As a busy parent, dining out is a treat that eliminates the effort of cooking; and it is nice to have someone else wait on you, when you spend every day waiting on your little ones!

However, dining out can be stressful rather than relaxing when you have rambunctious toddlers. Here are some tips to make it a more pleasant experience for everyone, fellow patrons and waitstaff included:

Don’t Pop Baby into the Highchair Right Away

Babies have a short attention span and they like to keep moving. If you strap them into the highchair while perusing the menu, they will be restless long before the food arrives.

Some eateries provide crayons and colouring paper, or even a toy corner, to keep young’uns occupied. Keeping your nappy bag well-stocked with such items will ensure your offspring does not become bored and annoyed.

Choose a Quieter Time of Day

This means you don’t have to wait as long for service, and waiters have more time and inclination to devote attention to your tiny tots. Today on the spur of the moment, we had lunch at a Malaysian restaurant.

Thankfully, as there were few other occupied tables, the waiters were happy to entertain our roaming toddler as we painstakingly plucked our way through a chilli mud crab (not a swift eating experience).

I recently discovered First Table, which gives you 50% off restaurant meals if you book a table at the start of a meal slot. A great way to obtain more bang for your buck while also enjoying the slower pace before other patrons trickle in.

Include Your Friends

My toddlers are used to chowing down on Sunday brunch at a café near our church, and they love the interaction with other parishioners.

If you have baby-loving friends, they are wonderful companions who can keep your child engaged and happy while you have a breather to actually finish your meal. My priest’s wife often takes one of my children under her wing so that I can fully concentrate on my dish.

They also act as additional role models for your children, who are learning how to behave in public.

Be Flexible

Sometimes your child may become overstimulated or tired, and grabbing a takeaway container will save a lot of tears and shrieking. As with many aspects of parenting, an ability to go with the flow will result in less conflict and often saves the day.

What other tips can you think of? Today’s Parent has a few more here.

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Image courtesy of RDNE Stock Project.