A Toddler-Proof Lunchbox

I was contacted recently by the people behind an amazing new product that has made picnics easier and kept our blankets cleaner.  Flatbox is a fantastic lunchbox made of washable, heat-resistant neoprene that undoes completely to make a thick place mat.

I have a child who does not sit still.  No matter how tight you pull the harness, he climbs in and out of his highchair, and picnics have always been difficult as Archie hasn't quite grasped the concept of staying still to eat.  He isn't a fan of plates other than using them as frisbees of course, but he loves to be outdoors and he really loves food.

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Baby Led Weaning at 13 Months

I has been nearly 8 months since Archie had his first taste of anything other than milk, and we have come a long way from bread-sticks and bananas (although they are still firm favourites).  Nowadays my little man loves Pizza, curry, pasta and lasagne amongst other things and we have stuck with a mostly baby led approach.

Yoghurts, rice and similarly messy non finger foods are fed from a spoon, and although Archie is usually more than happy with this if it means the food makes it into his mouth, there are times when little ninja hands strike, throwing food all over the highchair/ floor/ anyone standing close by.

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Food Fights with an 11 month old

Dylan has recently developed an adorable habit.  He will eat a couple of bites of his lunch and then try his hardest to spread the rest of it into every corner of the room.  The amazing thing about finger foods is that they are usually just the right size and shape for target practice.  He can easily get a good couple of metres on a good day, a bad day means puddles of food around the base of the highchair.

Sometimes this game starts because he has had enough and wants to recommence playtime, sometimes it is just a fun mid-dinner game.  Whatever reason, I am not a fan!  My poor hoover has been over-used and the carpet is not looking in quite the same shape as when we moved in.  He doesn't quite seem to understand the word 'no' and often laughs in my face as I say it forcefully at him - what am I to do?

The 'game' I can just about cope with at home, but we love going out and that means eating in a public place.  I am waiting for the day a

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