lunchbox basics.

A short mid-morning break where kids usually grab a quick snack before heading off to play — think easy-to-eat, bite-sized options.

The main eating break of the day, but dedicated eating time is often limited, so pack foods that are familiar, filling, and simple to manage.

A brief pause for fruit or veggies and water to keep kids hydrated and focused. Schools often have specific guidelines for this.

Before school starts, let your child practice opening and closing their lunchbox and containers. This builds confidence and avoids frustration at school.

Baking paper is often easier for little hands than plastic wrap. Avoid tricky lids, and if something is hard to open, pre-cut or loosen tight seals before packing in the morning.

Look for lunchboxes with easy-to-open clips, and insulated bags with ice bricks to keep food fresh. Bento-style compartments can be helpful for providing variety without needing additional smaller containers. Shallow containers are best because they’re easier for kids to reach into without spilling.

Younger kids do best with simple containers and finger foods. Older kids might manage more compartments or a thermos for warm meals.

Avoid soggy sandwiches by stacking wet foods like tomatoes between foods like lettuce or cheese slices to create a barrier. Drain excess juice from foods that come in liquids (like tinned beans or tuna). Provide cutlery or food picks and a piece of paper towel to prevent sticky hands.

• Offer familiar textures and flavours alongside new foods.
• Think about how food travels. Consider how smell, colour, texture and temperature changes over a few hours.
• Avoid strong smells if they might be overwhelming.
• Pack foods in separate compartments to keep textures from mixing.
• Provide paper towel so kids can wipe away spills or crumbs.
• Pack cutlery

• Choose containers that are easy to open for kids with fine motor challenges.
• Pre-cut fruit or use peel-free options if peeling is tricky, or will create sensory issues

• Some children feel more comfortable with a consistent lunchbox routine.
• Visual aids like a simple lunchbox checklist can reduce stress.

• Discuss your child’s needs with their teacher at the start of the year
• Ask for accommodations such as a quieter space or additional time to eat where needed

• Pack lunch in an insulated bag with an ice brick to keep food at a safe temperature. A frozen water bottle is a cost-effective, dual purpose alternative.
• Choose items that hold up well in warm weather, such as whole fruit, sandwiches, or frozen snacks that thaw by lunchtime.
• Consider a thermos to keep food hot until lunchtime
• Avoid sending food that needs reheating or refrigeration unless your school provides this service.
• Throw out any perishable food that comes home after sitting in a lunchbox all day because it may no longer be safe to eat.

• Many schools have policies around nuts and other common allergens to protect students with life‑threatening allergies. Always follow your school’s specific guidelines.
• Read labels carefully when packing packaged foods because allergens can appear in unexpected places.
• Talk with your child about not sharing food, which helps keep everyone safe.

• Every school has its own rules about what is allowed in lunchboxes. These may include restrictions on lollies, or items that need heating.
• If you are unsure about a policy, check the school website or ask your child’s teacher or wellbeing staff for clarification.
• Schools often appreciate simple, easy‑to‑manage foods that support quick and calm eating.

• Many Australian schools include a short classroom-based break, such as a Crunch and Sip break, for fruit or vegetables and water.
• Pack a small, ready‑to‑eat snack such as sliced fruit, veggie sticks or a whole piece of fruit.
• Teachers may have guidelines for what is suitable, so it can help to check the expectations for your child’s class.