Eating on the Go—How to Enjoy Great Meals Even When You’re Away from Home

Eating at home can be challenging enough with young children—but eating out can feel like a whole new level. New surroundings, new smells, distracting noises, and unfamiliar routines can stress out both kids and adults. But with the right preparation and realistic expectations, meals away from home can be both enjoyable and educational. Read on for tips on mealtime on the go—how to create enjoyable mealtimes even outside the home, whether it’s lunch at Grandma’s, a picnic in the park, or a restaurant visit.

Feeling Secure in New Environments—Start with What’s Familiar

When children find themselves in a new environment, it’s common for both their appetite and their motor skills to be affected. Everything feels new: the chair, the sounds, the lighting, the routines. That’s why it’s a good idea to bring something familiar from home.

A small placemat, a spoon the child recognizes, or a favorite food can provide a sense of security. When the child doesn’t have to adjust to everything new at once, it becomes easier to focus on the food.

Tips on comfort items to bring along:

The child’s own spoon (For example, an ergonomic children’s spoon from I Can Spoon makes it easier for the child to eat on their own in new environments).
A small bib or travel mat.
A lunchbox filled with foods the child already likes.

It’s not about completely recreating the home environment, but about giving the child something to hold on to in this new setting.

Mealtime in the Park—How to Make Spontaneous Meals Work

A picnic basket can be a lifesaver, but the open space can also make a child distracted or restless. To create a sense of calm outdoors, consider small, practical details.

The seating surface is essential—both for stability and security. A child who sits at an angle or on a surface that’s too soft will have a harder time coordinating their movements and may quickly lose focus. Therefore, choose a sturdy blanket or a portable seat cushion.

Serve the food in small portions at a time. Large amounts of food in a picnic bowl can easily end up scattered all over the blanket and overwhelm the child. Small, easy-to-grip pieces served in small portions create a sense of calm and control.

I Can Spoon - A mother and a small child are sitting on a picnic blanket on a green lawn. There’s a picnic basket filled with food on the blanket. Meals on the Go – How to Create Enjoyable Mealtimes Even When You’re Away from Home

Dining Out—How to Avoid Stress Before It Starts

At a restaurant, children are faced with many new things: new people, voices, the clinking of cutlery, and a chair that is often not designed for small children. It’s perfectly natural for a child to want to squirm, stand up, or explore everything.

It’s a good idea to think ahead here .

Three things that make a big difference at a restaurant:

The right timing —go before the child gets too tired or super hungry.
Their Own Utensil – Children eat more and faster when they get to use something they recognize.
A small “starter box” —a few snacks your child can eat right away while you wait for the meal.

This gives the child a chance to settle in, explore, and get into the rhythm before the meal begins in earnest.

Eating at Friends’ and Relatives’ Homes—Give Your Child Time to Get Used to It

When you’re visiting relatives, there’s often a lot going on at once: lots of faces, conversations, noises, new furniture, and—not least of all—everyone wanting to watch the baby eat. It can all be a bit much.

Lower your expectations. Let your child sit on your lap for the first few minutes, look around, and feel safe before you begin. For many children, it helps to let them hold their own spoon while you talk at the table—this creates a natural transition into starting to eat.

From then on, mealtimes are often more peaceful.

I Can Spoon—a photo with a white background showing six “I Can Spoon” spoons lined up in the following colors: light gray, dark gray, light green, light pink, white, and light blue. Meals on the Go—How to Create Enjoyable Mealtimes Even When You’re Away from Home

Frequently Asked Questions About Eating on the Go—How to Enjoy Great Meals Even When You’re Away from Home

What should I do if my child refuses to eat in new dining environments?

It’s common for children to be reluctant to eat in new dining environments. Let your child look around and get familiar with the place before you start. Don’t force them—a sense of security often does more for their appetite than persuasion.

Is it important to bring the child’s own spoon?

Yes, for many children, it’s crucial that they get to use their own spoon. A spoon they’re used to helps their fine motor skills function as usual, even in a new environment.

How can I keep my child from throwing food when we eat out?

One tip to prevent your child from throwing food when you’re eating out is to serve small portions at a time and set aside a clear space for the food. Sometimes throwing food is a sign that your child doesn’t feel secure—so start off calmly and without stress.

What can I do if my child can’t sit steadily outside the home?

Stability is important for motor skills! If your child can’t sit steadily outside the home, one tip is to use a blanket, jacket, or pillow for support. Children always eat better when their bodies don’t have to work as hard.

How much should I prepare before we leave?

Just the right amount is best. Packing a few well-chosen items—like a spoon, a small bib, and a snack—goes a long way. Packing too much can be stressful in itself.