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?
Looks like one of Dad’s ice packs he gets from the pharmacy……..glad you are using it!
Sorry, Mom. I shoulda known it came from your house. Will get it back to you.
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!
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!