Family Travel Tips: Feeding Kids on the Move

Feeding Kids on the Move

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Health & Safety

Tips for Packing Food

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Healthy Travel Snacks

Snack in Patagonia

Travel is food for the soul. But when traveling with kids, this is not the only food they will ask for. And unless your child is a budding epicurean who takes pleasure in dinning at a French bistro one night and consuming Asian delicacies the next, food is likely to be an issue no matter how far you are traveling from home. The following tips will ensure you are prepared each time they shout, "Mom, I'm hungry".

Before you depart

Research. Why wait until your child is gasping for water after his first bite of a truly Mexican taco to discover that Mexican food is spicy or you are seated in the restaurant of your all-inclusive luxury resort to find they do not have a children's menu.
Introduce your destination's food to your children before you depart. Kids may be more willing to try empanadas at the Argentine restaurant in your neighborhood than in a completely unfamiliar Buenos Aires.
Make sure your itinerary includes breaks at times when your children are likely to be hungry and in locations where food is readily available.

What to pack

Healthy snacks from home will help kids adapt. Select individually wrapped easy to carry items such as juice, cereal, instant soup, and crackers.
Avoid spills and store leftovers. Carry food and drinks in Ziploc bags and hermetically sealed boxes.
Bring enough formula or baby food for the entire length of your stay.

On the road

Carry water at all times.
Keep to their schedule even on buses, trains and planes. Pre-packed sandwiches will tide them over until the meal service is available.
Chewing gum will do more than boost blood sugar. If chewed during take-off and landing, it may reduce any discomfort resulting from a change in cabin pressure.

At your destination

Cooking may reduce mealtime drama. Try self-catering accommodation instead of a standard hotel.
Avoid health problems. Eat at authorized restaurants, wash your hands before eating, drink bottled water, order cooked vegetables, wash or peel fruit and inquire about ingredients and cooking methods. Particular attention is warranted if you are traveling to a developing country or venturing into a remote area.
A family vacation may not be the best time to try that hip new restaurant everyone is talking about. Engage a baby or child sitting service if you do not want to miss out.
Balance food they like with food they need. Select simple and healthy food from restaurant menus.

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