How to choose the perfect lunch box, bag or flask for toddlers through to teens
Because no one enjoys soggy sangas
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.
Personalised Rainbow Unicorn Lunchbox, RRP $55
These lunchboxes in pink and blue are made from hard wearing and food safe plastic, keeping your sandwiches and snacks safe and snug. They fit handily into any backpack, and can be personalised with your little ones name of up to 15 characters.
Fridge Lunch Box, RRP $59.95
A metal lunchbox in the form of a vintage refrigerator even comes with a set of vinyl letters and symbols in classic fridge magnet style.
The old-school fridge style lunchbox has a latching handle and a protective lacquer coating guards against rust and the rigours of day-to-day use.
Bodum Bistro Lunch Box with Cutlery, RRP $45.95 (on sale $32.16)
This eco-friendly lunch box features a clear body with rounded cornersl, plus an easy-to-grip sleeve. The tray inside is perfect for fruit and other snacks.
Beneath it, theres plenty of room for a sandwich. Fancy pasta or a crisp salad instead? No problem as cutlery is included.
Prince Lionheart Bentomal To Go Lunchbox Elephant, RRP $
School lunches just got a whole lot cuter!
These adorable Bentomals (bento animal) boxes are stackable so they save space and stores easily.
BPA free, these reusable food containers fit a full-sized sandwich and two snacks.
2.1L Coral Ombre Daily Intake Flip Lid Drink Bottle, RRP $15
Great for teens and adults too, this drink bottle allows you to track your daily water intake.
The bottle is BPA-free, leak-proof and features a flip lid.
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.
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’.
PackIt Freezable Lunchbag, $39
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.
Sachi Style 34 Insulated Lunch Bag, Llamas, $34.95
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.
Avanti YumYum Building Blocks Bento Box, on sale $31.48
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.
Thermos FUNtainer Insulated Food Jar, 290ml, RRP $31.95 (on sale $22.36)
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.
Thermos FUNtainer Insulated Food Container with spoon, 470ml, RRP $44.95 (on sale $31.46)
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.
Thermos Foogo Insulated Food Jar, 290ml, RRP $31.99 (on sale $19.19)
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.
