Tip Tuesday: Eating Out!

We were gone again this last weekend to visit family. When we do go north it seems like we eat out at a lot of restaurants. On certain occasions, eating out seems like a chore with a toddler... Wipe down the high chair, wipe our hands, stick the place mat down, get out the Sippy cup, and dig out the fork and spoon. No wonder my purse/diaper bag is heavy! To say the least though, having these items allows easy dining without all the fuss.

Even though it seems like a chore to get seated at a restaurant, having the tools of the trade help make for a more smooth and enjoyable meal out with the family.

What do you need when you go out to eat in a public setting?

• Place mats - We like to use a disposable, adhesive place mat for the table since we still make a mess and eat off the table at times. You can also purchase chalk place mats for doodling and ones that can be taken home to wash.
  
• Cutlery - We always carry a spare fork and spoon since most places have very large utensils that are not conducive for kids' hands.
  
• Bib - Often times we have a plastic bib in our bag. For those times we do not, we use clips to tie on a napkin or washcloth. You can also tie each end of a shoelace to mini binder clips with a napkin for a bib as well. These tuck well in your bag.
• Cup - Most times we bring along a cup from home just in case the establishment does not have sealed cups. Also, we store straws in our bag for those just in case times.
• Wipes - We use sanitizer wipes to clean down the high chair as most places do not clean them between uses. Then we use baby wipes to wash our hands, eliminating germs.
• Travel High Chair - Keep a travel booster seat in your trunk for those places you may need to use it when others are being used or smaller kids need them.
  

Other tools of the trade that come in handy at times include the following:

• Disposable pads to change diapers on.
• Small, durable, and washable toys for play during long waits.
• Hand sanitizer for mom's hands.
• Snack to help pass the time.
• Disposable bags for dirty diapers, clothes, or toys.
• Extra change of clothes for spills.
  

So the next time you go into a restaurant, lessen the out-to-eat mayhem by adding these items to your bag! And enjoy your meal for a change!