11 Hacks for Baby Snacks

1. When you’re out and about, whether you’re in a stroller, car seat or sitting outdoors, snack cups with lids that allow little ones to reach their hands in are the key to less mess. The cups are fairly spill-proof, and your child will love the autonomy of grabbing their own snacks.

2. Have you seen those plastic pillboxes they sell near the pharmacy at drugstores? Pick up a large one and pack it with a variety of small snacks, like puffs, Goldfish crackers and dried cranberries. Kids will love having an array of options, and you’ll be glad not to have to pack big containers of snacks. Open all the compartments for a baby buffet or just one at a time to contain messes. When kids get older and hungrier, switch to a larger container with small compartments, like a crafting box or a tackle box.

3. Freeze applesauce pouches or yogurt pouches before you leave the house, especially on hot days. They’ll act as ice packs for veggies and sandwiches when you’re en route, and then you can give your child a cool, slushy treat.

4. Bring along sandwich bags filled with folded paper towels (wet towels in one bag, dry towels in the other). The towels can wipe up any spills, and you’ll have a baggie for food wrappers and other items you’re throwing away.

5. Coffee liners make handy snack plates you can throw away—one less thing to lug around.

6. If your child is just starting solids, bring along foods that don’t need to be heated, just mashed, like bananas and avocados. Just bring a spoon to mash them up and a knife to cut the avocado.

7. If you’re going on a longer outing, like an all-day or multi-day trip, save some new snacks for the trip home. If your child is over the traveling, a different snack will perk them right up.

8. Looking for a healthy, filling meal you don’t need to heat up? At home, mix raw eggs with finely chopped veggies—roasted or raw. Pour the mixture into mini muffin cups and bake to make a toddler-size treat you can bring with you anywhere.

9. Bring plastic wrap and straws with you if you’ll be getting food from restaurants. If a restaurant only has plastic or paper cups, wrap plastic wrap over the top and pop a straw through. If the cup gets knocked over, the mess will be mostly contained.

10. If you frequently travel by car, a portable car vacuum can keep your car, including the car seat, from getting covered in crumbs. Get the kind that plugs into the cigarette lighter, and you won’t have to worry about it losing its charge.

11. In your kitchen, keep a dedicated snack drawer or shelf with baby-approved store-bought snacks so you can grab and go when you’re in a hurry. Keeping all the kid stuff together also makes it easier to see when you’re running low.