Agreed with the suggestion of putting a hardsided leak-proof container inside. So much easier for both parent and kid. We use this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Yumbox-Leakproof-Bento-Container-Gelato/dp/B00RKNPOBK

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My concern is having something that will keep the food from getting crushed.

Don't you use reusable containers to pack the food? Please tell me you don't use zip loc bags.

NP. I use them all the time. And I have no problem with it. I was the Bento box mom for years and then I got over it.

Anonymous wrote:So it doesn't hurt as much when a kid hits another kid in the head with it

+1. Apparently whomever's apple has less bruises after good smash session wins

Anonymous wrote:My concern is having something that will keep the food from getting crushed.

Don't you use reusable containers to pack the food? Please tell me you don't use zip loc bags.

My concern is having something that will keep the food from getting crushed.

We use bag ones that zip. You just throw them in the washer.

Our LL Bean ones are soft inside but easy to clean.

Anonymous wrote:So it doesn't hurt as much when a kid hits another kid in the head with it

Precisely. Its for the same reason why they got rid of swings.

So it doesn't hurt as much when a kid hits another kid in the head with it

Lands end has one that has an interior firm shell.

I have one that has a plastic shell inside to give it shape. But I like being able to wash the fabric

The best thing I did was invest in a Planet Box. Have had one for each kid for a few years now and there are no dents. They're expensive, but I think I would have spent more on multiple lunch boxes over that time. It helps me to pack healthy lunches (can just put a little treat in the middle, but always thinking of veg in one compartment, fruit in another, dairy in one, etc.). Easy to pop in dishwasher. Well worth the investment.

Here's one

http://www.amazon.com/Pecoware-Thomas-Side-Kick-Lunch/dp/B00004S7NC/ref=zg_bs_6498204011_95

I think because they are all insulated now, which uses fabric. Have you looked at the hard plastic bento boxes that go inside a soft lunch box?

My DS has used a soft sided lunch box the last couple years but I'm thinking a plastic hard sided would be easier to keep clean. He spills a lot.

But after doing a search, there are barely any out there like that! I'm wondering if I'm missing something since all of us had hard lunch boxes ( I don't want metal though - I remember mine getting dented). Anyone's DC have a plastic lunchbox you've/ they've liked?

Thanks!