Eating out is truly an adventure these days. With an infant and a toddler in tow, you never know what you’re gonna get. We often ask ourselves before leaving, “Do you feel lucky?” It really is like rolling a pair of die…..What’s it going to be today?
happy infant, grumpy toddler
happy toddler, grumpy infant
….or the kiss of death that usually leaves Mom and Dad with heartburn from eating so fast: grumpy toddler, grumpy infant! (insert gong noise here)
But, as I am learning the ropes as a Mom of two, I have found that the recipe for a happy ending while dining out consist of a few things:
Choose a time after both kids have napped.
Do not dine during peak hours. Long wait times are disastrous!
Ask for the check in advance.
And bring several forms of entertainment!
For the infant, entertainment is easy: a rattle, a teething ring, or a burp cloth.
For the toddler, this has gotten progressively harder as her attention span has gotten shorter. So, I am constantly on the search for restaurant appropriate toys for my 3 year old daughter, Lily.
Eureka! Recently, I found the Disney Princess Enchanted Fashions Magnetic Book and Play Set.
It is basically a magnetic paper doll set with a few scenes in which to place the Princesses. The pieces are contained in a hard cover case with a handle and best of all….it’s QUIET! Lily LOVED it and my husband and I were able to actually CHEW our food! LOL!
Do you have a product that would work in a restaurant setting? What are your favorite finds? Leave me a comment so I can check them out!
What a great blog Bridgette. I think you have something to look forward to as Lily turns 4. My daughter finally enjoys eating out.
B I bring a magna doodle for Alex, and it works great – keeps both him and Glenn occupied. 😉