This is the first time out at a restaurant since baby started BLW …
And suddenly, everything is swirling around in your head.
👉 Will he eat?
👉 Will it be messy?
👉 Should I eat?
👉 What about other people's reactions?
Family dinner, a meal at a friend's house, a picnic, or a restaurant... BLW doesn't stop at the front door. Good news: with a little planning and a lot of letting go, eating out with baby can become a truly enjoyable experience.
Going to a restaurant with a baby in BLW
There's no single right way to do it , but rather the way that suits your baby, their age, and the situation. Here are the simplest solutions.
🥣 Feed the baby before leaving
If the time or location is not suitable, you can absolutely:
preparing baby's meals at home,
then offer him a small dessert on the spot that he knows well
(compote, ripe fruit, yogurt… prepared in advance).
👉 Less stress, less fatigue, and baby still enjoys the moment.
🍽️ Take home a “safe” meal
Another popular option: preparing a meal that is easy to eat, not too messy, and already familiar to the baby .
This is important:
🚫 now is neither the time nor the place to test a new food or allergen .
Outdoors, we prioritize safety and peace of mind.
🥕 Sharing the parents' meal
Depending on the baby's age, abilities, and appetite, you can also:
Offer him suitable pieces from your plates.
or order a simple dish that can be shared.
The idea is not quantity, but discovery, pleasure and participation in the family meal.
What should I bring to a restaurant with a baby in BLW ?
A well-chosen small bag can make all the difference 👌
Here are the essentials for traveling light:
🍞 Something to nibble on if you get a little hungry
(flower bread, soft fruits, compote…)🧻 Wipes (yes, lots)
🥤 A 360° cup or a sippy cup that baby can control
👕 A bib that covers the body or has a flat top
🧸 One or two little games to play before or after the meal
Tip: there's no need to bring everything "just in case". Experience will quickly help you adjust.
What if the baby eats little... or not at all?
That's normal.
Outdoors, there are:
noise,
something new,
fatigue,
sometimes less concentration.
👉 A "failed" meal is not a problem.
👉 A baby who observes, touches, tastes a little... is already learning a great deal.
BLW also means accepting that not every meal will be perfect.
The most important thing to remember:
Eating out with a baby on a baby- BLW diet is not an ordeal to be accomplished.
It's a moment of life , sometimes messy, often imperfect, but always rich in learning.
Prepare a little, breathe deeply… and trust yourself 💛
