We’ve done a lot of meals out with little kids, and here’s the truth: it can go really well… or totally off the rails. But most of the time, our experiences at restaurants with toddlers go surprisingly well, and I truly believe that comes down to one thing: being prepared.
That said, I’m also not the mom who brings a fully loaded backpack just to grab a slice of pizza. If we’re out and about and decide to stop for a bite, we make do with what we’ve got. But when I have a chance to prep (and especially if I know we’ll be out for a while), I lean on a few go-to systems that make dining out with toddlers so much easier.
How to Enjoy Eating Out at Restaurants with Toddlers
Why We Still Go Out to Eat with Little Kids
I know some families avoid restaurants entirely during the toddler years — and honestly, I get it. We didn’t eat out much during the newborn stage either. But over time, we’ve started slowly building up our comfort level and our systems. These days, grabbing dinner out can actually be enjoyable, especially with a bit of planning ahead.
It’s family time that doesn’t involve cooking or cleanup, and it gives our kids a chance to practice sitting at the table, trying new foods, and learning some social skills (in between handfuls of fries, of course). We don’t go anywhere fancy or expect a peaceful, drawn-out dining experience. We go early, keep expectations low, and aim for one thing: a decent meal where everyone gets fed.
What We Pack for Restaurants with Toddlers
Each child has their own “restaurant bag” packed with essentials, which fits right into their Hiccapop travel booster seat. These seats fold into compact carry bags, strap easily to most chairs, and are lightweight and wipeable — total game-changers for eating out with toddlers.
Each kid’s restaurant bag includes:
- A plate (because sometimes the tableware is way too big)
- Bentgo Kids utensils (why do restaurants think toddlers can eat with adult silverware?)
- A bib
- Stick-on placemats for easy cleanup
- Paper napkins (because there are never enough)
- A snack to tide them over while we wait
- Their water bottle (not every restaurant has kid cups)
We keep one booster for each kid in the trunk so they’re always ready to go.
You can shop all the toddler gear we use for restaurants right here.
What I Keep in My Purse (aka Toddler Entertainment Central)
My purse does double duty as a diaper bag and toddler boredom-buster. I always have:
- Busy boards
- Stickers
- An LCD writing tablet
- A small notebook and crayons
- A few little stamps and freebies we’ve picked up from other restaurants or parties
- Teething toys
- Baby wipes and backup napkins
If we end up at a restaurant without our full gear, these few things are usually enough to get us through a meal.
Car Setup That Makes Dining Out Easier
In our car organizer, we keep the real backups — extra outfits, diapers, wipes, and a few clean bibs. It’s saved us more than once.
Tips That Help Us Actually Enjoy the Meal
- We almost always go early. Like 4:30 p.m. early. It avoids the dinner rush and — let’s be real — I have one child who melts down if he’s not in bed by 6:30 on the dot.
- We’re not afraid to ask for boxes if it’s not working out. There’s no shame in packing up and heading out.
- We rely on snacks instead of rushing to order. Snacks buy us time and help keep hangry toddler energy in check.
How We Order Food for the Kids
When our daughter was younger, we’d usually just share bites from our plates. These days, the kids often share a kids’ meal between them, or we still offer pieces of whatever we’re eating if it’s something they’ll go for.
We don’t overthink it — some nights they’re adventurous, and some nights it’s French fries and nothing else. One meal out won’t ruin them!
What Makes Restaurants with Toddlers More Enjoyable
At the end of the day, toddlers are still toddlers — even with the best gear and good intentions. But when we’re prepped, our meals out are so much smoother. The restaurant bag setup has become second nature, and it takes the guesswork out of what to bring.
But I’ll also say this: I don’t stress if we don’t have everything with us. Sometimes spontaneity wins, and we figure it out as we go. A crayon and a breadstick can go a long way in a pinch.
If you’re navigating restaurants with toddlers right now, just know: it gets easier, especially when you find what works for your family. Need help getting started? You can shop our exact toddler restaurant setup right here.
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