If you plan to take your children on a cruise, you’ll want to make sure they’re getting quality nutrition, no matter where they are. But for this, you’ll need a container that can keep the quality of food, especially on long-distance trips. Therefore, it’s worth getting one of those best lunch bags for kids. Apart from being durable, they also offer extra cleanliness and are very easy to pack.
But since lunch bags for kids come in different sizes, colors, and prices, choosing one can be quite difficult. And for this reason, this article will reveal some great tips for picking the best insulated lunch bags for kids. As always, we’ll also come up with some of the most recommended products on the market. So, are you ready? Let’s get started then!
How to Choose Best Lunch Bags for Kids
If you’re a parent, chances are you’ll pack a lunch for your child. At least about 180 times per year. Therefore, it’s very important to make sure that you get the best lunch bags for kids, which not only have a great look but are also durable.
But apart from that, there are several qualities that you must pay attention to when choosing lunch bags for kids. They should be easy to clean, safe for children, and most importantly, fit their needs. So, here are three factors that you can pay attention to before deciding to buy one of those insulated lunch bags for kids.
Size
First of all, make sure in advance how much your kids are going to eat. For the record, children who’re in their infancy will tend to eat more. If this is the case, then it’s worth getting the larger best lunch bags for kids. That way, you can also pack a few extras like fruits and snacks.
Insulation
Some people think that insulated lunch bags for kids just charge extra for gimmicks that aren’t really functional. But the fact is, insulated containers will help keep your kid’s sandwiches and fruit fresh. You can pack the insulated bag with an ice brick, and all the food in it should stay crisp and bright throughout the day. Think of it like carrying a mini-fridge around!
Safe and Practical
Another important factor to consider is safety. You’ll want the best lunch bags for kids that are completely BPA-free. Apart from that, it should also be easy to clean, dishwasher friendly, or machine washable. Furthermore, it would be much better if the bag was easy to store. Therefore, choose one that isn’t too bulky or takes up too much space.
What Are The Best Lunch Bags?
As we mentioned earlier, a good kids’ lunch bag generally comes with the right quality materials and sizes. Apart from that, the bag must be completely free of harmful chemicals. If you’re not too sure, you can check out some of our great recommendations on this list.
What Can I Give My Child for Packed Lunch?
This actually depends on which nutritional standards you believe in. But in general, a kid will need a day’s intake of starchy foods, protein, and vegetables. Therefore, you can pack their lunch bags with bread, rice, meat, fish, yogurt, salad, or a portion of fruit.
How Often Should You Replace Your Lunch Bag?
Most lunch bags these days are built to last and they are generally easy to clean. However, they will indeed become gross over time. So if you ask us, once in two years would be a good time to get a new lunch bag.
Wildkin Insulated Lunch Box
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Make sure your kids get all the nutrition they need to tackle the day with the Wildkin Insulated Lunch Box. It’s one of the most appealing insulated lunch bags for kids around. The surface is decorated with a fun pattern. You can even choose from more than a dozen alternatives to suit your kids’ preferences.
Apart from that, this lunch bag is also quite spacious. You should have no trouble fitting a bento box and several plastic containers in it. Wildkin even includes an extra mesh pouch to hold a handkerchief or some small cutlery. Overall, this is one lunch bag for kids worth considering. Try checking it when you can.
What We Love
Insulated lunch bag with a fun pattern
Pros:
- Environmentally friendly
- Appealing pattern
- Premium fabric
- Travel-friendly design
Cons:
- The white interior tends to get dirty easily
Rubbermaid LunchBlox
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If you’re a little tight on a budget, Rubbermaid LunchBlox would be a great option to consider. It comes with a pocket-friendly price tag, without sacrificing too much in quality. In fact, it’s one of the most spacious best lunch bags for kids available on the market today.
As for the color variations, Rubbermaid LunchBlox is available in blue, purple, and black. Apart from that, it has a lightweight design, which makes it perfect for school lunches as well as traveling. Then how about safety? Well, apart from BPA-free, this product is also safe to use in microwaves, dishwashers, and freezers. Really recommended!
What We Love
Spacious and affordable
Pros:
- Comfortable handle
- Dedicated compartment for bottles
- BPA-free
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- The mesh pocket doesn’t hold large utensils
Packit Freezable
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Keep your kid’s food fresh all day long! With Packit Freezable, all sandwiches and fruits will stay crisp and bright for up to several hours. All thanks to the built-in freezable non-toxic gel. All you have to do is put the container in the freezer overnight and it’ll be ready to use. Say goodbye to cumbersome ice packs!
