When I was younger, eating out with babies or toddlers was not on my radar, and I prided myself as a food snob.
I would critique restaurants as if my pallet was the most refined in the city. If it wasn’t the food, I would likely find other issues – be it décor or service, there was always something not quite to my satisfaction.
Then I had kids.
My critical and pompous demeanor quickly faded. The lofty expectations immediately went up in smoke.
Instead of choosing restaurants because they had great ambiance I was fixated on finding bathrooms with changing tables.
“Do they wipe down the highchairs here?” “Does this place have apple juice?” These were the types of qualities that now made a restaurant appealing.
Dining out became one of many battle fields with the children — and like any good commander, I needed to have a plan of attack.
If this experience rings true to you, don’t fret. Becoming a parent is a big transition. Sometimes it seems like the highest of highs are quickly met by the lowest of lows.
When eating out, you’re sacrificing home field advantage to play an away game — it’s best to prepare for anything.
So here you have it, the ultimate guide to eating out with your babies or toddlers.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Restaurant
The Quest for the Perfect Spot
Finding a restaurant that caters to both your taste buds and your kids’ quirks is like discovering a unicorn in the wild – rare but magical.
I love a good Italian red — not always something you’ll find paired with kid’s mac and cheese. Here are some tips to make your search a bit easier:
1. Kid-Friendly, Not Kid-Crazy:
There’s a fine line between a restaurant that’s welcoming to kids and one where the chaos reigns supreme.
Look for places that strike a balance – think children’s menus, crayons, and a staff that doesn’t flinch at the sight of a stroller.
When you find one that works, don’t hesitate to frequent the same establishment. Why ruin a good thing! Like Luke Bryan, let’s play it again, play it again. Don’t risk a bad experience — If the kids are happy at a restaurant, make note of it and consider returning.
For our family, Sundays are always brunch at the exact same restaurant. I know it’s lame, but the kids know what to expect. Our favorite waitress knows what to expect.
They seat us off in the corner by the bathrooms – the show goes on seamless and stress free. My picky eater eats best at this restaurant!
2. Menu Matters:
Unless your child is a mini gourmet, places with simple, familiar options might be your best bet. Bonus points for restaurants that are willing to customize dishes for picky eaters.
Better yet, figure out what your kids would like to eat beforehand. Try looking at the menu ahead of arriving at the restaurant.
I like to have this conversation in the car while en route. “Honey, they don’t have pizza here. Be prepared, they don’t have pizza so we’re not going to be having pizza tonight okay…think about what else you’d like besides pizza?”
3. Consider the Noise Factor:
A bustling, slightly noisy restaurant can be a blessing. It means your child’s occasional shriek is just part of the symphony.
4. Space to Breathe:
Cramped spaces and toddlers are not the best mix. Look for places with enough room for highchairs and a little wiggle room for those tiny legs.
Don’t be shy about requesting a particular table, my kids love to peer into the kitchen — I’m always trying to sit where chefs in view.
Close to the action or off in the corner, find what works for you.
5. Reviews and Recommendations:
Thanks to the internet, you can scout out places beforehand. Parenting forums and local instagram handles can be goldmines for finding hidden gems.
I’m not timid about asking young families where they like to eat out.
Remember, the perfect family-friendly restaurant doesn’t mean compromising on quality. It’s about finding a place that lets you enjoy your meal (sort of) while your kids explore their burgeoning palates.
Step 2: Preparing for the Meal
Getting Ready for the Gastronomic Expedition
A little prep work can be the difference between a delightful meal and a dining disaster. Here’s your pre-restaurant checklist:
1. The Survival Kit:
Pack a small bag with essentials. Think snacks (because the bread basket might not arrive in time), some favorite toys (preferably not the noisy ones), and wet wipes (for the inevitable mess).
I’ve found pro’s and con’s to bringing the stroller. It’s great having a spot to tow diaper bag and store jackets, but it’s not always the move.
The pros are you can lug a lot of stuff and always have the flexibility to strap a child in — it also makes the trek from car to diner easier.
The cons are that crowded restaurants with tight spaces can really make you regret walking in with the whole kit and caboodle.
I’m a big fan of stroller wagons, which really don’t mix well with indoor seating. Outside patios in the warmer weather tend to lend themselves better to this type of equipment.
Either that or it’s a restaurant I’ve scouted out and know what to expect.
A Busy Baby Mat is a life saver at restaurants. There’s no need to stress about wiping down the table, nor fret over baby toys or bottles that might fall.
More importantly, it keeps your baby busy at table.
2. Setting Expectations:
Have a chat with your little ones about restaurant behavior. Keep it light and positive. Phrases like “We get to use our inside voices at the restaurant” work better than a list of don’ts.
We all sit in the same spots at the dinner table — is this weird? Anyways, I find myself prepping the kids if we have friends or another person joining us to eat.
If you have more than one child, I find it’s better to seat them apart to minimize the chances of squabbles.
Placing yourself between them can also make it easier for you to attend to both of their needs effectively
3. Timing is Everything:
Aim for early dining times to avoid the rush. Plus, early dinners often mean a less tired and more cooperative child.
I feel like we belong at a retirement community, but our family is honestly eating dinner at 5:30pm when we go out.
Give me the early bird special any day, it’s just so much easier without the crowd. Plus Happy Hour pricing is available at many restaurants.
If you love a spot, ask the staff what day is their slowest – lunch or dinner on a Monday will probably be less busy.
