Best daycare lunch box | Tiny Bites, Big Delights

Being a parent you want to make sure your child get to eat healthy and delicious meal everyday at daycare, but you also don’t want to deal with a mess.

Insulated lunch boxes and bento boxes are two popular options for packing daycare lunch. Insulated lunch boxes are a good choice for preventing leaks and spills, while bento boxes offer more space for food variety.

But how can you be sure that your lunch box will actually work as advertised?

This guide covers detailed information regarding the best daycare lunch box, including:

• Expert advice on what to consider when selecting a lunch box.
• Our testing process, and top choices for different types of lunch boxes.

Keep reading to make a confident shopping decision.

Why You Can Trust Us

We are not casual bloggers, writing about lunch boxes without any serious thought or purpose.

We are a dedicated team of researchers, writers, and parents who focus on addressing daycare-related issues and concerns for both parents and service providers.

It isn’t easy to pack healthy and yummy snacks for kids every day. We also know how frustrating it is to deal with lunch boxes that are hard to clean, easy to break, prone to spills, or simply boring to look at.

That’s why we decided to do something about it.

We spent several hours researching lunch boxes for toddlers, comparing their features, prices, sizes, designs, and customer reviews. Additionally, we thoroughly looked into the opinions of experts such as pediatricians, nutritionists, and teachers on what qualities make a good lunch box for kids.

How We Tested

We tested each lunch box before picking it as the best daycare lunch box based on the following criteria:

1. Care and Maintenance

How easy is it to clean and store the lunch box? Is it dishwasher-safe, machine-washable or wipeable? Does it have any parts that can break or get lost?

2. Price

How much does the lunch box cost? Is it worth the money? Does it offer good value for the quality and features?

3. Usability

How convenient is it to use the lunch box? Does the material contain any toxic chemicals? Is it easy to open and close for toddlers? Does it have enough compartments or containers to fit different types of food? Does it come with any accessories, such as utensils, ice packs, or stickers?

4. Durability

How sturdy is the lunch box? Is it made of high-quality materials that can withstand drops, bumps, and spills? Does it have any warranty or guarantee?

What to Look for in a Lunch Box

Choosing the right lunch box depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider when looking for a lunch box:

Size and Capacity

Consider how much food you typically bring for lunch. Make sure the lunch box has enough capacity to accommodate your meal, snacks, and any additional items.

Insulation

If you need to keep your food hot or cold, look for a lunch box with insulation. Insulated lunch boxes help maintain the temperature of your food, preventing it from spoiling or getting too cold.

Material

Lunch boxes come in various materials, including plastic, metal, fabric, and more. Choose a material that suits your preferences in terms of durability, ease of cleaning, and whether it’s free from harmful chemicals.

Compartments and Dividers

If you prefer to keep different types of food separate, look for a lunch box with compartments or dividers. This can help prevent your food from mixing and maintain its freshness.

Ease of Cleaning

Consider how easy the lunch box is to clean. Some materials and designs are more dishwasher-friendly, while others may need to be hand-washed.

Leak-Proof and Spill-Proof

If you plan to carry liquids like soups or dressings, make sure the lunch box is leak-proof or spill-proof to prevent messes inside your bag.

Closure Mechanism

Check the closure mechanism of the lunch box. Some have zippers, while others have clasps or snaps. Choose one that is secure and easy for you to open and close.

Portability

Consider how easy it is to carry the lunch box. Look for features like handles, shoulder straps, or the ability to fit into your bag comfortably.

Microwave and Freezer Compatibility

If you plan to heat or freeze your meals, ensure that the lunch box is microwave and freezer-safe. Check if any included containers or compartments are safe for these purposes as well.

Durability

Invest in a lunch box that is durable and can withstand daily use. This is especially important if you carry it in a backpack with other items.

Style and Design

Choose a lunch box that fits your personal style. There are various designs, colors, and patterns available to suit different preferences.

