Tips for Packing Daycare Lunches for Kids
Posted on: 27 February 2015
Kids grow up so fast, and you may find your child ready for nursery before you know it. If you don't have an in-home day care and the nursery that you're sending your child to doesn't provides meals, then you need to pack their lunches, like those made by Hearty Health, for them. Here are some tips to help you through the ordeal. It gets really easy afterwards.
Use an ice-pack.
If the facility you're taking your kid doesn't offer refrigeration, then your best option would be to pack foods that your child loves taking cold. This can be some yoghurt or sliced up apples and you can use an icepack can keep them conveniently cool. Using an icepack also helps in scenarios where the nursery doesn't warm food for the kids. Another alternative would be to use a thermos or container that keeps the food warm.
Package ready-made food.
When packing your child's meal, ensure you pack it in a ready to eat condition. Don't assume someone is going to remove the orange peels for your kid or that your child can cut up the apple. Make small easily chewable pieces that won't choke your child.
Temperature is important.
In packaging your kid's lunch you need to pack the meal when it is at its peak temperature. If you are giving them warm soup, ensure that it is as hot as possible before you give it to your child. Don't laze around while the soup cools down. For cold meals like sandwiches, keep them in the refrigerator till your kid is out the door. If you don't have an icepack or cooler, you can freeze drinks overnight and then pack them up in the morning.
Protect fragile fruit.
Some fruits like apples are tough and can hold up when turned and tossed in the container. However, other fruits are prone to piercing and smashing when your kid gets too playful along the way. This makes the meal lose its appetising look. Wrap nectaries, or peaches in paper towels or napkins before placing them in your child's lunchbox.
Pack healthy options.
Kids need their nutrients so ensure that your meal is nutritionally loaded. Include a grain, fruit, protein and a vegetable in the lunchbox. Bread and waffles are good sources of grains. As for veggies, you can use fresh or cooked ones depending on your kid's preferences. Eggs, cheese and meat are good sources of protein for your child.
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