A couple of weeks from now marks the beginning of a new school year and for some parents, this may being a new set of worries for their kids, especially those who are heading out to attend face to face classes. The CDC released new guidance on July 9 for keeping kids in K-12 safe when attending face to face classes. According to new guidance, kids aged two and up must wear face masks indoors at all times and those who have not been vaccinated must also wear masks indoors at all times. Because children aged 12 and below are not yet eligible for vaccination, it’s important to keep them extra protected especially if they are attending face to face classes. Here are some back to school essentials to keep kids safe and healthy as they head back out to the world to learn.
Kids’ Mealtime Essentials for Back to School
Ensure food is always kept safe and clean when eating meals in school with these essentials.
1. Bentgo Kids Prints Leak-Proof, 5-Compartment Bento-Style Kids Lunch Box in Safari
Send your child off to school ready to face the day with this fun bento style lunch box from Bentgo Kids. This fun lunch box features ideal portions for kids with five practical compartments portioned perfectly for a child’s appetite to encourage a healthy and balanced meal every day. Perfect for kids aged 3 to 7, this lunch box keeps meals and snacks fresh and mess-free as he goes off to school. It’s designed with two kid-friendly latches that make it easy for smaller hands to open and close. The lunch box is also equipped with durable, rubber-coated edges that protect it from drops and bumps. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Why parents recommend it: “This thing has totally changed lunches for my 5-year-old. Before, it was sandwiches daily. We have used our creativity for all the compartments and I am so glad I am not wasting sandwich bags. The portion sizes are perfect for her. Now I will be ordering the carrying case for it.” Phillips725
2. Wildkin Kids Insulated Lunch Box Bag in Jurassic Dinosaurs
Encourage young children to do away with single-use paper bags and opt for the Wildkin insulated lunch box bag, which helps reduce waste and save money. It’s a 9.75 x 7 x 3.25-inch insulated lunch bag with enough space for your child’s lunch and snacks. This lightweight Wildkin lunch bag features an interior mesh pocket, backpack and lunch box matching gear, and easy access front pocket that can accommodate a 16 oz water bottle. It’s made of premium fabric making it 100% play proof. It’s durable and easy to clean, while its insulation helps keep hot and cold temperatures throughout the day to ensure food quality, freshness, and taste until break times. Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Why parents recommend it: “Cute design and sturdy! My son used the same Wildkin lunch box (different pattern) the past two years and never had any problems. We only got a new one because he chose a different design book bag for this year.” Cook
3. Stasher Platinum Silicone Food Grade Reusable Storage Bag in Terra Cotta
Permanently say goodbye to single use plastic sandwich bags with the Stasher, a unique new way for kids to bring sandwiches to school. This Stasher sandwich bag features the innovative air-tight, pinch-loc seal to keep food fresh. Keep your food’s freshness and flavor locked in with its platinum food-grade silicone that is also safe to use in the freezer, microwave, dishwasher, boiling water, and oven up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This product does not contain petroleum, no PVC and no latex, so you know it’s good for the environment. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Why parents recommend it: “Love Stashers! It keeps my snacks fresh longer and the kids love them. I like not throwing away ziplock’s all the time. Great product, mission, and I love being able to live a ‘greener’ lifestyle. Worth the price, I have bought cheaper reusable bags and you get what you pay for.”
4. Bumkins Reusable, Washable, Food Safe, BPA Free Sandwich and Snack Bag in Dinosaurs and Blue Tropic
One of the best ways to teach kids to be friendlier to the environment is to do away with single use plastics and use reusable packaging such as the Bumkins reusable sandwich and snack bags. A better alternative to single-use plastic bags, the Bumkins sandwich and snack bags are made with a single ply construction, which means you don’t have to deal with icky stuff between layers of fabric. It does not have a cotton layer, so you need not worry about smells and stains. This reusable food bags are BPA-free, PVC-free, vinyl-free, phthalate-free and lead-free and made of Bumkins’ signature waterproof and stain-resistant fabric that’s both soft and strong. It’s tough for everyday use and can stand up to kids’ messes. The fabric is wipeable, machine washable and dishwasher-safe (top rack) for easy maintenance. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Why parents recommend it: “This snack bag is perfect for our preschooler! The patterns are bright and cheerful. The quality is great as well. The zipper has held up really well and we were even able to write our daughters name on the bag without having the ink bleed and become illegible. We love them so much we bought another 2 pack.” Dee Howard
5. Hunnybee Beeswax Reusable Food Wraps
Another way to keep your kids’ food fresh and clean as he goes back to school is by wrapping it in reusable food wraps such as this one from Hunnybee, which are made from organic cotton, organic jojoba oil, ethically harvest beeswax, and tree resin. This product is made from Global Organic Textile Standard fabric and uses 00% recycled paper for packaging. These beeswax wraps are a natural alternative to plastic wraps and are biodegradable and sustainable. You can use them to wrap sandwiches, store food items cuah as bread, fruit, and cheese at home or on the go. This set comes with 3 different sizes, including 2 small-sized (7 x 8 inch), 3 medium-sized (10 x 11 inch), and 2 large-sized (13 x 14 inch). Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Why parents love it: “Perfect for packing lunches and leftovers! As long as you follow the proper care instructions, these are wonderful. They even came with super cute string ties. High recommend and you’re helping save the planet!” Kristen K.
