Eating Out With Children, Yellow Brick Road and Crystal Valley Nurseries, Dubai, UAE

If you plan to eat out with children, make sure you decide where you are going to eat by choosing the restaurant carefully and come prepared. Listed below are some of the things to look out for when choosing a restaurant to go to with children.

The Food - is there more than fish fingers, pizzas and chips on the menu?  Try to choose a restaurant that offers a more healthy variety of children's meals like grilled chicken with veggie rice, spaghetti, vegetable lasagne, etc..

Does the children's food come first? You don't want to end up eating your food cold while you are busy trying to make sure your toddlers eat all their food first.

Are the children provided with some activities to keep them busy whilst waiting for their food?  Make sure you come prepared with your own materials to keep your children busy and distracted.  Books, crayons and play-dough are always good options.  If you are sitting outdoors, blowing bubbles are also a great especially if you are dining with babies and toddlers.

Are there high chairs available?  There is nothing worse than trying to feed a baby or toddler from a stroller; they need to be securely seated in a high chair that is at the same level as you are seated.

Are there baby changing facilities?  This is of course very important and practical.

Is there safe outdoor space?  If possible, try to choose a restaurant that has safe outdoor space to allow your children to run around and let off some steam.  Remember it is very difficult to get younger children to sit in the same place for a long period of time (more than 45 minutes).

And most importantly, try to go to a restaurant when the children have had their naps (if they still take morning naps), eaten a snack earlier and not when the toddlers are too hungry or tired.  This will help to make eating out with your children a more pleasant experience.