As I'm getting ready to enter into the world of MDO (and there were cheers and tears all at the same time), I'm also entering the world of Packed Lunches. I never knew how scary this would be.
There are rules in MDO and rightfully so. I wouldn't want to cut up and feed 10 toddlers their food at the same time either. But things like "light jelly on PB&J" or "finger foods only" are enough to make this rule-follower mom-of-one feel very cornered and very frightened. What if I put one too many clumps of jelly on my kid's sandwich? I'll be kicked out of MDO land foreverrrrr!!
So really. What am I going to pack him? His lunches need to consist of things that he can manage alone - no cutting up, no refrigerating, no microwaving, and minimal mess.
Although the 492 rules can seem overwhelming, they were kind enough to include a list of suggestions. I thought I'd share them in case any other moms are in need of easy lunch ideas like this. These not only make for MDO-approved lunches, but also great ideas for when you're on the go, at the zoo, etc. I added some specifics in parentheses that I know Duke personally loves.
cubed cheese
peanut butter crackers
small sandwiches
crackers (goldfish, graham crackers, animal crackers, life cereal)
chewy fruit snacks
chopped veggies (cherry tomatoes cut in half)
PB&J - light on the jelly
diced fruit (grapes cut in half, blackberries, kiwi)
string cheese
raisins
cubed meat
added to the list by fellow moms:
Kashi soft cereal bars
fruit squeeze pouches
plain pasta
cream cheese sandwiches or crackers
rice
Please throw out any other great ideas! I'd definitely appreciate it!
Great list! Other than those things, my go-to lunch items for my boys include Kashi soft cereal bars and those little applesauce pouches (kinda expensive, but I only use them when packing a lunch for MDO or a zoo trip).
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