You haven’t truly experienced a lengthy lunch until you’ve shared a meal with a toddler. One moment, their favorite snack is a beloved treat; the next, it’s a dreaded foe. And heavens forbid you allow any of their foods to touch unless you’re ready for a dramatic showdown. The lunch challenge continues at daycare or school, where you must carefully pack a meal and hope for the best. With many kids staying home due to COVID-19, you might find yourself preparing and enjoying lunches together more often anyway.
Related: Helpful Toddler Lunch Ideas and Tips — Because Every Child Can Be Picky
Getting your little ones to eat can hinge on proper meal prep, and selecting the right lunch box is essential. It should be simple to open and close, durable, keep food fresh, and ideally be easy to clean. Whether your child prefers something fun or needs their food groups neatly separated, here are 13 top toddler lunch boxes that make mealtime less of a chore for everyone involved.
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
If you’re on the lookout for more items that your little ones will love, check out our top kids gear recommendations here.
Featured Lunch Boxes:
- Bentgo Kids Children’s Lunch Box: This durable, drop-proof bento box features rubber-coated edges and five compartments for food. The removable tray makes cleanup a breeze, and the latches are designed for tiny hands to manage. [$28 on Amazon]
- Yumbox Original Leakproof Bento Lunch Box: Lightweight and easy to use, this bento box includes five 1/2 cup compartments, accommodating even the fussiest eaters. The removable tray is also easy to rinse clean. [$30 on Amazon]
- OmieBox Bento Box for Kids: This unique lunch box comes with a removable thermos insert, allowing you to pack warm meals alongside traditional lunch items. Though it’s leakproof, be prepared for a potential mess during lunchtime. [$40 on Amazon]
- LunchBots Small Protein Packer Toddler Bento Box: For those seeking a non-plastic option, this stainless steel bento box is perfect for packing smaller portions of a variety of snacks. It’s dishwasher safe and incredibly robust, though not leakproof. [$20 on Amazon]
- EasyLunchboxes 3-Compartment Bento Lunch Box Container: These functional boxes come in a set of four, are BPA-free, and stackable. Each box features three compartments and is microwaveable too. [$14 on Amazon]
- Thermos Foogo Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel 10-Ounce Food Jar: If your child only needs one main dish, this food jar keeps meals warm for up to five hours and features a rubber grip lid for easy handling. [$18 on Amazon]
- Rubbermaid LunchBlox Sandwich Kit: This versatile kit includes two snack containers, a side container, and a sandwich container that snap together and can be paired with reusable freezer packs. [$12 on Amazon]
- Skip Hop Zoo Kids Insulated Lunch Box: Adorable animal-themed lunch bags that are insulated to keep meals cool and feature a top handle that clips onto any backpack. [$15 on Amazon]
- Wildkin Kids Insulated Lunch Bag: Available in various colorful designs, these spacious bags can hold lunch and a couple of snacks, with a durable and easy-to-clean fabric. [$17 on Amazon]
- BUILT Soft Neoprene Lunch Tote Bag: This lightweight, stretchy lunch tote is convenient for little ones to carry. When it gets dirty, simply toss it in the wash. [$20 on Amazon]
- Thermos Soft Lunch Kit: With themes like Paw Patrol or Frozen, this insulated box features padded handles and a variety of fun graphics that will delight your child. [$13 on Amazon]
- Fun Life 5 Compartment Bento Lunch Box: Perfect for keeping lunches fresh and separated, this bento box can be prepped in the morning and stored in the fridge until mealtime. Parents have noted improved eating habits when food is neatly portioned. [$24.97 on Amazon]
For more insights on parenting, check out this resource that delves deeper into the parental journey and this article which provides excellent information on genetics and IVF.
In conclusion, choosing the right lunch box can simplify mealtimes and make them more enjoyable for both you and your toddler. With a range of options available, you’re sure to find something that works perfectly for your little one.