As for capacity, the Packit Freezable is probably one of the most voluminous lunch bags for kids on the market at the moment. It’s got more than enough room to store a sandwich, a few snacks, and a 12-ounce drink. If that’s not enough, you’ll also get a zip pocket and mesh pouch on the exterior. Oh, and the whole product is made using water-resistant high-quality canvas fabric.
What We Love
Built-in freezable gel to keep all food fresh
Pros:
- Freezable gel
- Large zip
- BPA and PVC-free
- Easy to wipe
Cons:
- It may take some time to completely freeze
OPUX Insulated Dual Compartment
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Do your children eat more? Don’t hesitate to get one of the best lunch bags for kids with extra capacity then. The OPUX Insulated Dual Compartment is one remarkable option that you should consider. It comes with a double-deck design, which isn’t only very appealing, but also flexible and offers plenty of space.
The bottom is where you’ll keep all the food and drink cold since it is insulated and leak-proof. Meanwhile, the top section will be great for snacks or other items that need instant access. In addition, the OPUX also has two side mesh pockets and front pockets for storing water bottles and some utensils. Overall, this is a nice product. And for about 15 bucks, it’s definitely a no-brainer.
What We Love
Plenty of space for foods and utensils
Pros:
- Leakproof
- Thermal insulated
- Eco-friendly PEVA
- Two separated compartment
Cons:
- The side holders are a bit too small
Bentology Lunch Bag and Box Set
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If you don’t want to bother buying a lunch bag and all the containers separately, the Bentology Lunch Bag and Box Set is your lifesaver. This set comes with everything you need to provide your kids with fresh fruit, sandwiches, and snacks for their break. Apart from an insulated lunch bag, you’ll also get a plastic bento box, five-piece set containers, and an ice pack. In addition, the set is also available in a variety of fun, bright, and colorful patterns.
Just like all the best lunch bags for kids on this list, this set from Bentology also uses BPA-free materials and is dishwasher and microwave friendly. As for the containers, they all come with awesome leak-proof lids. If you still haven’t decided among all those lunch bags for kids, this one is quite interesting to have.
What We Love
Complete set to store children’s lunches
Pros:
- Available in various appealing patterns
- Come with the complete package
- Leak-resistant
- Dishwasher and microwave-friendly
Cons:
- The containers are a little difficult to open for children under five
Flatbox 2-in-1 Reusable Lunch Bag
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The Flatbox 2-in-1 Reusable Lunch Bag comes with a pretty genius design. It has four different zippers on all four sides. Pull them down and within seconds you’ll have a decent placemat! It’ll be perfect for resolving any mess that may occur, both before and after mealtime. Even better, this lunch bag is made from 100 percent neoprene material, which makes it super easy to clean.
Overall, the Flatbox 2-in1 Reusable Lunch Bag is perhaps one of the most genius products on this list. We were totally amazed by its out of the ordinary design. So if you’re still having trouble choosing between the best lunch bags for kids, this one won’t disappoint.
What We Love
Genius 2-in-1 design
Pros:
- 100 percent neoprene material
- Easy to clean
- Serves double as a placemat
- Large capacity
Cons:
- Kids may find it difficult to unzip the bag
Packit Freezable Lunch Bag
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The Packit Freezable Lunch Bag is for those who value practicality and efficiency. It’s packed with built-in freezable gel on the walls, so there’s no need to prepare a separate ice pack. The bag does indeed take some time to completely freeze, approximately 12 hours in the fridge. But once you’re done with that, it’s ready to keep the food fresh all day long!
As for capacity, the Packit Freezable Lunch Bag isn’t much different from other best lunch bags for kids on this list. It has more than enough room for a bento box, a 12-ounce drink, and a few small utensils. Apart from that, the bag features a buckle handle that can be clipped to a backpack or stroller. Awesome!
What We Love
It comes with a built in freezable gel which is genius
Pros:
- Non-toxic freezable gel
- Spacious compartment
- Clipable handle
- PVC and BPA-free
Cons:
- The bottom part is reportedly easy to leak
Dimension 9 Personalized Lunch Bag
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Do your kids often lose their lunch bags at school? Then you might want to get the Dimension 9 Personalized Lunch Bag. It comes with a name printed on the surface. You can choose between more than 100 popular children’s names that they provide. Apart from that, this lunch bag has a bright color, making it easy to spot, even from a distance. In addition, it also features a foldable design, a large webbed handle, and eco-friendly fabrics.
In short, Dimension 9 is one of the best lunch bags for kids that offers a personal touch. Gone are the days when your kids couldn’t find their lunch. This one is a must-have!
