LOTS of stickers and plain drawing paper in it now!!

Inside:

  • coloring book
  • no roll crayons
  • disposable bibs (you could get the disposable place mats too!) 
  • flexi straws in a travel toothbrush holder (nice to have when they are really little) 
  • Melissa & Doug wooden toy - it has suction cups on the bottom to stick to the table! 
  • Toddler sized silverware (I love this set by Sugar Booger) 
I also asked two of my awesome "Mom-friends" (hi girls!!!) what else they would include and they said:

  • CARS!
  • Simple snacks like puffs/cheerios in case the little ones get hungry before the food comes out
  • Chalkboard placemat - like this one

So here's my question for y'all - what do you bring with you when dining out with your little one?

16 comments:

KatiePerk said...

What a smart idea!!

melissa said...

Do you have a brand of disposable placemat that you like? I've only tried one brand but Blaire just ripped it right of the table. :)

She's young so toys aren't really holding her attention much right now. We bring puffs and baby mum mums to keep her entertained. We also have a fabric cover that goes over the high chair so she doesn't have to touch the nasty high chairs at restaurants which most places don't clean well.

Mallory said...

I love the idea of keeping the tote in the car-- I inevitably forget something from the diaper bag every single time. We take books, snacks, drinks, and a pacifier. I need need a toy that'll suction to a table! Genius!

Mallory said...

I love the idea of keeping the tote in the car-- I inevitably forget something from the diaper bag every single time. We take books, snacks, drinks, and a pacifier. I need need a toy that'll suction to a table! Genius!

Joeylee said...

this is great. I'm going to have to do this cause lately Keira hasn't been the best person to take out to dinners, she gets bored. I'll have to make one of these.

Elizabeth said...

What a neat idea! I need to get a kit together for Addie since we're starting to take her out more.

Mrs EyeCanSee said...

Well aren't you prepared! I'm ashamed to admit I don't really bring anything. With the exception of a sippy and his snack trap....which goes everywhere with us....I don't have anything special.

When he was younger I loved the tiny diner placemat that suction cups to the table, but we don't even use that anymore!

Cajun Cowgirl said...

Love this idea! We bring a few things too and I so wish we had those no roll crayons! We found some small chalk boards at the dollar store that we take with us too. Entertainment for a few minutes while we wait on food!

Lindsey said...

We don't eat out much and when we do, we usually feed Connor first before we do so we can enjoy our meal more without having to feed him, too. We bring the iPad, some tractors, and try to sit (if we get to choose) close to a window so he can look out.

AWD said...

We just use our iphones to keep Rowan busy. She doesn't watch TV at home so it's a nice treat when she's on a long car ride or we are out to dinner. I love to relax and enjoy adult conversation with my husband and she enjoys her meal with a side of cartoons:-)

Unknown said...

Great post, thanks for the great suggesstions.

Susannah said...

We definitely use the iPhone, but I also have color books and crayons, stickers, small toys, snacks, placemats, etc. you news it more than ever as they grow since they are not into sitting quietly!

Mrs. Mama said...

what a great idea!! i need to do this!

Ms. Megan said...

I am totally going to order one of those Melissa & Doug toys! We have a little bag for Eli too :)

Kate said...

I agree on starting when they are tiny. The family I work for has taken H out to eat since he was a baby (of course they do go on the earlier side and nothing super fancy but still out).
I love the straws in the toothbrush holder idea. Genius!!!

Regarding Rehse said...

As a once upon a time waitress and forever nanny, I applaud this!!!!!