tips for dining out?

cjsbdl · October 2010

Eating in a restaurant is becoming increasingly difficult with H. He doesn't want to sit still for more than 10 mins, he throw his food on the floor, he squeals at the diners seated around us. Honestly, it's a bit of a nightmare.

But I really don't want this to stop us from going out--we really enjoy going out to dinner about once a week.

Any tips for dining out with a 12-18 month old? We do carry toys, and he will always play with my keys, but these things only keep him occupied for a few minutes.

laura&dan05 · October 2010

I hear ya about going out at least once a week (if not more). We like eating out and it's not something we want to give up but we do make sure we're picking kid friendly (loud) places. H likes to use crayons. We introduced them around 12 months and she would mostly put them in her mouth but she's finally getting the hang of it and putting them in her mouth less. Coloring entertains her for a few minutes. She doesn't have much interest in toys when we're at a restaurant so I don't usually bring any but I do bring a few books. As soon as we sit down I need to get her a drink and something to eat (crackers or bread usually work). She's fine as long as she's eating but she really likes food:) She likes the kids cups with a straw and she puts it down in the high chair seat and wants to drink from it all by herself (we just check to make sure the cup isn't tipping over). If she's really not doing well one of us will get up and walk around with her until the food comes.

GypsyEsq · October 2010

Increasingly difficult things to eat is our trick LOL -- seriously. We get a plate of rice or beans. IMMEDIATELY. Then we order our drinks, dinner, and we all eat. When A is done we get something else for her...ice cream in a small cup is usually a good trick. It means we have to eat quickly. NO resting at dinner. But we do get out. It's nice.

LucyPevensie · October 2010

We order his food and tell them to bring it out as soon as possible ... we have cheerios and things for him to nibble on initially ... we eat out with the "early" crowd - less crowded in the restaurant and everyone seems more tolerant of our toddler between 5 and 6pm-ish.

crystalgirl · October 2010

Pretty much bits and pieces of what others have said... We order his food and drink immediately and entertain him with toys and/or crayons before it comes. We bust out snacks if that's not working. We choose places that are noisy and seat him in spots where he can see something interesting -- i.e. there is a place we like on the lake where he can watch boats out the window; other places have a fountain or motorcycle or something else of interest in his view; etc. Also, for us, we only take him out of the high chair as a last resort. Once he's out, he'll throw a fit about going back in, and he does NOT sit still enough to transition to a booster at this point.

desabean · October 2010

I definitely make sure G is going to be hungry...and then timing is key. I will sometimes order her meal first (if I don't have something for her to eat/snack on with me already) If she isn't hungry than there is no way it is going to work for us. If she is hungry and will eat for most of the time we are eating it decreases the amount of entertaining that she needs and makes it go much more smoothly....but sometimes one of us needs to just get up and walk around with her for a while to help her get the sillies out .....ugh, ok, maybe I'm watching too much yo gabba gabba.

Good luck. Eating out is very important to us too but we've definitely had to amend our list of usual spots ; )

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