Parents Guide to Kid-Friendly Lunch Boxes and Bags

Play it safe this new school year by learning your options for packing your child’s cold lunch with this parents guide to kid friendly lunch boxes and bags.

A Parents Guide to Kid Friendly Lunch Boxes and Bags

When you think of kid-friendly lunch boxes, you might think of the iconic school bus lunch box or traditional dark blue vinyl lunch bag that you or your friends brought to school.

But times have changed and now there are so many different options to choose from. So which one is right for your child?

The answer isn’t so simple. Today with the advent of newer materials and BPA-free options, the sky’s the limit when it comes to choosing the lunchboxes for your child’s cold lunch.

In fact, a while back, Better Homes and Gardens conducted an extensive study on lunch boxes in order to help parents discern which one or kind {bag or box} was the best.

The results were inconclusive. The reason? There isn’t a “perfect” solution to keep food absolutely cold or hot.

But that being said, what is known is that the single greatest variable to keeping cold lunch safe is dependent upon how well the food is packed.

Still not sure what lunchbox or bag to choose?

Here are some guidelines to choosing the best lunchbox or bag for your family:

1. Soft, Metal or Plastic – Lunchboxes and Bags

Whether you choose a soft, metal, or plastic lunch box or bag each option comes with its own pros and cons:

Soft Bag

Pros: Cloth lunch bags are easy to fill and “squish” into kid’s backpacks.

Cons: Cloth bags for the most part, do not keep foods cold or hot very well.

Solution: If you do choose this option, nestle the food with an ice pack (or two). It’s definitely not the most efficient way to keep foods cold but it is doable.  But, if your child loves soup or stew, then a thermos in a bag is probably your best bet.

Metal/Stainless Steel Lunch Box

Pros: Food grade stainless steel can stand up to the hot/cold and acidic aspects of food from tomato sauce to chicken soup, especially if it is a thermos product. Sandwiches and fruit stay cool longer with an ice pack, if it is a lunch box.

Cons: Metal cannot take corrosive foodstuff, stainless steel can. So if you see any rust in your child’s lunch box, discard it, because rust doesn’t equate well with food and vise versa.

Solution: Choose “food grade” stainless steel whenever possible.

Plastic Lunch Box

Pros: Easy to clean and comes in many different colors and patterns. Some boxes are more “insulated” than others. Overall, this is definitely a kid-friendly choice.

Cons: Depending upon the durability, plastic can get chipped or cracked if dropped. And, be aware that not all plastic is good for holding or storing food. Some even contain lead, phthalates or BPA–all of which are bad for ingestion and your child’s overall health.

Solution: Purchase plastic that is “free” from all contaminants, in other words: BPA and phthalates-free.

Thermos Foogo Review – Get It or Forget It– Amy {Video}

2. Easy to Clean

Regardless of whatever kind of lunch box you choose, make sure that it is easy to clean. Food poisoning happens not only by inadequate cooling and heating but also by inadequate cleaning.

So long as you can either wash the lunchbox by hand in hot soapy water, the wash machine (soft-sided lunch bags) or the dishwasher, you are assured for the most part of keeping germs and bacteria at bay.

Also, make sure that you give your child’s lunch box or bag ample time to dry completely. Air drying is preferred over “dish toweled-dry.”

Tip: Because mold and mildew love dark and damp places love dark, damp places, always allow your child’s lunch box or bag to completely dry before reusing.

3. Hot or Cold Food

When choosing the right lunchbox or bag, you’ll need to consider whether you’ll be sending them with hot or cold food. It is true that many lunch boxes are made to handle BOTH hot and cold items, but on average, they do better with one over the other.

The solution? Choose a hybrid approach by using a thermos product for food that absolutely must stay super hot or super cold. And, then use an ice pack for the bag or box of your choice.

When looking at thermoses, choose one that is well insulated and has a large opening for easy cleaning and easy access to the soups and stews you packed. (View the Thermos Foogo review above).

