Lunchbox tips for picky and sensory eaters

Packing a lunchbox for autistic children and sensory eaters and don’t know where to start?

Lunchboxes can be a challenge in balancing individual needs and preferences with school and environmental requirements.

To help make this process a little easier, we have pulled together a list of tips and ideas to support positive community-based mealtimes and ease the mental load of lunchbox preparation.

1. Stick to what you know

You might be feeling the pressure to make lunchboxes fun, exciting and appealing, but creating a lunchbox with familiar foods your child enjoys, will reduce anxiety around eating outside the home.

If you’re having trouble identifying preferred foods, consider consulting with a feeding therapist specialising in sensory issues for guidance.

2. Packaging and Containers

Choose lunch boxes and containers that are easy for your child to open and close independently.

Don’t forget to practice opening and closing the lunchboxes to ensure your child is confident at mealtimes. Bento-style lunch boxes with divided compartments are great for children who prefer different foods to be separated.

Look into insulated lunch bags for children who prefer their food cold and thermoses for heated meals.

3. Try making food fun with shape and colour

While it won’t be suitable for every child, you can make their lunchbox more appealing by adding colourful food picks or using cutters to make fruit, vegetables and sandwiches fun shapes or patterns.

Involving your child in meal planning and preparation may also help to increase their familiarity, engagement and enjoyment. Check out the Bento Buzz for loads of food cutters and stamps!

4. Portion Sizes

When packing your child’s lunchbox ensure that there is sufficient amount of safe foods to eat to satisfy their hunger.

If you would like to introduce new foods, ensure the portion is small to begin with and similar to existing safe foods. Feel free to mix things up in your child’s lunch box with new foods, and remember, don’t be discouraged if they come back uneaten – you’re helping expand their food variety!

If you would like further support for your child to explore new foods and reduce mealtime anxiety, please reach out to our feeding therapists.

5. Communicate with your care team

Start the year by communicating your child’s eating needs and challenges to their teacher and periodically check in throughout the year to update on any changes.

This helps prevent any unnecessary stress or pressure placed on your child. It also helps set clear expectations and ensures that your child’s needs are understood and respected in the school setting.

Need a little more support or some more specialised advice? Our multidisciplinary teams of OTs and Speech Pathologists are here for you and your child call 1300 538 746 to get started.