5 products that make toddler lunchtimes a little easier – and mess free!

Toddlers. Lunchtime. Two words that are sure to make even a grown women cry. Besides the tantrums, refusal to eat and OCD requests (no, mummy I WANT the pink spoon…) – it’s the mess.

Now I know there are tons of products that promise to make mealtimes a little easier – but here are some of my picks:

THE ‘SMALL’ COVER-UP

A practical, soft and water-repellent bib for babies from 6mths – 3years. Easy to clean – and super fast drying – it’s shape means it fits close to the body to avoid leakage or use the folded pocket to catch any food that new eaters miss.

And, the genius bit? It’s super light weight and rolls up into a slim tube for easy packing. (I mean it will fit in the smallest of handbags).

The Little Globetrotter, €24.50 Storkwerk (ships worldwide from Germany)

THE TIDY TABLE (& FLOOR)

If you’ve tried those plates and bowls that ‘suction’ to the table – they you’ll know that they don’t work. And, may even have the Frisbee like scars to prove it – be it your face or walls! This ingenious tray clips to the table with a spill-catch lip. Softer then the rest of the tray so it ‘moulds’ to your little ones to prevent food landing on lap, chair and floor (hurrah!)

The removable tray comes in a range of colours and is dishwasher safe. Perfect for tots and kids from 18mths to 5years.

Tidy Table Tray from £19 Bambinos

THE BIG SPILL (NOT!)

For toddler and kids learning to use a big cup these handy little covers are a life – and sofa saver. Brilliant silicone ‘lids’ that stretch and fit over cups and glasses – and can fit any size straw. I mean how clever? Plus they come with a little carrying case so you can always have them to hand.

Great when eating out, on holiday or even when travelling – as it means you can use the cup/glass you’re given without having to decant into a tipped cup/bottle. Remember though hey are only splash proof – not leak proof! 

There is also a tots version with a chew-resistant spout. I actually think these are a good idea for us too – I mean how often have you spilt your drink over yourself while balancing a toddler on your hip?

Set of 3 covers with carry case from $19.95 SipSnap (ships worldwide) *

THE ‘COOL’ BOX

If there is one lunch box that any smart mama will have its the Yum-box! Don’t be put off by those ‘bento’ style lunches you see on Instagram – as cool as they are I am not that creative with food. I wish I was!

What these lunch boxes offer are cute little ‘sections’ with illustrations and food group labelling – which helps you pack a healthily lunch, for all the family.

For weaning or baby led weaning – the separate compartments mean you can carry purees and yogurts with hand-held snacks like rice cakes, chopped veg and fruit. For toddlers and small kids it means bite-sized pieces that even picky eaters will enjoy (and that all important dip section for a certain red sauce!)

Available in loads of colours and 2 designs – classic (6 compartments) or panino ( 4 compartments)  – they are also great for us too. Use them to help encourage a more healthier, portion controlled lunch when out and about or working from the office.

Bento style lunch box £24.95 Yum-Box *

THE DRIP CATCHER

Avoid sticky fingers and dripping ice-cream when in the park or pushchair. This ‘fun cone’ helps keep any drips, mess and dropped lolly’s in the cup! Not a pretty looking piece of equipment I admit – but hello, how clever?

One end holds an ice cream cone and the other end is for lolly sticks (the classic wooden kind) – plus the wider shape of the holder means its a little easier for toddlers to hold rather than lolly sticks.

Fun cone £3.99 Petite Creations *

Have you any toddler lunchtime tricks & tips?

V. I . BE HONEST: Items marked with a * were sent to us for the purpose of this post – all words, thoughts and opinions our Miss M’s and mine of course!