The Best Insulated Lunch Bag for Kids - A Parents’ Guide

It's a jungle out there in the lunch bag aisle, with bags of different sizes, designs, colours- the list goes on!

Does it matter which one you choose for your kids?

A lunch bag isn't just a carrier for lunches and snacks; it has the critical job of keeping your kids' food fresh, tasty, and at a safe temperature.

So, choosing the best insulated lunch bag for kids is super important!

We're here to help you wade through the sea of lunch bag choices to find the one with the necessary safety and practical features, plus style features that'll make even the pickiest of eaters excited about lunchtime!

Why Insulation Matters in Kids’ Lunch Bags?

The insulation in a lunch bag creates a barrier that maintains the temperature of cold food by reflecting heat away and keeps warm food heated by trapping heat inside.

The result?

The lunches you pack for your kids stay fresh and safe until it’s time for them to be eaten.

Let’s take a closer look at why insulation matters in kids’ lunch bags.

Food freshness: Maintaining the right temperature keeps fruits and salads crisp, yoghurts and cheeses cool, and sandwiches fresh. Insulated bags can also keep foods in a thermal container warm.
Food safety: By keeping perishable foods cool, insulated cooler bags help prevent bacteria growth and foodborne illnesses that can occur when such foods get warm.

Variety and healthy eating: As you’re not limited to packing non-perishable items, you can give your kids more exciting and healthy lunch options from all the food groups: fruits, veggies, dairy, grains, and protein. Such variety also encourages healthy eating habits.
Economic savings: Insulated lunch bags reduce the need to buy pre-packaged or school-provided meals that often cost more than home-prepared ones.

Environmental considerations: Lunch bags cut down on the need for single-use packaging. And bags made from sustainable or recycled materials further amplify their positive impact on the planet.

Key Features To Look For in Kids’ Lunch Bags

Insulation: Look for bags with thick, high-grade insulation and an internal pocket or space for an ice brick.
Durability: Kids can be pretty rough on their stuff, so choose a lunch bag made of strong materials with solid zippers. Durable lunch bags are also more cost-effective in the long run, as they don’t need replacing often.
Size: Your kids need a bag that’s big enough to fit a lunch box, drink bottle, and snacks, but compact enough for easy carrying and storage in their backpacks and school lockers.
Kid-friendly designs: Kids are more likely to use and not lose a lunch bag they like. Choose one in their favourite colours with a design that appeals to their interests. Also, look for easy-to-use zippers and handles just the right size for little hands to encourage independence in younger kids.
Easy to clean: Clean lunch bags are crucial for hygiene, but kids are messy creatures! So you’ll want a bag made of materials that easily wipe clean or are machine washable.

The Best of Stuck On You’s Insulated Lunch Bags

We’re confident that we’ve created the best insulated lunch bag for kids.

How can we be so sure?

Because of our lunch bags' awesome features!

Premium insulation and a thermal lining.
Zipped internal pocket for a slim ice block.
Handy carry handle.
Zip opening that's easy for little fingers to use.
Easy to clean.
The mini cooler bag measures 190mm long x 160mm wide x 70mm deep and fits a mini bento lunch box.
The large cooler bag measures 255mm long x 200mm wide x 95mm deep and fits a large bento lunch box.
Customisable designs.

You read that right; our insulated lunch bags are customisable! After adding your child's name to their lunch bag, they can choose its colour and a fun motif: animals, dinosaurs, rockets, fairies, rainbows, and more.

Lunchtime just got a whole lot more fun! But the benefits of personalised lunch bags don’t end there. They’re also less likely to get lost at school; if they do, they’re more likely to be quickly returned.

Safety and Maintenance of Your Kids’ Lunch Bags

Clean and well-maintained insulated lunch bags are important for hygiene and keeping the bag in good nick as long as possible.

Here are some cleaning and maintenance tips:

Pack food in leak-proof containers to keep the inside of the lunch bag dry and clean, reducing the risk of mould growth and unpleasant odours.
Place a serviette or piece of paper towel inside the bag to absorb accidental spills and condensation.
Avoid overpacking, as this can strain zippers and seams, leading to tears or breaks.
Remove all containers and food leftovers daily.
Use a damp sponge with mild soap to wipe the inside and outside of the bag. A mixture of water and baking soda can remove tougher stains.
Steer clear of bleach or harsh cleaning agents that can damage the material and affect the bag’s insulation properties.
Give the bag a thorough cleaning weekly. If it's machine washable, follow the manufacturer's instructions. Otherwise, soak it in warm, soapy water, gently scrub, and rinse.
After cleaning, leave the bag open to air dry completely to prevent mould and mildew growth.
Regularly inspect the bag for any tears or damage that could compromise the insulation's effectiveness.
Store the bag in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight when not in use.

FAQs About the Best Insulated Lunch Bag for Kids

How Do I Keep My Kid’s Food Warm in a Lunch Bag?

To keep food warm, pack it in an insulated thermal container just before your child heads to school. To help the food maintain its temperature, before adding it to the thermal container, fill the container with boiling water, let it stand for a few minutes, and then empty it.

Wrap the thermal container in a tea towel for extra insulation and then pack it in an insulated lunch bag.

Do I Need an Insulated Lunch Bag To Keep My Kid’s Lunch Cold?

You do! An insulated lunch bag will maintain the temperature of the food inside, whether cold or hot, until your child’s lunchtime. You can add ice bricks or frozen gel packs to the insulated lunch bag to keep perishable foods, in particular, fresh and safe to eat.

What Is the Best Material for an Insulated Lunch Bag?

The best materials are safe, durable, and, of course, effective at insulating.

Choose a bag made from high-quality, food-safe fabrics inside and out. Nylon or polyester are standard with a waterproof and easy-to-clean lining made of vinyl, aluminium, or PEVA (Polyethylene Vinyl Acetate).

The insulation layer should be made from thermal foil and foam materials like polyethylene, polystyrene, or closed-cell foam.

Find the Perfect Insulated Lunch Bag for Your Kids Today!

Looking for the best insulated lunch bag for kids? Well, look no further!

Here at Stuck On You, we make the best insulated lunch bags in Australia, with satisfied users in 15 other countries, too!

Need more convincing?

Check out what other parents have to say about our amazing cooler bags here, and why our cooler bags have won a National Parenting Product Award here.

Then browse our range and start designing your child's safe, practical, and personalised insulated cooler bag!

If you have questions about our products, please don't hesitate to contact us by filling out this online form.