Brand Reputation and Reviews

Research the reputation of the brand and read reviews from other users. This can give you insights into the quality and performance of the lunch box.

By considering these factors, you can find a lunch box that meets your specific needs and enhances your overall lunchtime experience.

Our Top 6 Picks

Based on our testing criteria, we selected the following products as our top picks for different categories of toddler lunch boxes:

1. Best Insulated Toddler Lunch Box

Our Pick: Insulated Daycare Lunch Bag

This classic lunch bag from Hydro Flask is one of the best-insulated lunch bags for toddlers.

This lunch bag has a sturdy yet flexible handle that fits small hands.

What makes it special are the two layers of insulation to keep food chilled or hot for hours.

Why we love it:

• Easy to clean, fully lined interior
• Available in various vibrant colors
• BPA-Free material
• Sturdy and roomy enough.
• Interior Band to hold ice-pack

What could be better:

• Has a zipper opening which can be difficult for toddlers to deal with.
• The size is similar to that of a small backpack for a toddler.
• Slightly heavy for a toddler to carry comfortably.

You might also want to read: How to Send Oatmeal to Daycare?

2. Best Bento Toddler Lunch Box

Our pick: Bentgo Kids Brights Leak-Proof Lunch Box

If you’re looking for a great bento lunch box for toddlers, consider the Bentgo Boxes.

They’re highly regarded for their kid-friendly design.

This purchase would solve your lunch box problem by providing options for a variety of food items such as sandwiches, salads, fruits, and dips.

Why we love it:

• 5 Spill and leak-proof compartments
• Microwave-safe and dishwasher-safe removable tray.
• Ideal portion size for toddlers.
• BPA-free material.
• Available in four bright colors that your little one will surely love.

What could be better:

• If the lunch box is not washed within a day in hot temperatures, silicone seals can develop mold.
• 2 customers have reported that it can only last leak-proof for a year.

3. Best Stainless Steel Lunch Box

Our pick: PlanetBox Rover Stainless Steel Lunch Box

If you want a durable and eco-friendly lunch box for your toddler, you can’t go wrong with this stainless steel option from PlanetBox.

This lunch box has five compartments that can hold various foods without mixing them up. It also has two dipper containers with silicone lids perfect for sauces, dressings or yogurt. It comes with a magnet set that you can use to decorate the lid with different themes. You can also buy a matching carry bag with an insulated pocket.

Why we love it:

• Durable and eco-friendly
• Easy to pack and handle
• Lead, PVC, and BPA material free.
• Easy to clean. Just be mindful of magnets.
• 2 leak-proof containers, 2 big and small round dippers.

What could be better:

• Expensive
• All compartments are not leak or spill-proof
• Not microwave-safe
• Not ideal for thick sandwiches
• If the lunch box falls by mistake, the clip on the Rover does not stay closed.
• Could be heavy for a toddler to carry

4. Best Freezable Toddler Lunch Box

Our pick: PackIt Freezable Snack Box

This freezable snack Box incorporates Eco-Freeze technology, which consists of a gel that can be frozen and is integrated into the walls of the snack box.

With the ability to be frozen and reused, it is an ideal product for frozen daycare snacks.

To keep your food chilled until lunchtime, simply freeze the entire lunch box overnight and fill it with food in the morning.

Why we love it:

• Eco-friendly freezable gel liners
• A small size that can easily fit in a diaper bag
• Easy zipper opening
• Affordable price, just $17.99

What could be better:

• It would occupy freezer space.
• Could develop condensation outside and wet other things in the diaper bag.
• According to one user, the bag stayed cool for a few hours only.

5. Best Toddler Food Jar

Our pick: Thermos Funtainer Food Jar

This food jar is an excellent choice for sending hot soups, stews, or pasta dishes to daycare. It has double-wall vacuum insulation that can maintain the food’s temperature for up to five hours or keep it cold for up to seven hours. Additionally, it features a wide mouth which makes it simple to fill, eat from, and clean.

