The ultimate lunchbox guide: Choosing the right bento lunchbox for your kids (ENG)
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- Geplaatst in back to school, bento guide, bentobox, lunchbox, lunchbox guide
Packing a nutritious and appealing lunch for your kids can be a challenge, but the right bento lunchbox can make all the difference. Bento lunchboxes are not only leakproof but also come with various compartments, making them perfect for separating different types of food. Here's your ultimate guide to choosing the right bento lunchbox for your children based on the following criteria:
· kids age
· kids eating preferences
· lunchbox material preferences
· lunch temperature preferences
· and of course budget
1. Age-Appropriate Bento Lunchboxes
Toddlers (Ages 1-3)
Features to look for: Easy-to-open lids, small compartments for finger foods, lightweight.
Recommended materials: BPA-free plastic or silicone (safer for younger children, easier to handle).
Suggestions: Choose a lunchbox with 4-5 small compartments to offer a variety of foods in bite-sized portions.
Lunchboxes: Yumbox Snack, Yumbox Original, Montii Bento 2 en 5, PickBox Bento.
Preschoolers (Ages 3-5)
Features to look for: Sturdy and durable, multiple compartments for variety, fun designs.
Recommended materials: BPA-free plastic, silicone or lightweight stainless steel.
Suggestions: Opt for lunchboxes with 4-6 compartments to encourage a mix of snacks and a main dish.
Lunchboxes: Yumbox Original, Yumbox Panino, Montii Bento 3 en 5, Lekkabox Glamour Box, PickBox Classic, PickBox Bento.
Elementary School Kids (Ages 6-12)
Features to look for: Larger capacity, customizable compartments, easy-to-clean.
Recommended materials: Stainless steel (more durable and eco-friendly) or high-quality BPA-free plastic.
Suggestions: Consider lunchboxes with removable dividers to adjust compartment sizes based on the meal.
Lunchboxes: Yumbox Panino, Yumbox Presto, OmieBox, Montii Bento 3, Lekkabox Glamour, Lekkabox Grande, PickBox Classic, PickBox Bento, Göbe.
Teenagers (Ages 13+)
Features to look for: Sleek design, larger compartments for bigger portions, microwavable options.
Recommended materials: Stainless steel or microwave-safe plastic.
Suggestions: Choose lunchboxes with 3-4 compartments for a main dish and a few sides, with enough space for more substantial meals.
Lunchboxes: Yumbox Tapas, Yumbox Presto, OmieBox UP, Montii Bento Plus, Lekkabox Grande.
2. Eating preferences
Variety lovers
Preference: Enjoys little portions of a lot of different foods.
Features to look for: More compartments, smaller portions.
Suggestions: Bento lunchboxes with 5-6 compartments are ideal. Look for options with leakproof seals to keep different foods separate.
Lunchboxes: Yumbox Original, Montii Bento 5, Lekkabox Grande, Göbe.
Main dish focused
Preference: Prefers a big main dish with a few sides.
Features to look for: Larger main compartment, fewer but bigger side compartments.
Suggestions: Lunchboxes with 2-3 compartments are perfect. Ensure there is one large section for the main dish and a couple of smaller ones for sides and snacks.
Lunchboxes: Yumbox Panino, Montii Bento 3, Montii Bento Plus, Lekkabox Glamour Box, OmieBox.
3. Material preferences
Plastic bento lunchboxes
Pros: Lightweight, often more colorful and fun designs, typically more affordable.
Cons: May not be as durable as stainless steel, some types may not be microwave safe.
Ideal for: Younger children who might struggle with heavier lunchboxes, and parents looking for a variety of designs.
Brands: Yumbox (various models), Montii (various models), Lekkabox Glamour Box, Mepal, A Little Lovely Company.
Stainless steel bento lunchboxes
Pros: Durable, eco-friendly, often have a sleek and modern design, non-toxic.
Cons: Heavier than plastic, usually more expensive, not microwave safe.
Ideal for: Older children and teenagers who need a more robust lunchbox, and parents prioritizing sustainability and durability.
Brands: Lekkabox Bentobox RVS, Lekkabox Grande, Lekkabox Duo (part RVS: Yumbox Presto, OmieBox).
Silicone bento lunchboxes
Pros: Lightweight, flexible, easy to clean, non-toxic, microwave and freezer safe
Cons: May not be as durable as plastic or stainless steel, a bit heavy
Ideal for: Younger children (up to 8 years old) or as snack boxes.
Brands: PickBox Classic, PickBox Bento.
4. Temperature preferences
Warm meals
Preference: Enjoys meals that are warm.
Features to look for: Bento lunchboxes with integrated thermos compartments or standalone thermos containers.
Suggestions: The OmieBox is a great option with its built-in thermos compartment. Alternatively, a high-quality thermos combined with a smaller bento lunchbox for sides works well.
Brands: OmieBox, standalone thermos options (Yumbox, Montii) paired with Yumbox Panino or Montii Bento 3.
Cold or room temperature meals
Preference: Prefers meals that are cold or at room temperature.
Features to look for: Well-insulated compartments to keep food fresh, leakproof seals to prevent spills.
Suggestions: Traditional bento lunchboxes with multiple compartments work perfectly. Look for options with good insulation to maintain freshness throughout the day.
Brands: Yumbox (various models), Montii (various models), Lekkabox (various models).
5. Budget considerations
Premium brand
Brands: Yumbox, OmieBox, Montii, Göbe
Price Range: 30-50+ Euro
Features: High-quality materials, innovative designs, durability, and extensive compartment options.
Mid-range brands
Brands: Pick Plates, Lekkabox
Price Range: 20-40 Euro
Features: Good balance of quality and affordability, varied compartment options, attractive designs.
Budget-friendly brands
Brands: Mepal, A Little Lovely Company
Price Range: 10-25 Euro
Features: Affordable options with practical features, suitable for younger children or as secondary lunchboxes.
Special mention
Brands: Pick Plates
Price Range: 15-25 Euro
Features: Made entirely of silicone, perfect for younger kids (up to 8 years old) or as snack boxes, flexible and easy to clean.
If you have any question please do not hesitate to contact us.
Flamazing greets
FLINGO & Noëmie (Funky Tartines)