five easy restaurant hacks for toddlers
Are you terrified to being your toddler to a restaurant? I have gathered some hacks to make eating at restaurant a little more enjoyable.
Since COVID, we did not bring our little one into restaurants for the first 6ish months of his life. Now, we try to take him out as much as possible to make sure he is getting the “life” experience and human contact he had missed out on in those first months.
Here are some tips we have picked up along the way!
Bring your own snacks
This might seem like a no brainer, but every time I forget to bring a snack for Baylor, we have a harder time while waiting for food. I pack a toddler granola bar, yogurt melts, goldfish, veggie straws or his favorite, a clementine Cutie.
2. These Munchkin Silicone Mats
These silicone mats stick on the restaurant table for an impromptu high chair tray! Set up the restaurant’s high chair in front of the table with this mat, and baby can eat right off of it. You can easily wipe these down with a wipe when you are all done, and they fold up nicely to fit in the diaper bag.
3. Request a booth or half booth
Having the option to let your child stand up during the meal but still be contained in a booth is one of my favorite hacks. Baylor feels like he has freedom but isn’t running amuck. Usually I let him explore in the booth and enjoy a small snack while sitting or standing in the booth and then we move him to the high chair when his meal comes. Works like a charm! Usually they will find a friend to wave at or smile at along the way :).
4. Clear the table!
Yesterday while we were at a pizza place, my husband took all of the sweeteners, extra silverware, pizza stand, etc off of the table and put it on the chair next to him. Genius! Now baby doesn’t have access to breakable items or distractions during the meal and you can replace them with small toys you brought, crayons, or snacks as mentioned before. This works well if you have the extra room to put things to the side or on an extra chair.
5. Be present
Be present with your little one. They don’t have distractions such as a phone or even conversation to occupy them while they sit there, usually hangry. Color with them, sing a song, or play a game while you wait. Your attention will make them feel seen and they will enjoy the experience so much more! I know this is easier said than done, and sometimes you will just need a break or pull out a distraction. But, try to just really connect with your little guy or gal and see how their demeanor changes first!