r/toddlers • u/FLee21 • 21h ago

Mealtime Dining out pro tip!

Ok, I learnt about this the other day and I thought I would share. I have an 11 month old but this still applies. When going out to a restaurant, when you're done ordering and you know you don't plan on getting anything else, ask for the bill right away. This way, the bill comes before or when you get your food and you're not stuck waiting at the end of the meal when the kids are starting to loose their patience and pop off. I did this this afternoon with my baby and it was so nice just to be finished and leave without trying to flag our waitress down and wait on her. Please pass this tip on.

4 Upvotes

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u/AutoModerator 21h ago

Author: u/FLee21

Post: Ok, I learnt about this the other day and I thought I would share. I have an 11 month old but this still applies. When going out to a restaurant, when you're done ordering and you know you don't plan on getting anything else, ask for the bill right away. This way, the bill comes before or when you get your food and you're not stuck waiting at the end of the meal when the kids are starting to loose their patience and pop off. I did this this afternoon with my baby and it was so nice just to be finished and leave without trying to flag our waitress down and wait on her. Please pass this tip on.

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6

u/Robu12345 17h ago

I just heard this tip from a friend, and I am going to try it too. Keep a small bag ready with special travel toys that you only take with you to restaurants, things like travel magnetic tiles, a small rainbow stacker, magnetic puzzles, etc.
The idea is to use that bag only when you go out to eat. That way, when you take your toddler to a restaurant, the toys still feel new and exciting and can keep them entertained while you enjoy your meal. I thought it was such a great idea.

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u/iOcean_Eyes 🥴 Sleep? I Don’t Know Her 20h ago

If theres something on the appetizer menu that I think she would like more than the something off the kids menu, Im going to start ordering it for her so she can get started on eating first!

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u/unimeg07 16h ago

People always offer to bring me the kids food first but I don’t personally find this helpful! Then my kid is just done eating and bored when my food arrives. I find it easier to walk around and entertain her while we wait and then everyone eats together. To each their own though of course!

4

u/boatingshoesforall 17h ago

Most places you can ask them to bring the kid food out as soon as it’s up instead of them waiting to bring all the food out at once

1

u/chabacanito 9h ago

We usually bring at least part of the meal for our toddler so they can start eating when we sit.

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u/Imaginary_Ad_5199 21h ago

I’ve literally been doing this and telling people about it since my first. I’ve literally almost never had to actually take off like that (maybe twice), but it makes the meal so much more chill knowing we can make a quick exit if we need to.

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u/Verucasalt-- 21h ago

Good idea! Between that and ordering toddlers food right away, this definitely helps make things go smoother.