Everything You Need to Know About Buying Kids' Lunch Boxes
Factors to Consider
When it comes to choosing the perfect lunch box for your child, there are several factors to consider. These include the size and shape of the lunch box, the material it is made of, and the type of closures it has.
Size and Shape
Lunch boxes come in a variety of sizes and shapes, from small bento boxes to large insulated bags. The size and shape you choose will depend on the age and appetite of your child, as well as how much food you want to pack. For younger children, a smaller bento box may be more appropriate, while older children may prefer a larger insulated bag.
Material
Lunch boxes are typically made of plastic, metal, or fabric. Plastic lunch boxes are lightweight and easy to clean, but they are not as durable as metal or fabric options. Metal lunch boxes are more durable, but they can be heavy and may not insulate food as well as fabric lunch boxes. Fabric lunch boxes are a good middle ground, offering durability and insulation, but they may not be as easy to clean as plastic or metal options.
Closures
Lunch boxes typically have some type of closure, such as a zipper, snaps, or Velcro, to keep the contents inside. Zipper closures are the most secure, but they can be difficult for small children to open and close. Snaps and Velcro closures are easier for children to use, but they may not be as secure as a zipper.
Other Considerations
In addition to the size, material, and closures of the lunch box, there are a few other factors to consider. These include the design and color of the lunch box, as well as any additional features it may have. For example, some lunch boxes have compartments for organizing food, while others have built-in ice packs to keep food fresh.
Conclusion
Choosing the right lunch box for your child can be a daunting task, but with a little bit of research and consideration, you can find the perfect option for your child's needs. Consider the size and shape, material, closures, and additional features of the lunch box, and choose one that will be both functional and appealing to your child.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What to pack for kids lunch ideas?
Some lunch ideas for kids include pasta salad, homemade Lunchables, chicken and guacamole, nut or seed butter cracker sandwiches, deconstructed tacos, chicken salad, ham and cheese roll-up, and leftover pasta. These options provide variety and can be enjoyed by children.
2. Why are bento boxes so popular?
Bento boxes gained popularity due to their convenience, ease of preparation, variety of flavors, unique designs, and portability. They offer a practical and appealing way to pack and organize food for kids' lunches, making them a popular choice among parents.
3. What is a healthy lunch box for kids?
A healthy lunch box for kids can include options like peanut butter and jelly on whole wheat waffles, clementines, Swiss cheese sticks, green salad, Mexican bento box with brown rice, corn, cooked chicken, pinto beans, avocado, mushrooms, salsa, and pineapple. These choices provide a balance of nutrients and flavors.
4. What not to pack in a kids lunch box?
Avoid packing cakes, biscuits, lollies high in saturated fat and added sugar, soft drinks, packaged snacks high in salt, saturated fat, or added sugar, nuts or nut butters if the school has a nut-free policy, and high-risk foods for food poisoning in kids' lunch boxes. Opt for healthier alternatives instead.
5. What is a good packed lunch instead of sandwiches?
Instead of sandwiches, consider packing alternatives like chicken drumsticks or fillets, rice or couscous with veggies, sausages, frittata, pizza, or pasta. These options can be enjoyed cold and provide a satisfying and varied lunch for kids. Include an ice pack to keep foods like salad or meat cool.
6. What should I pack my picky child for lunch?
For picky eaters, consider packing ham and cheese roll-ups with apple slices, Greek yogurt with mixed berries and granola, bagel with cream cheese and sliced cucumbers, peanut butter and jelly sandwich with baby carrots, or mini quiche with shredded cheese on top. These options offer a balance of flavors and nutrients.
7. Is a glass lunch box better than a steel lunch box?
Both glass and stainless steel lunch boxes have their benefits. Glass is more transparent and microwave safe, but it is more prone to breakage. Stainless steel is more durable and long-lasting. Choose the material that aligns with your needs and preferences.
Metal lunch boxes are generally considered more environmentally friendly than plastic ones. They are reusable and have a longer lifespan, reducing waste generated from disposable plastic lunch boxes. Consider metal lunch boxes if sustainability is important to you.
9. Are bento boxes worth it for kids?
Bento boxes are popular for kids' lunches because they can hold and keep separate several different food items at once. They also offer opportunities for creativity and make lunchtime more enjoyable. Consider using bento boxes for your kids' lunches to add variety and appeal to their meals.
Editor's Notes
During our kids' lunch boxes research, we found 24 kids' lunch boxes products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 675,754 customer reviews through our big data system to write the kids' lunch boxes list. We found that most customers choose kids' lunch boxes with an average price of $19.54.
The kids' lunch boxes are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of kids' lunch boxes, including Bentgo, Munchkin, THERMOS, WONDER FAMILY. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 132 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.