DINING OUT WITH TODDLERS
We all have that vision of going out to eat with our little ones, where we have a nice relaxed meal, they eat a well-balanced meal and try new things, and sit happily and quietly, enjoying their surroundings, while the adults have a lively and meaningful conversation. After all, that is what families do in Europe, right?
Then, we arrive, barely get to eat anything and end up having to leave early, often with a huge mess of a table area after our toddlers have dropped more than what is imaginable on the ground and fellow diners having had their ear drums blown out by being subject to our toddler’s best rendition of a pterodactyl mating call.
It’s a bit of a Catch-22 because it takes some practice for toddlers to understand the specific expectations we have for them when we go out to eat and to get into the rhythm of a restaurant visit. So while it might be unpleasant for awhile, they do need the opportunity to give it their best shot before they turn into pleasant dinner dates.
Also, let’s keep in mind that, developmentally, they don’t have a ton of impulse control yet so it may prove too temping to chuck the salt and pepper shakers across the table. Lastly, some kids are just temperamentally more apt to make it though a meal than others.
All that being said, here are our Top Tips for Dining Out with Toddlers:
Consider restaurants that are family friendly and/or somewhat LOUD. Places that have a nice area to walk around in case your child gets ants in their pants are also great.
Be smart about timing. You need your toddler to be well-rested when in public. So a breakfast date after they wake from overnight sleep or an early dinner between second nap of the day and bedtime is ideal (leaving you enough time to get home before bedtime). Around 5pm is good if you’re on a 7 to 7 schedule (or somewhere close to that).
Don’t plan on staying too long. There is a window. That window could last a whole hour if you’re lucky. Anything past that, you’re probably pushing it.
As soon as you sit down, or just before if possible, move salt and pepper shakers, sugar packets, silverware, breakable plates out of their reach. Maybe ask the server to get rid of them if your kid is prone to wanting whatever is off limits.
Bring regular wipes for your kid and antibacterial wipes for the high chair. Restaurant high chairs are often nowhere close to clean and you’ll want to do a quick wipe down before putting your toddler in. There are also products you can buy in order to avoid this annoyance - like disposable high chair covers specifically for restaurants or the Inglesina Fast Table Chair and an EZPZ table mat.
Consider looking at the menu before you go to the restaurant so you at least have an idea of what you might want to order, especially if it’s a place where food might take a little time to prepare.
If you are planning to order food for your child, put that order in as soon as your server says hello. Maybe put yours in too. Don’t delay!
Bring your own kid snacks too. It is great to have your toddler try food from the menu. There’s no reason not to do so. But in the case that they’re not interested, or it’s taking awhile to come out of the kitchen, you have back up.
Bring a Restaurant Bag! A Restaurant Bag is only opened when sitting at the table at a restaurant, and inside are toys we only see when we’re at a restaurant. In ours, we had a small set of stacking cups, a few finger puppets, a slinky, modeling clay or play dough, Wikki Stix, a couple small toy cars (and when they were a bit older) crayons and a coloring book. Maybe add a box of band aids too, although I usually recommend that for plane trip bags as well.
Try to take out one thing at a time. Once you see boredom and restlessness setting in, try another.
Don’t expect a toddler to sit still for too long. I think 15 to 20 minutes might be the limit for little guys. They like to move. When it’s clear your toddler isn’t going to tolerate being in the chair any longer, give them a break. Get them out and go for a little walk outside for a few minutes.
Do the same if they are throwing a fit that’s disturbing other diners. Try to stay calm and just take them out of the restaurant for awhile. Hopefully they will calm down as well and you can return to finish your meal. However, if not, always be prepared to leave the restaurant for good at a moment’s notice.
Bon Appétit!