4. Hunger Management:
Don’t arrive with a hungry, going-on hangry child. A small snack before heading out can keep the peace until food arrives.
One we do get to the restaurant, it’s all about getting those children some food! Sometimes, before the family even gets seated, I’ll glance at the kids’ menu and place an order. The sooner the kids have a bite, the better.
“Could we get one Kids Chix tendies please” I blurt out on our approach the the table.
If there are no kids’ menus, I will typically choose a side item. French fries or the seasonal veggie ordered right from the jump means I can get the children started on food quickly.
Mexican restaurants are perfect for little kids as they serve chips right away!
5. Plan B:
Always have a backup plan. If things go south, know that it’s okay to ask for a takeaway and retreat gracefully.
Our Sunday brunch spot is the place for chicken and waffles, my fave! If we strike out and it’s crowded, there is a pizza shop across the street the kids love, and some food trucks around the block.
Once we disembark the vehicle, the family is not returning without having eaten!
Step 3: Engaging Your Kids at the Table
The Art of Distraction and Engagement
Now that you’re at the table, it’s showtime! Keeping your kids engaged is key to a peaceful meal:
1. Interactive Games:
Simple games like I-Spy, 20 Questions, or even a quick round of Pictionary on a napkin can work wonders.
Prepare yourself with crayons, or other fidget stress relievers to keep the kids occupied.
2. The Power of Storytelling:
Have a story-telling session about the day or make up tales. Bonus points for involving food characters!
3. Food as a Playground:
Involve your kids in meal choices. Talk about the colors and shapes on their plates, or play a game of ‘guess the ingredient’.
4. Restaurant Explorer:
If the situation allows, a brief exploration of the restaurant (with an adult, of course) can be a delightful adventure for a restless child.
Sometimes my youngest just needs a change of scenery – one lap around the restaurant checking everything out and he somehow cools down upon returning to the table.
Outdoor patios mean dogs, and my children are obsessed w dogs. Maybe a quick spin to meet a fluffy friend will help in the waiting game?
5. Tech Timeout:
Shamelessly, my husband and I typically give in to screen time when were out.
If we can get the kids in their highchairs and calmed down with their favorite show, we may steal a moment to actually peruse the menu for ourselves.
While gadgets are an easy fix, try to use them as a last resort. Engaging with the environment and family is part of the dining out experience.
I don’t encourage it — if you can avoid it, try to.
Step 4: Managing the Unexpected
Navigating the World of Oops and Uh-ohs
Despite the best preparations, things can (and will) go awry. Here’s how to tackle those moments with grace (and a bit of humor):
1. The Art of Distraction:
Quick distraction can be key in managing meltdowns. A new game, a walk to see some interesting restaurant decor, or a surprise from the survival kit might do the trick.
If my baby gets fussy, a quick diaper change is sometimes all it takes to distract and reengage.
2. Stay Calm and Carry On:
Kids pick up on your stress. Take a deep breath, stay calm, and remember, this too shall pass.
The only thing worse than a young child’s meltdown is a parent’s meltdown — the only thing worse than a parent’s meltdown is one done in public.
Speaking of meltdown, I find it very effective to take my child to the car for a timeout.
Bottomline, try your best to keep your cool, any onlooker who’s been a parent understands the struggle.
3. The Picky Eater Protocol:
If your child refuses to eat anything, try not to stress. They won’t starve from missing one meal. Encourage, but don’t force.
The dining experience for families should be fun and upbeat. We all know it can be difficult with young kids, but give them a pass if the kids meals go uneaten.
4. Cleanup Crew on Standby:
Accidents happen. Be ready to help clean up any messes, and a generous tip for the staff can go a long way in smoothing over any spills.
Our favorite waitress at our favorite diner pretty much expects the floor to get soaked in pink lemonade, but I tip well and we rarely miss a week.
5. Quick Exit Strategy:
If all else fails, it’s perfectly fine to make a swift exit. It’s about enjoying the experience, not enduring it. Abort, abort — there’s no shame in exiting stage left.
Step 5: Making the Most of the Experience
Embracing the Chaos with a Smile
Dining out with kids is less about the perfect meal and more about creating memories – messy, loud, but utterly precious. Here are a few tips to savor the experience:
1. Capture the Moments:
Don’t forget to take pictures – not just the Instagram-worthy ones, but the real, unfiltered family moments
2. It’s a Learning Experience:
Each outing is an opportunity for your kids to learn about new foods, social interactions, and public behavior.
It’s really fun when your older children start to veer away from the kids meals and start to eat more like adults.
3. Relish the Small Wins:
Celebrate the little things – whether it’s trying new foods, using manners, or just making it through meals without a major calamity.
4. The Joy of Now:
Embrace the imperfections of dining with children. One day, these will be the stories that bring laughter at family gatherings.
5. Repeat and Reflect:
Regular outings with the whole family can become cherished traditions. Reflect on what worked and what didn’t for a smoother adventure next time.
Don’t let the restaurants win, and don’t give up on enjoying special occasions with your loved ones.
Conclusion
So there you have it, brave dining warriors: your guide to eating out with the most unpredictable, delightful dining companions – your children.
Remember, a bit of planning, a little creativity, and a large serving of humor are your best ingredients for a successful outing.
Whether it’s a peaceful meal or a tableside tantrum, each outing is a chapter in your family’s unique story.
So, go forth and dine, and may your next restaurant adventure be slightly less chaotic than the last!