Why we love it:

• Double-wall vacuum insulation
• Temperature retention is up to 7 hours for cold food and 5 hours for hot snacks
• A wide mouth makes it easy to clean and use
• Multiple colors available
• The perfect serving size for a toddler
• Durable due to stainless steal material

You might also want to read: Daycare Hot Lunch Ideas

What could be better:

• Stickers on the outside are likely to come off if washed often.
• Stainless steel makes it prone to dents
• Could leak if not closed properly

6. Best Toddler Lunch Box Set

Our pick: Insulated Bento Lunch Box Set

This lunch box set is our top choice for daycare toddlers and for all the right reasons.

Why?

The set includes reusable utensils with a case, a thermos for hot, cold, liquid, and semi-liquid food, and a leak-proof silicone container that fits tightly.

Furthermore, this lunch box is not only functional but also visually pleasing. It is absolutely adorable!

Why we love it:

• Removable thermos container
• Using silicon containers makes it easy to fit them snugly in a lunch box
• Reusable utensils pack add-on
• Spacious and leak-proof
• Easy to clean, carry and use
• It is cute, kids would love it

What could be better:

• The only drawback it could have is overall insulation time. But it can get sorted by keeping the temperature slightly warmer than usual.

Our Favorite Lunch-Packing Gear

If you are still trying to decide which lunch box to choose, you have the option of creating a custom lunch box set as well. Here’s how!

1. Reusable Sandwich Bags

Pick a good quality, reusable sandwich bag or container that is eco-friendly, leak-proof, and can be easily washed. You can also add a colorful design to make it unique.

2. Insulated Lunch Bags

Choose an insulated lunch bag with optimal height and enough space to contain multiple containers. Also, pick one with an easy-to-wipe inner lining to avoid stubborn spill spots.

3. Easy-to-clean containers

When choosing containers for kids, it’s important to select ones that are easy to open and close, as well as safe and easy to clean. Consider opting for containers made of silicone, as they are leak-proof and microwave-friendly.

4. Cutlery Set

Choose a cutlery set that is durable, easy to use by toddlers, and comes with a portable case. A stainless steel set is always a good choice as it can easily be washed and reused for many years.

5. Cookie Cutters

This one won’t really go into your toddler’s lunch box, but it will help you prepare appealing snacks for the lunch box. Try using cookie cutters to shape vegetables, fruits, sandwiches, and cookies into fun and interesting shapes each day without effort.

You Might Also Like to Read: Lunch Ideas for Daycare

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best lunchbox toddler?

The best lunchbox for toddlers is one that is made of durable materials, comes with insulated walls to keep food warm or cold, and includes a wide range of accessories like utensils and containers. Examples include the Thermos Food Jar for hot and cold foods, Insulated Bento Boxes, and Insulated Sandwich Bags.

Which company is best for lunch boxes?

There are many companies that offer quality and reliable lunch boxes for toddlers, such as Thermos, OXO Tot, Hydro Flask, Omie Box, and Bentgo. Each company offers different designs and features, so it is important to research each one carefully before making a purchase.

Are lunch boxes safe for toddlers?

Yes, lunch boxes are generally safe for toddlers. Just make sure the containers and utensils are not made of toxic materials and can be washed easily and safely without any harsh chemicals.

Do preschoolers need a lunch box?

Yes, preschoolers need a lunch box. A lunch box is essential for them to transport their meals and snacks in a safe and secure manner. Plus, having a fun and colorful lunch box can often encourage healthy eating habits among young children.

Conclusion

A good lunch box for toddlers is a must-have item. Not only will it keep their food fresh and secure, but the fun designs can also make eating exciting.

When selecting a lunchbox set, make sure to think about factors such as how long it keeps things warm or cold, how sturdy it is, whether it’s made of safe material, and how easy it is to clean.

With the right gear, you’ll be able to pack healthy lunches every day without worry.

And that’s all there is to know about choosing the best lunchbox set for toddlers!