? If you have school age kids - lunch box

CantWait2Be

Should I keep the cute metal princess lunch box I found or find another of the soft sided insulated kind? If I keep the metal, how do you recommend I keep items cold so they don't become unsafe? If I get another soft side, how do you recommend I clean it when the thermos of milk leaks all over and it can't be submerged in water?

Ooglybear

I can't really answer those questions. We have plastic laptoplunches boxes. They are great, IMO.

mesr

we use soft-sided and throw it in the washing machine when it gets dirty.  i try not to send foods that will spoil by lunchtime if they aren't in the fridge.  although i do think dd1's preschool keeps the lunches cool  if you're worried, you could use an ice pack

CantWait2Be

I do use an ice pack.  The school does not take any steps to keep lunches brought from home cool.  I originally thought I"d want metal or plastic like we used to have back in the day because it'd be easier to clean out, but now I"m not sure if an ice pack in one of those will keep food at safe temp or if I should return what I bought and get a new soft side.  My daughter's thermos leaks milk all over in the lunch box sometimes which is why I initially though this time maybe not doing the soft side.

hajski

We use the built bag with a 3 spot ziploc dish (think bento style) and an ice pack.  I buy the individual Horizon organic chocolate milks or the Kirkland brand from Costco.  They never leak because they open like a juice box.  

casirdms

I use a soft side insulated (Children's Place brand) we put her sandwich or wrap, cheese cubes, grapes or chips, go-gurt, etc in the 3 slot Ziploc container (bento style) and a juice box. If I have the gogurt and cheese I use just a simple ice pack. She eats lunch at 11:30 and it keeps it cold that long fine.

 

CantWait2Be

Can you post a link to this zip loc container you guys are referring to? Thanks for the suggestions.