Get a bento box, not a thermos, for your kid's lunch

The best lunch boxes for small hands are bento-style boxes with easy-slide latches — like Yumbox or Bentgo Kids — because they skip screw tops and still contain messes.

What makes them work: you don’t twist or pull anything open. A kid just flips the latch. That alone solves 90% of the “I can’t open this” problem.

On leakproof, know the difference. Yumbox has silicone seals around each compartment, so it’s genuinely leakproof for yogurt, dip, or sauce. Bentgo Kids is not fully sealed for liquids — it’s fine for solids and dry snacks, but it will leak if you put something runny in it. So if your kid needs to carry yogurt, go Yumbox. If they’re just eating a sandwich, fruit, and crackers, the Bentgo will save you a few bucks.

Also, keep this in mind: leakproof insulated food jars (the thermos style with screw-on lids) are the worst option for small hands. The lid is slippery, needs twisting force, and often has a pressure seal. Even adults struggle with them sometimes.

A lunch box your kid can open themselves is worth the extra few dollars. Trust me, the walk back to the cafeteria to open a pickle container gets old fast.