How to Take a Baby or Toddler to a Restaurant

Don't let your family outing turn into a food fight or the quickest meal on record. These strategies can make eating out together fun for everyone.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Baby Bottles
• Booster Seats
• High Chairs
• Baby Food
• Baby Rattles
• Baby Toys

1. Plan to go to a restaurant during your child's normal mealtime.
2. Make a reservation if you have a large party. Often restaurants take reservations for parties of more than six people. If not, ask about the wait. Hungry tummies and long waits do not mix.
3. Inquire about the availability of high chairs and boosters. Take a hint if the restaurant doesn't have high chairs or boosters on hand: This may not be the best place for young kids.
4. Keep a portable booster in your car in case the restaurant has already given out all its high chairs.
5. Change your baby's diaper before entering a restaurant.
6. Try to sit near other families. Other parents tolerate squeals and tantrums much better. Plus, with other kids around, any noise and commotion that occurs at your table may just blend in rather than drawing unwanted attention.
7. Consider sitting outside or near a window to provide distractions for your child and to keep any noise away from the central dining area.
8. Assess the table arrangement. Move out of reach all sharp utensils, breakable plates, glassware and any other objects not safe for young children to handle or hurl.
9. Bring food or a bottle for your child or baby and offer it early in the meal. If ordering food for your child, flag down the waiter soon after sitting down to get food to the table as soon as possible.
10. Provide age-appropriate books and toys for your child to play with while you are eating.
11. Investigate how to place your infant carrier safely on a chair. Some carriers can sit atop a high chair or on a regular chair. Booths work well.
12. Tip big - give some respect to staff who must clean up after your family leaves, including any mess under your baby's seat.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask other families about restaurants geared to kids. Some restaurants have generous chil-dren's menus, pass out balloons or crayons, or sing silly songs for birthdays.
• Save four-star restaurants for nights out with your partner.
• Avoid placing the infant seat on the ground when your baby is sleeping, in case of spilled beverages.