Food and travel
Traveling is such a fun and exciting thing to do with our little ones, however, can bring with it stress due to being unsure as to how to navigate food whilst away. Below I have some tips and ideas, based on the type of accommodation you are staying in, and some of my recommendations as to what to take with you.
Traveling by Plane?
Depending on whether you are traveling internationally or domestically, will determine what you can and can’t take on the plane. I would encourage you to check with your respective airline if travelling internationally, but for the most part, baby products are exempt from restrictions.
For toddlers, I have used and found helpful as both a means of filling up their tummy, but also an activity, purchasing a little tackle/craft box like this one here, available in dollar stores, most commonly. Outside of this, some foods you could pack:
6 months +
Yoghurt pouches
Puree pouches
Stewed fruit (be mindful of entering other states/countries with uneaten fruit)
Roasted vegetable sticks
Corn on the cob
Pancakes or veggie fritters
Shredded meat
Chia pudding
9 months +
As above
Squished tinned chickpeas
Pasta tossed in avocado oil to avoid sticking
Cheerios
Some meltable biscuits (cruskits, sao/jatz crackers)
Toddlers
As above
Biscuits/crackers
Cheese slices
Sandwiches or wraps
Bliss balls
Home-made muffins
Dried fruit (18m +)
Recommended Products
If you are staying at an Air BnB, you can actually filter your property search by the child friendly amenities present – highchair, cot, utensils, toys – with many properties having all of the above, which is super handy!
If this isn’t the case, or you’re staying in a hotel, taking along some essentials can be worthwhile to make your life easier
Smocks/bibs – particularly when on the go to hopefully avoid multiple outfit changes
An insulated lunch bag – most hotels and accommodations will have a small freezer to be able to freeze the block
Lunch box
Set of utensils
A booster seat like the Ingenuity if travelling in the car, or a Phil and Teds Lobster if needing to pack down into a suitcase
Reusable food pouch
Drink bottle/cup/straw cup
If taking your pram, I highly recommend seeing if you can purchase a snack tray for on the go
Kitchen Facility Access
If you are staying somewhere self-contained (Air BnB, cabin, apartment etc) below are some easy to prep foods you could have on hand. However, with a fully equipped kitchen, theoretically, you could prep anything you would at home.
Porridge or porridge balls
Weetbix or Weetbix balls
Toast
Eggs
Kofta
Basic burgers/rissoles
Bolognaise
Roasted or steamed veggies
Roast chicken (either cooked in accommodation, or a pre-made one)
Chicken breast/thigh
Fruit
Yoghurt pouches or tubs
Sandwiches or wraps
Sardines or tuna
Squashed tinned chickpeas
Pancakes
Chia pudding
Boiled egg
Eating Out
Eating out can be a little harder to navigate. Try to remember that yes, we want to keep added salt to a minimum, you are likely only away for a short period, so a week or so of increased salt intake will be fine. Sharing your meal with your baby or toddler can be helpful and save money/waste. Some ideas for when eating out:
Burgers (just deconstruct)
Toast
Yoghurt and fruit
Porridge (just ensure no chopped nuts as these are a choking hazard)
Chia pudding
Eggs
Pancakes (just ask to omit fancy toppings)
Roasted or steamed vegetables (off the sides menu)
Grilled fish or meat
Mashed vegetables (off the sides menu)
Pasta dishes
Risotto dishes
Toasted sandwiches
Smoothies
Sushi
Above all – have fun and try not to stress. If the time you are away results in your little one regressing slightly with food, most kids will effortlessly get back on track after a week or so of their usual routine and offerings.