Back-to-School Lunchbox Hacks
Hard to believe that summer is over and your kiddo’s first day of school is rapidly approaching. Whether it is your first day of preschool or kindergarten, or you are a seasoned Mama with lots of back-to-schools under your belt, it’s always helpful to have some great lunchbox hacks. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite lunchtime saves so that you can pack a great, nutritious, and easy lunch for your kid and make it last till it’s time to eat it. Keep reading for our best back-to-school lunchbox hacks and our top mealtime essentials to help with it all!The Freezer is Your Friend
Icepacks can be bulky, annoying to freeze and refreeze, they get dirty, and you can almost be sure that they will get lost at some point during the school year (probably sooner than later!). As such, one of the best back-to-school lunchbox hacks is to take advantage of the freezer as much as possible!
Here is a list of some of the stuff you can keep in the freezer and put in your kid’s lunchbox that will not only be thawed and ready by lunch but that can act as an icepack for the rest of their lunchbox:
- Squeezable yogurt
- Apple sauce cups
- Fruit cups
- Water bottles
- Cups of sauce
Stop the Soggy
Does your kiddo love sandwiches, but you’re afraid they will get super soggy and wet by lunchtime? Here are some tips to stop the soggy and make sure your little one has a fresh sandwich at lunch:
| Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches | Rather than putting peanut butter on one slice of bread and jelly on the other and then putting them together, put a thin layer of peanut butter on both slices of bread. Then, put a coat of jelly on one of the slices and put them together. The peanut butter will act as a barrier to make sure the jelly doesn’t make the sandwich soggy! |
| Butter for the win | On other types of sandwiches, you can put a thin layer of butter on before you add the mayo or mustard. The butter will prevent the other condiments from making the sandwich soggy. |
No More Browning Fruit
Does your child love apples or bananas, but you’re afraid to pre-slice them in their lunchbox because they will turn brown? You’re not alone. Luckily, there are some really awesome lunchbox hacks to stop them from turning brown!
| Lemon juice | A great way to stop apples and bananas from turning brown is to spritz some lemon juice on them. It won’t affect the taste, especially with the apples! |
| Vinegar | Similarly to lemon juice, a spritz of vinegar will help do the trick. |
| Salt water | Mix ½ teaspoon salt with one cup of cool water. Submerge your fruit for a few seconds, then pack them up in the lunchbox. Super easy and super effective! |
| Ground cinnamon | If your little one loves cinnamon, then you are in luck! Coating bananas or apples with a little bit of ground cinnamon is not only delicious but also prevents them from browning. |
The Best Lunch Essentials for School
FLEX&LOCK KIDS FlexBox Set
The best way to pack your kid’s lunch is with the FLEX&LOCK KIDS FlexBox Set!
This lunchbox has huge, deep compartments with plenty of space to fill with all their favorite foods, ensuring their chips won’t get crushed and their sauces won’t spill!
That’s right: It is FULLY LEAKPROOF without the need for a nasty rubber seal.
The inside tray is made of platinum silicone (the highest grade available in silicone), which is naturally antibacterial. It is also microwave, oven, freezer, and dishwasher safe!
Aquaheat Lunchbag
This insulated lunch bag is great for toddlers, big kids, and even adults! It is insulated and keeps food cold or warm for up to 4-5 hours.
It is also lightweight and waterproof, which makes it super easy to clean in case of spills. The handle has a click buckle, so you can hook it on to your stroller, bicycle, purse, or anything in between!
Din Din SMART EZ Grip Spoon & Fork Set with Case
Need utensils that will fit in your child’s lunchbox that come with a case? Say no more!
These utensils are perfect for school-aged kiddos who are ready to transition away from toddler ware to big kid stuff. They are still age-appropriate with an ergonomically designed handle, making it easy for them to hold while still looking like a big kid.
The best part? Keep their dirty utensils away from their backpack or lunch bag with the included case! All items are dishwasher-safe and made of high-quality stainless steel.
Kinderspel Insulated Backpack / Lunchbag
If you’re a toddler mom with a kiddo in daycare, preschool, or kindergarten, you’re going to absolutely love this insulated backpack!
Lunchboxes can be large, bulky, and difficult for toddlers to hold and manage. The Kinderspel Insulated Backpack makes it super easy for them to carry to and from their cubbies!
This bag is completely insulated, so put all of their lunch items right in the main compartment and be comfortable knowing it will stay cool until lunch hour. It has lots of other compartments, too, for all their other needs. Plus, the insulated lining means it is super easy to clean!
For more parenting hacks, lunch tips, and great back-to-school items, head over to Innobaby.com!