Bentgo Kids is the latch winner

Bentgo Kids is the best lunch box for a toddler who’s trying to open and close the latch on their own.

The two side clips are the key. They’re big enough for tiny fingers, they don’t take much strength to push down, and they’re placed so kids can brace the box with one hand while working the clip with the other. Most 2-year-olds figure it out within a week. Better yet, the lid actually seals, so whatever they manage to close stays closed on the way to daycare.

If your kid is on the younger side or just doesn’t have the hand strength yet, PlanetBox is the only thing easier — it uses magnets, so it just snaps shut. But it’s expensive and comes with a bunch of tiny pieces to lose.

Steer clear of OmieBox and Yumbox if independence is the goal. Their latches are stiff right out of the box, and you’ll end up opening and closing them for your kid every single day.

Worth the few extra bucks to let them do it themselves.