How to Choose the Right Bento Box

As parents, we want our kids to eat healthy and nutritious meals. Packing lunch for your child in a bento box is a great option because it allows you to control the portions and choose yummy and balanced foods.

But with so many bento boxes to choose from, it can be overwhelming to Choose the Right Bento Box that fits your child’s needs. Check out my bento lunch recipes for kids!

In this blog post, we’ll help you navigate the world of bento boxes and narrow your options based on three key factors: size, compartments, and material.

Packing lunch just got way easier and more fun with a bento box! These convenient boxes come with multiple compartments, making it simple to pack a main dish, some side dishes, and occasional snacks and treats.

Plus, your child will get excited about their meal options when they see all the varied colors and foods joining forces in one container.

Table of Contents

Why Size Matters in Selecting the Ideal Bento Box for Kids

The size of the bento box is crucial. It should ideally match the size of your child’s lunch bag to ensure easy transportation. But beyond that, the size of the bento box also impacts the quantity of food it can hold.

So, here’s a handy tip: go with a bento box about the same size as your child’s lunch bag. The box fits snugly and won’t move around too much during transportation.

If your child has a big appetite, you might opt for a larger bento box to accommodate more food.

Compartments for Variety

A bento box with multiple compartments is a great way to encourage your child to eat various foods. It also makes packing lunch easier because you can fit a main dish, sides, and snacks in one container.

When choosing a bento box, consider the types of meals you plan to pack. Some bento boxes have removable dividers, making it easy to adjust the compartments to suit your needs.

And if your child is a picky eater, look for a bento box with a separate compartment for foods they don’t want to touch.

Material Matters

Bento boxes come in various materials, including plastic, stainless steel, and glass.

Plastic bento boxes are lightweight and affordable but may not be the most durable option. Stainless steel bento boxes are sturdy and long-lasting but can be more expensive.

Glass bento boxes are stylish and eco-friendly but can be heavy. Consider your child’s age and needs when choosing the material.

Younger children might need a more lightweight and durable option, while older children might appreciate a stylish and eco-friendly choice.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Lastly, consider the ease of cleaning and maintenance when choosing a bento box. Look for a box that is dishwasher safe or easy to hand wash.

Some bento boxes come with removable parts that make cleaning a breeze.

And if you opt for a plastic bento box, make sure it’s BPA-free and safe for your child to use.

Environmental Impact

Bento boxes provide an environmentally friendly alternative to disposable lunch packaging. They eliminate the need for plastic wrap, foil, wax paper, and plastic baggies, thus reducing waste and promoting a more sustainable lifestyle.

When choosing a bento box, consider its environmental impact and how it aligns with your family’s values and lifestyle.

Portion Control

One of the best benefits of a bento box is that it aids in portion control.

The compartments in a bento box help kids learn about appropriate portion sizes, which can be a valuable lesson in today’s ‘super-size-me’ culture. Let’s discuss why portion control is an important lesson for parents to pass down to their kids.

We all know how easy it is to overeat, especially when surrounded by tasty treats and endless options. That’s why using compartments in a bento box can be a great way to help kids visualize what a balanced meal looks like.

By dividing their food into different sections, they can see how much of each food group they should eat.

Plus, it’s fun for them to mix and match different foods and colors in each compartment.

Teaching portion control early on sets kids up for a healthy relationship with food and helps them learn how to make nutritious choices for life.

Shop My Kitchen:

The following items can be found in my kitchen here at Miller Manor. Simply click the image that interests you – yes, they do contain affiliate links.

A collection of black cookware, including pots, pans, and lids, is artfully arranged on a wooden surface in the kitchen. Some lids are glass. The set features a grill pan with a few Brussels sprouts nestled nearby. A gray bottle completes this stylish culinary shop display.

A weathered sign leaning against a tree reads Farmers Market with a cow illustration. Below, it lists Cheeses, Fresh Eggs, Pies, Antiques & Collectibles for your kitchen needs. Grass and a few small yellow flowers surround the sign, inviting you to shop local treasures.

A farmhouse decor arrangement features a framed silhouette of a cow, pig, and chicken stacked; a bearded figure with a patterned hat; a farmhouse sign in cursive; and a felt ball garland in shades of white, gray, and green.

Three kitchen towels with crochet tops are displayed. The towels feature farm-themed designs: one with a cow and text Farm Fresh Milk, another with a rooster and cow, and the third with a rooster and Farm Fresh inside a wreath.

Meal Prepping and Planning

If you’re a parent who likes to plan meals for the week, a bento box can make this process easier and more organized.

Bento boxes are cute and fun to look at and can assist you in your meal-prepping and planning.

As a busy parent, you probably don’t have much time to waste on figuring out what to send your kids to school with each day.

By prepping each compartment of your bento box with different foods, you can provide your family with various options for breakfast, lunch, or snacks.

Plus, you’ll save loads of time and effort each morning!

Creativity and Fun

Another reason to consider using a bento box is its opportunity for creativity and fun.

Bento boxes encourage colorful, diverse meals that can be visually appealing to kids.

This can be a great way to introduce new foods to picky eaters or make lunchtime more exciting.

Choosing a bento box for your child is not just about convenience. It also promotes healthy eating, environmental consciousness, organization, and fun.

By considering these factors, size, compartments, material, and maintenance, you can choose a bento box that will benefit you and your child.

Happy bento boxing!