What's in that lunchbox?

I am by no means an expert on kids lunches but I have had my fair share of trial and error when it comes to what to put them in. My eldest is going into grade one so in the last two years we've conquered the kindergarten etiquette of nothing messy and have religiously followed the Literless Lunch Program our school is so proactive in. I am now confident I can dispose of all the rejected lunch bags and containers that are piling up in my kitchen having failed me in ways we no longer speak of.


The first thing you need is the right size and style of lunch bag. I like the one zip flat lunch bag with a little pocket for an ice pack.
The key to this one is it opens up flat so kids can see exactly what they have without having to take everything out. This also allows for a quick zip back up to keep the food chilled until after lunch. This style fits nicely in the backpack and can be easily rinsed out should trouble arise. I put two split containers  from Solutions in each lunch bag. This allows you to break up the morning and the afternoon snacks. I like these particular one's because they have the clips to secure its closed to avoid any accidents. If your child enjoys a sandwich then these are a great investment- sandwich wraps.  I like these one's that open up and lay flat because it works as a plate as well.


Last but not least you need a banana guard. If your child likes banana's this is the best way to keep them from bruising AND it can also carry the peel back home if your child is not near a green bin. This avoids finding banana remnants in the backpack from now until eternity.

A couple of notes for you first timers. If your child has trouble with morning vs afternoon snack, put a sticker on the morning one - a sun perhaps, show them how to open and close the containers and the lunch bag and if you're really not confident with your choices, pack your own lunch in it and give it a go.

Finally the best piece of advice I can give you is buy doubles of each container and wrap because really who wants to hand wash AND make lunches at night. Not this girl!

Now as for what goes in the containers...that's a whole other blog....