Eating out with toddlers - some ideas...
Beforehand...
If you want to be able to enjoy eating out as a family, you need plenty practice at home - it's completely unreasonable to expect a toddler or young child who always eats at their own little table watching cartoons on a tablet to suddenly know how to behave at a table in a restaurant.
That said, try to have reasonable expectations and I would say limit your first meal in a restaurant to one course. It's just too hard to expect a toddler to sit through a first and second course, then desert and coffee. This shouldn't really need to be said, but...
If you want to be able to enjoy eating out as a family, you need plenty practice at home - it's completely unreasonable to expect a toddler or young child who always eats at their own little table watching cartoons on a tablet to suddenly know how to behave at a table in a restaurant.
That said, try to have reasonable expectations and I would say limit your first meal in a restaurant to one course. It's just too hard to expect a toddler to sit through a first and second course, then desert and coffee. This shouldn't really need to be said, but...
I'm a huge believer in play as a way for children not just to process things they have experienced, but to prepare for new experiences. You don't need to wait until you feel confident about eating out with your young child - you can begin preparing by playing restaurants at home.
When you do decide that you're ready, it really is worth doing some research at home.
You can find somewhere with a suitable menu and check they have high chairs etc when you make a reservation (most restaurants have high chairs now, but there's no guarantee any restaurant always has enough).
When you do decide that you're ready, it really is worth doing some research at home.
You can find somewhere with a suitable menu and check they have high chairs etc when you make a reservation (most restaurants have high chairs now, but there's no guarantee any restaurant always has enough).
On the day...
Do pack toys - it really is unfair to expect a small child to sit quietly during the process of ordering and waiting for food to arrive. A favourite soft toy is great, but some small-play items like little cars or dollies that can be spread out on the table are a good bet.
I would say please don't bring a device - this should be an opportunity for your child to have some interaction and see how people interact and chat when they eat out together. Toys will not interfere with that but a screen will.
Do pack light snacks - it might feel counterintuitave when you are going out to eat but it will really help if there's any delay with the food, or any issues with what's available.
Don't limit your toddler to the snack you've brought along. Part of the eating out experience is for everyone to be involved. That said, especially on a first or second outing, sticking with something familiar or a treat is wise.
Later outings can be an opportunity for your child to try something new.
Do pack your toddler's utensils, a sippy/non-spill cup and even a bowl or plate (it may be easier to manage than what the restaurant has available). A change of clothes just in case of spills or mess is also a good idea.
Do pack toys - it really is unfair to expect a small child to sit quietly during the process of ordering and waiting for food to arrive. A favourite soft toy is great, but some small-play items like little cars or dollies that can be spread out on the table are a good bet.
I would say please don't bring a device - this should be an opportunity for your child to have some interaction and see how people interact and chat when they eat out together. Toys will not interfere with that but a screen will.
Do pack light snacks - it might feel counterintuitave when you are going out to eat but it will really help if there's any delay with the food, or any issues with what's available.
Don't limit your toddler to the snack you've brought along. Part of the eating out experience is for everyone to be involved. That said, especially on a first or second outing, sticking with something familiar or a treat is wise.
Later outings can be an opportunity for your child to try something new.
Do pack your toddler's utensils, a sippy/non-spill cup and even a bowl or plate (it may be easier to manage than what the restaurant has available). A change of clothes just in case of spills or mess is also a good idea.
At the restaurant
At the table – If your toddler doesn't like being hemmed in, you don't need to put them in the high chair until right before the food arrives, but if they can cope, settle them in and give them their toys. (A child who regularly sit in a high chair at the table for family meals will probably cope quite well).
Ordering - do involve your toddler in making decisions, however limited. I've picked up a great tip from this longer piece (link below) you might like to check out suggesting that you order some extra sides instead of a full meal.
I think this is a fantastic idea. If you are having starters, do ask that your child's meal comes then versus having them wait. Mr Seahorse may need his own portion!
At the table – If your toddler doesn't like being hemmed in, you don't need to put them in the high chair until right before the food arrives, but if they can cope, settle them in and give them their toys. (A child who regularly sit in a high chair at the table for family meals will probably cope quite well).
Ordering - do involve your toddler in making decisions, however limited. I've picked up a great tip from this longer piece (link below) you might like to check out suggesting that you order some extra sides instead of a full meal.
I think this is a fantastic idea. If you are having starters, do ask that your child's meal comes then versus having them wait. Mr Seahorse may need his own portion!
Food refusal - especially if you order something unfamiliar (or if something like frilly lettuce shows up unexpectedly) this is probably not the time to insist your toddler tries it. They are having all sorts of new experiences today, so remove it to a side plate and move on as quickly as possible. (They may even be happy to try it later.)
Thank yous - do encourage your toddler to thank the wait staff. And remember to praise the toddler too - not just for sitting nicely, but for being part of the social occasion.
Thank yous - do encourage your toddler to thank the wait staff. And remember to praise the toddler too - not just for sitting nicely, but for being part of the social occasion.
Links:
Here are some longer pieces you might find useful:
10+ Tips for eating out with toddlers at restaurants
Dining out with a toddler
Here are some longer pieces you might find useful:
10+ Tips for eating out with toddlers at restaurants
Dining out with a toddler