How to take a baby to a restuarant
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How to Take a Baby to a Restaurant
Updated: February 9, 2021
Tips for Taking a Baby to a Restaurant
Already contemplating the possibilities of what life will be like post-covid 19? Will you finally be able to take your baby to a restaurant? How do you take a baby to a restaurant and what do you need? We are here to help with those questions!
Our best tips for taking a baby to a restaurant are:
1. Include your baby in the meal by experimenting with food and textures.
2. After ordering your meal, take your baby for a walk around the building to break up the time and provide a change of scenery.
3. The best entertainment for a baby is typically provided by the restaurant! Silverware and sugar packets are highly entertaining for a baby and readily available.
4. If possible, be prepared with similar items to what is listed below to make the experience a bit less messy.
Helpful Items for a Baby at a Restaurant
Can you take a baby to a restaurant with nothing but the baby? Yes, you could! We found that having a few comfort items can elevate the experience from potentially messy and germ ridden to a cleaner more fun event! Below we outline our top 5 items for taking a baby to a restaurant. Everything listed below can fit in a diaper bag and are easily cleaned!
#1 High Chair Cover
High chair covers are a really versatile item for your diaper bag! They can be used for a baby in a restaurant or as a cover for a shopping cart. During the covid-19 pandemic, we have all become more germ aware and this item is a great way for you to feel safe with your baby in public. We really like the Suessie design that includes straps with buckles to keep your baby safe, a washable teether and a sippy cup strap. If you find yourself in a restaurant with a baby and you forgot your high chair cover, no stress! You can use our #5 item, germ wipes, to wipe down the restaurant high chair. This particular high chair cover comes with a carrying pouch for compact storage and is machine washable.
#2 Silicone Bib
Silicone bibs have saved many outfits while dining out in restaurants with a baby! We don’t leave the house without a silicone bib. This item is perfect for travel with a baby including restaurants. There are a lot of options out there but, we prefer the Happy Healthy Parent design because it is wipeable, malleable and includes a pocket to catch all of the missed food. Silicone bibs are also not just for babies! They are wonderful for toddlers as well and make for a much cleaner outfit post meal time. These particular bibs can be placed on the top rack of a dishwasher or hand washed with soap and water.
#3 Pouch Spoon Tips
These pouch spoon tips are great for home or at a restaurant with a baby! Babies love to feel like a big kid while eating and these really help with that. Baby food pouches are wonderful for a family on the go and these spoon attachments allow you to work on on your baby’s eating skills while using a convenient pouch. There are a few different designs on the market but, we prefer the Munchkin design because it has a normal spoon shape and includes a lid for storage. After you open the pouch, you screw the spoon attachment onto the pouch and squeeze for the food to come out on to the spoon. If your baby doesn’t finish the pouch in one sitting, you can put the cap on and store for later. This particular style by Munchkin is dishwasher safe but, you may need to use a straw/bottle brush to clean on occasion.
#4 Silicone Placemats
Babies love playing with and trying new foods. A silicone placemat gives them a safe and clean place to do just that! These can be used at home or at a restaurant with your baby. We have always encouraged our son to try new foods so, we would give him a tiny piece of everything we ordered. Often food ended up squished and in his bib pocket but, it was a fun way to include him in the meal and encouraged him to be an adventurous eater! After your meal, a silicone placemat is easily washed/wiped down, rolled up and placed back in the diaper bag. There are disposable versions of these available but, we prefer the reusable and washable version provided by Munchkin. This particular design is dishwasher safe (top rack) and provides a non-slip surface on the top and bottom of the placemat. We found that this item was also helpful for toddlers! You can place dishes on the mat and the non-slip top helps prevent dishes sliding around.
One tip with these is to not cut your baby’s food on it! A knife will cut right through it. We learned this the hard way. Good thing it comes in a two pack!
#5 Germ Wipes
Germ wipes seem to be on most of our lists and are a staple while traveling internationally, going to the park or simply dining out at a restaurant with a baby. If you are unable to pack some of the items listed above, germ wipes are here for the assist! You can wipe down the high chair and table for a much less germy experience. So, no worries!
How to Take a Baby to a Restaurant - Summary
Dining at a restaurant with a baby can be a messy and stressful situation but, it doesn’t have to be! By taking your baby out to eat and experimenting with new foods and textures they are expanding their pallet into an adventurous one! When utilizing similar items to those listed above, you will spend less time cleaning up after your baby and more time enjoying the experience!
About The Kid Packer
Here at The Kid Packer, we want to help you live your best life. A great baby backpack child carrier can help you do just that. After having used a child carrier backpack for over 1,500 miles of adventuring and exploring, we have a passion for them and know what makes a great pack that both you and your child will love. We hope our comprehensive research allows you to confidently find the right backpack for your needs!