Tips for Eating Out with Kids

Eating out is usually a great treat for the whole family. Mummy gets to rest from cooking while the whole family get to enjoy good food.

But since we have kids, we always have to think on how to get them occupy at the dining table. Of course we do not want them, especially Balqis, to run around the restaurant. And Bilal would be easily bored sitting at the table for too long since he's in the exploring phase. 

And we have no (or very little time) smart phone policy for the kids, hence we have to be creative and think of other ways to keep them busy and comfortable at the same time. So we can have our meals happily, too! LOL.



So, here's some tips that we usually do when eating out with the kids.

1. Choose a kids-friendly cafe/restaurant

When in Kuala Lumpur, you can easily find a kids-friendly cafe with indoor playground for kids to play. But in Penang, you'd be lucky if you can even find a cafe with a tiny corner for kids to play or at least they have some kids toys for your kids to play with. But what is more important is that they provide baby chair, kids plate and cutleries and restroom is near-by.

Kids-friendly cafe with kids menu is a better option. Especially if they serve baby food. If not, you might want to prepare a home-cooked meal for your infant. Remember, no salt no sugar before 2 years old, okay.

2. Take a corner table

Ask to sit away from any other guests if you can. You won't feel as bad if you baby starts to fuss, and it will give you some privacy if you need to nurse your baby.

3. Put your handphones away. Communicate.

This is very important. Not only when eating out, practise this at home as well. Meal time is family time. Don't let yourself be engaged with phones at the table that you do not interact with your kids. Asked your kid to tell you their stories. Believe me, kids are great story-tellers.

Eating out is also an excellent opportunity to teach kids good manners and how to behave in public. So keep the conversation positive, teach them how to place order and eat like grown-ups. Eventually they will become adults that can order and eat a wide variety of foods and enjoy a meal out with family and friends!

4. Bring small picture books, colour pencils, blocks or any of their fave toys

We always bring at least one of these in the bag. These will surely keep our kids busy without gadgets. Balqis can sit and wait patiently the food if she got her hands some colour pencil and a piece of paper.


Creative Balqis - learning shapes with colour pencil! Killing two birds with one stone.


Cheap blocks. Kalau tercicir pun Mummy tak kisah sangat lol.

As for Bilal, currently what can keep him busy is a piece of napkin. He will wipe the table again and again happily. -___-"

But Moms & Dads, please leave all the tablet and phone away.

5. Bring their favourite feeding and drinking set

Bilal got one set of the OXO Tot feeding and drinking set. There are a few of them which is OXO Tot Training Plate with Removable Ring, OXO Tot Flippy™ Snack Cup with Travel Cover, OXO Tot Transitions Straw Cup and OXO Tot Cutlery Set For Big Kids.

But the two things that we never go out without are the OXO Tot Flippy™ Snack Cup with Travel Cover and the Transitions Straw Cup.

The OXO Tot Flippy™ Snack Cup's soft, flexible opening gives kids easy access to their snacks, yet keeps even small snacks off the floor. The twist-on lid stays secure when the Flippy™ Snack Cup is dropped, and the non-slip handle is shaped for tots. Includes a solid snap-on cover to keep snacks fresh and secure. 

The OXO Tot Transition Straw Cup’s almond-shaped, spill-proof straw conforms to tot’s mouth and minimizes mess, easing the transition from bottle, breast feeding, or sippy cup. The straw valve opens as soon as tot’s lips touch spout for easy drinking, and the hinged cap closes to create a leakproof seal. The cap and straw are removable for easy, thorough cleaning.

Having his favourite feeding and drinking set, he will sit there and eat peacefully (at least most of the time if not all lol).

6. Relax.

If your kids do act up in the restaurant, do your best to calm them down, but don't let it ruin the outing. Chances are almost everyone in the place has been in your situation at one time or another.

If fussiness does turn into a full-blown meltdown, you or your spouse can take your kid outside for a break. Sometimes a simple change of scenery does the trick.

Have any other tips?
Share with us too!