Health and Hygiene Essentials for Back to School
It’s important to keep kids’ hands clean at all times, especially if they’re attending face to face classes. Here are some essentials that can add protection for when they go back to school.
1. Simple Modern Face Mask for Kids, 3 Pack, Imagination Collection
To make sure kids stay protected as they head back to the classroom this new school year, equip them with a comfortable, lightweight fabric face mask that can be washed and reused for weeks to come. The Simple Modern Face Masks for Kids come in threes so you need not worry about back up masks. Each mask features adjustable ear loops, an adjustable nose wire, and a fitted shape so your child stays comfortable all day. This double-layered kids cloth face mask is made of soft breathable polyester and cotton with a pocket for a removable filter. It’s easy to machine wash and line dry too! Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Why parents recommend it: “Bought these for my 5 yr old daughter. These are the best! They keep their shape so it’s easy to wear and stays cleaner and drier compared to others, so they are comfortable all day long. We went from wearing no masks to these, three days a week, and had no problems! (Plus the designs are adorable.)” Jacqueline Y.
2. Inteli-topia Adjustable Mask Lanyard for Kids
Worried your child might lose his face mask at school? Worry no more with the Inteli-topia Adjustable Mask Lanyard for Kids, which allows them to let their face masks hang around the neck during meals. Face masks must never touch any contaminated surfaces, which is why it’s best to keep them on your child’s person all the time. These lanyards help secure your child’s face mask during mealtime and whenever he does not need to wear it It features hooks to keep the face mask in place and a colorful neck strap for wearing. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Why parents recommend it: “Made the school week and road trips easier by having the lanyards! Washed very well and hung up to dry. I liked having multiple lanyards to put on extra masks stored in the kiddos backpacks. Plus they liked having designs instead of plain ones. Not stretchy which was fine with what we needed and were durable enough to survive the school year with my destructive kids. Would definitely purchase again.” Amazon Customer
3. Boogie Hands Antibacterial Hand Wipes for Kids, 6 Packs of 20
Back to school means back to interacting with the environment and kids! To make sure your child keeps his hands clean after hours of play and learning, make sure he has the handy Boogie Hands Antibacterial Hand Wipes, which effectively wipe away dirt, messes and bacteria from the hands when soap and water are not available. It features a gentle formula that is alcohol-free, hypoallergenic and made with aloe to moisturize the skin. It also does not contain parabens, sulfates and phthalates. It also comes in a resealable pack that’s great for everyday use. The Boogie brand was invented by moms for moms with the hope of making parenting easier and cleaner for both mother and child. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Why parents recommend it: “These are awesome wipes for boogers, but also great for general face and hand wiping, especially after we eat out. I keep a pack in my purse, diaper bag, and in the car.” RD
4. Baby Bum Hand Sanitizer Antibacterial Spray in Green Coconut
Keep your child’s hands clean even if he does not have access to soap and water with the Baby Bum Hand Sanitizer Antibacterial Spray, which is derived from sugar cane alcohol that kills 99.9% of germs without harsh chemicals. It features a no-rinse formula that smells good and doesn’t leave a sticky feel on hands. Its plant-based formula contains coconut oil, banana and aloe to soothe and nourish your child’s skin. This product is cruelty-free, gluten-free, and dye-free. It also does not contain parabens, sulfates, silicones, and phthalates. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Why parents recommend it: “We love Sun Bum. It smells so good and doesn’t leave your hands sticky. It’s the perfect size for my purse and my daughter’s backpack.” Nick Day
5. Awesafe Foldable UV Light Sanitizer Wand
High schoolers and older children might want to have this handy UV light sanitizer wand with them when going to the library to read books or research on the computer. This LED device emits ultraviolet light that is suitable for the sterilization of smartphones, keyboards, and more. It is powered by a rechargeable battery, making it easily portable for use in school. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Why parents recommend it: “Love this product. I work with computers and schools frequently and with the pandemic, this handy tool has kept me safe and eased any anxiety I used to have about bacteria/germs, etc. It’s very easy to use and I can literally take it anywhere. I’m ordering them for my whole team!” Blayne B.
For more great back to school ideas, check out the stories from our archive in the links below. At The Teelie Blog, we provide you with daily insights on the latest deals in the market so you can save while you shop. Sign up for our weekly newsletter so you’re the first to know about awesome deals and discounts.
Back to School Fashion: The Best Cloth Face Masks for Every Type of Person
Back to School College Essentials During the Pandemic
Your Complete Back to School Guide for Kids!
4 Easy Back to School Recipes for Kids + Fun Lunch Bags!
Back to School Backpacks for Kids of All Levels
10 Fun Dorm Room Accessories To Inspire You This School Year
10 Best Children’s Lunch Boxes and Bags for Summer Camp and School
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