Leaky Ice Pack Solution

The best ice packs for kids lunches are (in my opinion) the Medela ice packs that come with a breast pump. They are the perfect size — not too thick or heavy. I have two of them, but one – after significant abuse – has started to leak.

I also have one those plastic soft-sided ice packs that I don’t remember buying, which means someone once left it here and after enough time it  just sort of became ours.

That one definitely leaks.  I put it in a large zip-lock bag, but that can be opened by the kids and the bag isn’t really that sturdy. I don’t want the gel pack contents to get near their food.

Then I had an epiphany and decided to try the Food Saver to seal them up.

There’s a little excess vacuum-sealed bag around the edges, but it folds right over and tucks easily in the lunch box. So far, it’s working like a champ!

Do you guys have leaky ice packs as well? What do you use in your kids’ lunch boxes?

4 Responses to Leaky Ice Pack Solution

  1. Mom July 11, 2011 at 12:22 pm #

    Looks like one of Dad’s ice packs he gets from the pharmacy……..glad you are using it!

    • Heather July 11, 2011 at 3:47 pm #

      Sorry, Mom. I shoulda known it came from your house. Will get it back to you.

  2. Jennifer July 12, 2011 at 1:25 pm #

    I agree about the Medela ice packs! I kept my ice packs when I sold the rest of my pump years ago. So far, they’re holding up just fine, but I don’t have a vacuum sealer to save the day for me if and when they spring a leak. However, I would spend the money to replace them because they just fit so perfectly!

    • Heather July 13, 2011 at 12:00 pm #

      You know, I think I need to order two more. I’m kinda bad about emptying out their lunch boxes at the end of the day. If I had extra I would always (hopefully) have cold packs ready to go. Glad you said that, thanks!

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