Tips and Tricks

MY 5 BEST TIPS FOR DINING OUT WITH A BABY OR TODDLER

“Sooooo freedom stops! Say goodbye to the fun! YOUR life stops now!” – that’s what I was often told when I was expecting my first child. And yes, life changes, it really does. But that doesn’t have to mean you have to give up everything you love, not even a meal out, or just a coffee with your partner or a friend - once in a while.

October 3, 2025

Julie Zangenberg

Julie Zangenberg er mor, iværksætter og en del af Tuttelu-universet. Her deler hun sine personlige erfaringer og bedste tips til en hverdag med børn, hvor nærvær og ro er i centrum - også i en travl juletid.

I remember the feeling that taking a small child to a café or restaurant could seem completely overwhelming. The thought of crying in the middle of the room, spitting up on your shirt and irritated looks from strangers... Otherwise, thank you!
But I would like to say: It can be done. With a little training, planning and tips. And it doesn't have to be perfect to be good.

My husband is a chef and restaurant owner. He opened his first restaurant when our first son was 3 weeks old. As you can probably guess, it wasn't ideal, but that's life sometimes. And we figured it out together. And so we were 'forced' to practice the art of taking a baby, and later a child, to a restaurant. I hope some of the tips I came up with can be of help to you who want to be able to move around more with your baby or child. Here are the five things that have helped me the most, maybe they can also give you some peace of mind.

1. Start in places where children are welcome

The first few times it's a relief to choose a place where children are a natural part of the picture. Typically a lunch restaurant or a cafe is best. You can feel the difference right away, and it makes you feel more secure, which rubs off on your child.

📞 Tip: Call ahead and ask if you can bring your child. Ask about the possibility of high chairs, a changing table and whether they can find a good seat for you that works for both you, your baby/child and the restaurant. Just knowing that the staff is expecting you gives you peace of mind. And the respect you show the restaurant by calling often means that they are ready to help in a completely different way.

2. Planning!

It can be a huge help to think ahead a little:

Choose a time for your appointment after your child's nap, or plan to take a long(!) walk with the stroller to the restaurant so baby might be asleep when you arrive. Having some time to actually eat or enjoy a coffee will give you the energy to help your child adjust to the new place when they wake up.

Bring an “ally” with you - someone who likes your child, wants to hold them too, and who understands if you have to go in the middle of it all.

Pack the bag to help you!: two sets of clothes (one is rarely enough), diapers, snacks, wet wipes (put them on the table right away), toys, extra pacifiers, 2-3 cloth diapers (preferably one of them in a dark color, so it can help shield from the sun for easier naps), garbage bags, a changing mat, a small cardigan for if they get cold, but which can be easily taken off if they get too hot.

And then a little favor for yourself: bring a 'kit' with you. A clean shirt, a hair tie, a comb, a bottle of water, deodorant, a hand mirror, maybe some make-up. Just being able to change or touch up if an accident happens can be a bonus.

💡 Note: You can't predict everything, and you shouldn't. But plan what you can and leave the rest as it is.

3. If it doesn't work - exit plan!

It's perfectly normal that some trips just don't work out. Maybe baby is restless or overstimulated, the restaurant is too loud, or you yourself are too tired. It doesn't mean you've failed. So make your visits short at first so you can go home on a good note.
And have an “exit plan” ready: How will you get home quickly, and what help is available at home so you can land safely again?

🚪 Tip: I was happy to have food for baby and me ready when we got home, pajamas waiting (again also for
me) and the changing area full.

4. Remember small things for entertainment

ALWAYS bring a toy or book that you know your child likes. If there is a favorite teddy bear or two - bring them. It doesn't have to be a lot, but 2-3 things that can entertain and provide security is always a good idea. And controversial
attitude: we have tried to avoid screens as much as possible. But you do you, and what makes it work for you! It's not about being perfect, but that you find peace. Instead of screens, we have brought coloring books/activity books with stickers and tasks. We have found toys online that are not too big, but that require the children to do something. Google it. And then we have talked a lot with the child. Played with it. Showed it different things that were in the restaurant/cafe. Made use of the space and interior. And again: it's a good idea to be two. That there is someone other than you who can hold, pat and walk around with the child, so you can have a few minutes free. Remember to breathe deeply in those minutes. And enjoy the coffee and the food a little.

5. Small manners in the loving way

As much as possible, insist from the start that there is a code when it comes to behaving properly towards your fellow human beings and surroundings. Hear me out ;) When you have an infant with you, they are far too young to understand a word of it. But when they start to gain language and understanding, we have tried to stick to some boundaries in a loving way. When they have shouted too loudly, we have tried to explain why it can be annoying to the neighbors. We have demonstrated that you say thank you to the waiter who brings you your food. And to the one who hands you your jacket. It doesn't have to be a spiky little finger and a full Emma Gad, but I really believe that you are doing your child a great favor by not being afraid to stick to classic good manners. They will remember it, even when you are not there, and it will make them be greeted again with greater goodwill and love wherever they go.

The most important advice is the most basic: try. The more you try, the better you and your child will become. You will find your way to do it. I hope some of the advice here works for you, and maybe gives you a sense of security in moving out into the world with your child. Something I myself found scary, but also enormously rewarding when I got it to work. It removed some anxiety, and gave a freedom and ease in the big, complex and wonderful situation that is being allowed to become parents.

Have a nice trip and enjoy your meal!
Hug Julie

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