Design Features of Best Lunch Boxes for Kids
Back to School Lunch Box Safety and Buying Tips
Aug 1, 2009
As parents prepare to send their kids back to school, one of items often on the "must-have" checklist is the school lunch box. Options range from the classic rectangular metal lunch box to plastic, vinyl, or insulated lunch bags. It is important to consider a few features of lunch boxes beyond what character is plastered on the outside of the box. Parents should also think about safety and usage needs before purchasing a school lunch bag.
In February of 2007 the Associated Press released an announcement that officials tested 60 soft, vinyl lunch boxes and found that 1 out of every 5 contained unsafe levels of lead. However, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seemed to have difficulty seeing eye-to-eye on the matter. The CPSC stated the levels were not sufficiently alarming to warrant reprimanding manufacturers. However, when the FDA caught wind of the test results, they warned the makers of the lead-laden lunch boxes that they might pursue action. From their point-of-view, lead and food storage simply do not mix.
The only type of lunch containers implicated in the study were made of soft vinyl. In light of this, choosy parents might be tempted to avoid all soft vinyl bags altogether, but there are several companies who have offered their bags up for testing and have passed with flying colors. Parents may want to look for bags labeled "lead-free" or consider one of these brands, Crocodile Creek, Mimi the Sardine, Bazura Bags, and Laptop Lunches.
Appropriately Sized Bags
Another practical feature of the lunch box that should be considered is size. Most likely a kindergartener will not need a bag that could accommodate the lunch of a voracious middle schooler. It is better to choose a bag that will house the child's lunch without excess room or will not smash the child's bologna sandwich. Additionally, parents should make sure the container fits into lockers or elementary school cubbies.
Sturdy Construction and Ease of Use
If the child or parent would like a hard shell lunch box made of metal or firm plastic, the hinges and the clasp should be inspected. It is desirable to have well-made parts that are easy to open without concern of pinching fingers. Seams and zippers should be assessed for sturdiness of construction on insulated, cloth, or vinyl bags. Parents should be sure to have the child test the lunch box out independently to see if he can open the zipper or lid without need of adult assistance.
Age Appropriate Design
There might be nothing worse for a third grader to be forced to start the first day back to school carrying a lunch box decorated with Sesame Street characters. Meanwhile, the first grader (or even the fun-loving teen) would be happy to tote his lunch to school in it. Be sure that whatever design is chosen that it matches the child's interest and is age appropriate.
As the child goes back to school, he can carry with him a special lunch box that meets his needs and parents safety concerns. All parents need to do is think about such factors as safety, ease of use, and age appropriateness. With this in mind, it can be easier to filter out the "haves" from the "have nots" from the bountiful selection of lunch boxes populating the back to school aisles of department stores.
The Associated Press. Lead-Laden Lunch Boxes OK'd by the Government. February 2007.
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