What We Love
Lunch bag with the name printed on it
Pros:
- Foldable design
- Large webbed handle
- Eco-friendly fabric
- Printed name
Cons:
- Not microwave and dishwasher safe
Samerio Insulated
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You have no idea how much we like gear that’s both functional and stylish. That’s why we immediately fell in love with the Samerio Insulated lunch bag. It comes with a strap and handles, which allow you to carry it as a regular lunch box or shoulder bag! Apart from that, this fantastic product also features a wide-mouth zippered opening with an abundance of space. Putting down or picking up lunch won’t be a hassle with this lunch bag.
Another thing that we like about Samerio is the fact that it’s insulated and water-resistant. This means you can take the bag to a campsite or beach, without worrying about the freshness of your kids’ food. Overall, this is one of the best lunch bags for kids that are nice to have. If you don’t mind spending around 13 bucks, this will make a good choice.
What We Love
Can be carried as a shoulder bag
Pros:
- Large capacity
- Leakproof and insulated
- Two side pockets
- Waterproof oxford cloth material
Cons:
- There’s no description regarding warranty
Wildkin Insulated Lunch Box Heroes
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Among all the best lunch bags for kids on this list, Wildkin Insulated Lunch Box Heroes is one of the highest-rated on Amazon. It even earned a Mom’s Choice Award recently. And let us tell you that it isn’t without reason.
Apart from the bright and colorful pattern, Wildkin Insulated Lunch Box Heroes also comes with ample storage and an insulated interior. Furthermore, there’s a dedicated strap for a water bottle. As for the material, this product is made from a fabric that’s easy to clean, simply using soap and water. Overall, this is an excellent lunch bag. It has great size and an appealing look. Grab one if you can!
What We Love
A Mom’s Choice Award winner with an appealing design
Pros:
- Easy to clean
- Travel friendly
- Spacious compartment
- MCA winner
Cons:
- Some reported about the odd smell
Packit Freezable Backpack
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While it’s not actually passable as one of the best lunch bags for kids, the Packit Freezable Upright Backpack is definitely an excellent alternative. The built-in cooler takes only 12 hours to completely freeze and it will help keep your kids’ food fresh all the time. And since the bag features two shoulder straps, your child can carry it as a backpack or use the handle.
If we may say, Packit is perhaps one of the most innovative lunch bag manufacturers in the industry today. So if you’re looking for a product with a brilliant and functional design, you can’t go wrong with this one. And for other kids’ product recommendations that are no less fantastic, you might want to check out our list of 13 cool pool floats for kids or 13 surfboards for kids.
What We Love
A genius alternative to regular lunch bags
Pros:
- Brilliant design
- Easy to use
- Easy to transport
- Non-toxic cooler gel
Cons:
- Some may find this a little tiny
FlowFly Double Decker Cooler
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Thanks to its clever design, the FlowFly Double Decker Cooler is the perfect lunch bag for all ages. Not only super lightweight, but it’s also made from 50 percent recycled materials. And in case your kids don’t really love the design, FlowFly has more than 10 other alternatives to choose from.
Moving on to the interior, this lunch bag is foil-lined and completely insulated. This means that all the sandwiches, fruits, and drinks you bring will stay fresh throughout the day. If there’s anything we have to protest against, it’s the zippers. They tend to hold the folded form, so they’re quite difficult to open. But with that being said, this is still one of the best lunch bags for kids. We highly recommend grabbing one.
What We Love
Available in a variety of pattern choices
Pros:
- Food grade PEVA material
- Convenient to carry
- Compact
- Suitable for all ages
Cons:
- Opening the zippers is a little problematic
WHBag Freezable
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If you have kids with a big appetite, the WHBag Freezable will be a remarkable choice. It has a compartment that’s significantly larger than other similar products, about 6.5 liters in capacity. This means that you should have no trouble packing all your kids’ lunch needs into this bag. From sandwiches to snacks to drinks to a few utensils, all will fit really well.
And since this lunch bag is freezable, you don’t need to buy separate containers for hot or cold food. Plus, it has a comfortable strap, allowing your kids to use it as a shoulder bag. Thus, this product will be perfect for any traveling occasion. And if you’re planning to take your kids somewhere cold, you might want to check out our list of the 13 best winter hats for toddlers.
What We Love
The compartment is significantly larger than similar products
Pros:
- Large capacity
- Insulate up to six hours
- Tough zippers
- Rip-resistant liner
Cons:
- The water bottle side pocket was too small
