Restaurant Survival Gear, Kid-Style
Let's just say this up front: I've never bought a box of Bibsters. And Baby A has the stained shirts to prove it. So so so many times, we've decided on a whim to eat out and been caught unprepared. (I'm sort of anti–diaper bag, but that's a different post.)
Each time I've reached for a box of Bibsters, though, I see the price and think, "Pfahhh, we can just stick a napkin in her shirt collar. Besides, she's getting neater all the time."
Then, once again, it's OxiClean to the rescue.
So while I was doing some kid laundry today I started thinking about restaurant survival gear. We've definitely got some favorites that help make meals easier, both out and at home. I'm wondering—what are your can't-live-without items?
We have liked:
• Bumkins bibs. Waterproof, ultra-thin and -soft, but totally heavy duty, these bibs have velcro closures and a great catch-all pocket at the bottom. My favorite part is they rinse easily, wring practically dry, and are ready to go again in minutes. How cute is this doggie-bag-style gift set?
Moving on to...
• Easy-grip spoons from Sassy with holes that actually make food stay on better. (Behold the power of surface tension!) These are designed for younger babies who are just learning to self-feed, but I've kept them through Baby A's NO-I-do-it-mySELF!! phase...which is ongoing.
• The grab-bag. Here's what I do: Find a couple of small zippered bags, maybe at a thrift store or in the dollar aisle at Target. Cosmetics bags work great, like the ones the free gift sets from Clinique come in. Grab one and stuff it with a small book, a couple of toy people from a set, and whatever other small toys within reach. Baby A loves to unzip the bag and "discover" what's inside, one piece at a time.
Granted, this works better for the toddler and preschool set. All I know is it helps Baby A sit still for a few minutes, and that's a feat.
• Crayons and paper. Or, in a pinch, just crayons...and a paper napkin. I make sure to have at least two jumbo-grip washable crayons in my purse at all times.
How about you? What supplies are indispensable, even when the forks and spoons are disposable? Shoot me a comment and let me know. Help us all be better armed!