Food on the trip for children: Smart tips for trains, car and flights

Posted by Elin Oresten on May 30, 2024

Traveling with young children can be a challenge, especially when it comes to food. At Knatteplock we want to help create enjoyable meals - even when traveling. Here are some tips for food to take with you on the train, car trip and plane.

Benefits of finger food when traveling

Pickled food is perfect as travel food because it is easy to serve and fun to pick up for both young and old.

Food for the whole family: Easy to bring the same food for the whole family. You don't have to bring separate food for the children, you can easily prepare one dish for everyone.
New food in a new environment: Many children actually eat more and dare to try new foods in new environments. So taking the opportunity to bring something new is not a bad idea!
Easy to eat by yourself : Young children can easily pick up and eat the food themselves, making them more independent and engaged during the trip.
Varied diet : Pickled food provides the opportunity for a varied and balanced diet, even when you are traveling.

Food to take on the train or car journey

Traveling by train and car comes with the advantage of being able to bring liquid foods like smoothies and sauces, unlike when you fly and are not allowed to bring liquids onto the plane. This opens up more options and makes the trip a little easier. Here are some of our favorites:

Savory muffins : Easy to handle and doesn't get messy. Plus, they can be eaten cold.
Porridge sticks : A good snack that can easily be varied in flavor depending on the season.
Sandwiches : Filled with kids' favorite ingredients. Toppings like peanut butter and banana don't require refrigeration.
Pierogies and pizza balls : A filling and tasty lunch that the whole family will enjoy.
Dip-friendly snacks : Various types of steaks and fritters are perfect for dipping in ready-made dipping sauce.
Pancakes: Because who doesn't love pancakes?
Smoothies with fruits and vegetables: Perfect cooling snack to serve in our insulated straw bottle.

Food tips

Pizza balls with filling

Vegetable smoothies

Cauliflower sticks with cheese

Sweet potato & chickpea patties with hummus

Porridge sticks with cinnamon bun flavor

Chocolate-flavored porridge sticks

Mac and cheese muffins with broccoli

Sweet potato and oat brownies

Perfect brownies to take on the road:
These brownies made with sweet potatoes and oats were a real hit! Perfect texture and taste. Not too sweet for our little ones but still sweet enough to be classified as a snack.

To the recipe

Safety: take a meal break during the car journey

When it comes to car trips, safety is always paramount. It's best to avoid letting your children eat in the car while you're driving, as it can be a choking hazard. Instead, plan regular breaks where you can stop and eat. These breaks also give your children a chance to stretch their legs.

Food on the flight

When traveling by air, the rules are a little stricter, especially when it comes to liquid food. Here are some tips to make your flight easier:

Solid food: Opt for food that is not liquid. Rich Muffins, porridge sticks, tortilla sandwiches and pies are excellent options.
Check the rules: Always check the airline's rules for what is allowed in your hand luggage. This can vary between different airlines and airports. Often, you Bring food for the little ones, as it must be registered separately at the security checkpoint.

Food to take with you on the trip

3 different tortilla sandwiches

Pierogi with ricotta and broccoli

Porridge sticks with apple pie flavor

Quick omelette bites with carrot

Tips for an easier trip

Prepare : Prepare your pick-me-up at home before your trip. This will save you time and stress once you're on the road. Make it a few days in advance and freeze it for less stress.
Pack smart : Pack the food in small, manageable portions that are easy for children to pick up and eat themselves.
Engage the children : Let your children help you choose and prepare your food. This can make them more interested in eating while traveling.

Hope these tips help make the trip both easier and more fun for the whole family. Enjoy the summer and the trip with tasty and practical food for the little ones!

/Elin Oresten

Lic. nutritionist and founder of Knatteplock.

Good products for food prep

More on the blog

Sugar and children, the dietitian answers

One-year-old party: How to organize a successful children's party step by step

Choking and choking - the importance of understanding the difference

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That's why I started Knatteplock

BENEFITS OF EATING THE SAME FOOD WITH THE WHOLE FAMILY

Cook picky food at home

Children love to imitate, by eating the same food it facilitates learning and makes mealtime a positive experience of togetherness. As a parent you don't have to feed but can sit next to and enjoy the food.

Picking food gives children the opportunity to explore a variety of textures and consistencies at their own pace. This can lead to a healthier relationship with food and a greater enjoyment of eating. By offering different textures and flavors, the child gets a broader taste palette, and there is a greater chance that the appetite will continue even during the naturally picky period that usually comes around two years. Research shows that children who are introduced to a more varied diet from the start eat more variety and more vegetables later in life.

Promotes exploration and independence at mealtime.
Develops early chewing skills.
Simplifies family meals and strengthens community.

Why pick-me-up?

Promotes exploration and independence at the meal

Develops early chewing abilities

Simplifies family meal time and strengthens the community

Market leader on products for children's independent eating

Encourage the joy of eating by letting your child explore flavors and textures on their own. Start the food adventure today - we are here for you and your child through messes, discoveries and challenges.

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Frequently asked questions about takeaway food

What is pick food? What is pick food?

Finger food is a way of offering food where the baby/child eats themselves either with their hands or with a spoon.

Finger foods give children the opportunity to explore a variety of textures and consistencies at their own pace, from an early age. This can lead to a healthier relationship with food and greater enjoyment of eating.

How to start giving pick food ? How to start giving pick food ?

Make sure your baby shows signs of being ready for solid foods. She should be able to sit up in a chair on her own, be able to bring objects to her mouth on her own, and show an interest in food. Maybe your baby is reaching for your food or looking at your plate with fascination, then there is probably interest!

Consider offering foods that are fairly soft but easy to grasp. For example, sweet potato sticks, slices of liver pâté, cooked broccoli or omelette/pancake strips. Sandwiches with butter and/or liver pâté are also perfect for practicing motor skills. Slippery foods that are difficult to grasp can be rolled in seeds or sandwich crumbs. For example, avocado or banana. But in general, it is good to offer the baby what the rest of the family eats as often as possible.

Small babies don't have a pincer grip so it's big pieces that matter at first. The pieces should be longer than the palm of their hand because small babies (6 months) often can't open their palm on request. It may feel scary but it's actually safer with bigger pieces than smaller pieces when it's a small baby! If they take too big bites they spit it out again.