Tip: Make sure not to place something that needs to be kept warm or kept cold next to its opposite. You will only end up causing the food to spoil.

Recommended Products: Kid-Friendly Lunchbox and Bag Ideas

1. Disney Frozen Embossed Tin Lunch Box

These Disney Frozen-inspired tin lunch boxes are roomy enough to pack a small thermos, sandwich and sides.

2. Disney Frozen Tight Lunch Box

This Disney Frozen Tight Lunch Box is another great pick but more compact and perfect for basic lunches. It’s got space for a slim small ice pack (see Cool Coolers, below).

3. LunchSkins Reusable Sandwich and Snack Bags

If you detest the thought of having to break out those plastic bags, knowing that you’re filling the landfills with something that might take decades or longer to break down or worried about BPA’s, try LunchSkins Reusable Sandwich and Snack Bags.

With these reusable skins, you can fill sandwiches and snacks with ease, because you truly are doing something for the environment. Plus, if you look closely, there is a place for your child’s name. You can even create an iron-on patch to brighten your child’s sandwich bag. Buy a bunch and use them at home. Eco-friendly isn’t just for lunches, you know!

4. Thermos Foogo Leak-Proof Stainless Steel Food Jar

If you didn’t see the review video (above) included in this post for Thermos Foogo, check it out. This stainless steel food jar is perfect for hot or cold foods and drinks. You can dress the food up from soups, stews, gazpacho or homemade lemonade. And, why limit it to kids? If you travel or work out of the home, you too can benefit from bringing homemade food. And, besides, this product is made by Thermos, so you know you are getting quality.

5. LunchBots Uno Stainless Steel Food Container

What can you put in a LunchBots? You can put bento boxes/stainless steel containers (below) or even Lunch Skins (above). Add an ice pack and you’re all set for a safe lunch.

6. MIRA Stainless Steel Container Set (3)

These MIRA containers are easy open, easy clean, easy store. Did I say easy? Include them in a lunch bag or Bento box and your child is set for lunch or snack time.

7. Kids Konserve Caterpillar Go Wild Waste-Free Lunch Kit

Kids Konserve offers a plethora of lunch time options and their Lunch Kit is no different. If packing a cold lunch, be sure to include a Kids Konserve Ice Pack with Sweat Cover.

What I love about this Kid Konserve Ice Pack is that it’s not only BPA-free, it also comes with a cover that keeps the drips off of food. That comes in really handy when you are packing for both snack and lunch.

Tip: Bring along a couple of Kid Konserve Ice Packs to your child’s next soccer or field hockey game. Now that’s cool!

8. Thermos Dual Compartment Lunch Kit, variety of Characters

Fight food spoilage with these fantastic dual compartment lunch kits from Thermos. From Skylanders to My Little Pony, from Spiderman and the Transformers to Minions, to yes, even the Peanuts and Mickey Mouse, it’s cold lunch with a fun twist. Inside is roomy and outside logo-perfect.

9. Thermos Soft Lunch Kits

This Olaf Thermos Soft Lunch Kit and accessories {Thermos Funtainer and Food Jar} are not only roomy but are made to keep your child’s lunches hot or cold. And, being made by Thermos, you know it is made well. Also, check out these super fan favorites.

10. Dabbawalla Bags

Who says a lunch bag has to look tacky? Not if you have a neoprene bag like this Dabbawalla Monkey See, Monkey Do Bag! It is made from the same material as the insulated scuba diver outfits. This bag is easily cleaned. Just add a couple of Cool Coolers Ice Packs and your child is set to go.

11. Stephen Joseph Lunch Box

This lovely Stephen Joseph Fox Lunch Box will certain keep any meal cool. Great stitching for long wear and tear. Lots of other characters and designs to choose from. Parent-rated AAA

And, for more great back to school ideas, be sure to check out this article: 

Tips to Beat the Back-to-School Blues

Ways to Save on Back to School Supplies

Ways to Get Ready for Your Childs First Day of School