With so many great restaurants in Honolulu it's hard to stay at home for dinner, but how to keep baby and toddler messes contained and still enjoy the meal? It's possible to take older babies and toddlers out if parents toss an easy portable place mat or self-contained dining set into the diaper bag. With the items below, parents can be confident that an easy cleanup and child-friendly utensils will be within reach.
Kiddopotamus Tinydiner Placemat, $11. This waterproof mat is free of BPA, PVC, and latex. Small suction cups hold the mat securely to the table so enthusiastic small arms can't sweep the mat onto the floor. A small tray hangs off the edge to catch spills. The mat rolls into a compact size, easy to take along in a purse or diaper bag. Available in pink, blue, green, and yellow.
Skip Hop Mate Stay Put Mat and Plate, $20. A three-in-one set made with food-safe and PVC- and BPA-free materials, this compact and attractive combo is great for sophisticated kiddos. A plate with three divided sections snaps firmly into the non-skid mat, making it easy to dish out portions of different foods. Small nubs hold the fork and spoon in place when not in use so no pieces are lost. Available in blue, pink, and orange.
Boon Catch Bowl, $7. Every family has a child that insists on feeding himself foods that his little hands aren't quite coordinated enough to manage. Take the fight out of dining out with the Catch Bowl. The suction cup bottom keeps the bowl solidly in place, and the food catcher channels dribbles back into the bowl. A modern design is attractive for parents and fun for kids, and contains no PVC, BPA, or phthalates. Available in blue/green, orange, and pink.