If one item on your child’s back-to-school list is a new lunch box, you have probably decided that the reasons for kids to pack a lunch far outweigh the challenges of packing healthy food every day. However, not all lunch boxes are created equal. Just as each child is different, each requires a lunch box that is suitable for his or her age. If the choice of lunch box styles and features seems overwhelming, there are a few ways you can decide which is best for your children, whether they are five or fifteen.
Accessibility
Some studies show that most school students in America have between fifteen and twenty minutes to eat lunch. This means that younger kids should carry lunch boxes that are easy to open, clean, and close again with a minimum amount of fuss. If your child is between the ages of five and ten, then consider a lunch box without zippers and opt for one that has a simple twist-open lock. The quicker your younger children can get to their food, the more time they should have to eat.
Durability
If your child is attending middle school, then you might want to consider a lunch box that is as durable as it is convenient. From getting jostled at the bus stop to tossing their backpacks into the corner when they get to class, as many schools have opted to remove student lockers, your middle schooler’s lunch is probably in serious danger of being crushed if he or she carries it in a plain paper bag. To protect your kids’ food and the interior of their backpacks, choose a lunch box that is made of a material that cannot be crushed and has a sturdy inner compartment.
Size
The size of your child’s lunch bag can be an important factor in choosing one that is appropriate for his or her age. A child of six or seven is not likely to eat the same size lunch as a teenager in high school, and this is something to keep in mind when shopping for Kid’s Lunch Boxes. If your child is older, consider choosing a style that comes with its own water bottle and storage for additional snacks. This gives them more control of their own nutritional needs during the day.
Having additional storage may also be beneficial for your older kids who play sports or stay after school for extracurricular activities. Because many schools have removed vending machines from campuses, your kids may not have the chance to eat a nutritional snack and might have to wait until supper before they eat again. Carrying a lunch box with room for an extra piece of fruit or a turkey and cheese pack can offer your kid a much-needed protein boost until theater club or football practice is over.
There are lunch boxes available to suit every child’s tastes and needs, but because there are so many choices, it can be difficult to know what your kid might need. To make the most informed decision and make it fun for everyone, shop with your kids, ask about their lunch needs, and involve them in the process.