Starting kindy or daycare is a big step – for your child and for you. One of the first things on the shopping list is a lunch box. But with so many options out there, how do you choose one that suits small hands and small appetites?
Here's a simple checklist to help you pick the right lunch box for kindy and daycare in Australia.
1. Can your child open it on their own?
This is the most important question. Educators look after a lot of children at mealtimes, so a lunch box your child can open independently makes life easier for everyone – and builds your child's confidence. Look for simple side clips or a hinged lid rather than tight press-on lids or fiddly zips.
2. Is it the right size?
Little kids don't need a huge lunch box. Too much space often means too much food coming home. For morning tea and afternoon snacks, a 300–500 ml snack box is usually plenty. For a main lunch, a larger bento-style box with a few compartments works well.
Our MunchiiBox snack box holds 400 ml across two compartments – ideal for fruit, crackers and a small dip.
3. Does it have compartments?
Compartments keep wet and dry foods apart (no soggy crackers!) and make it easy to pack a balanced lunch at a glance. Two to four compartments is the sweet spot for younger children.
4. What is it made from?
Many families now prefer plastic-free lunch boxes. Food-grade 304 (18/8) stainless steel is durable, doesn't hold smells or stains, and is easy to clean. Tritan bento boxes are another popular lightweight, BPA-free option for younger kids.
5. Is it leakproof?
Yoghurt, dips and cut fruit can get messy. A silicone seal helps keep foods where they belong. Just remember most bento-style boxes are designed for moist foods, not liquids like milk or juice.
6. Is it labelled with their name?
At daycare and kindy, lots of children have similar lunch boxes. A name engraved or printed on the lid means it won't get mixed up or lost. All PAK-AH-BOO lunch and snack boxes can be personalised with free name engraving.
7. Will it survive being dropped?
Lunch boxes get thrown in bags, dropped on concrete and left in the sandpit. Stainless steel won't crack like some plastics, which means one good lunch box can last for years.
Our picks for kindy and daycare
- MunchiiBox stainless steel snack box – 400 ml, 2 compartments, easy side clips, free engraving
- Funbox Medium bento box – bright designs and 4/6 compartments for little lunches
- ThermoBox with insulated food jar – for kids who prefer a warm lunch
Want more ideas? Read our 10 easy school lunch box ideas for food inspiration that actually gets eaten.