How to handle "eating out" during the leisure season? Explaining tips to enjoy the leisure season "more lightly, more safely!"

　In 2026, with the spring leisure season arriving from April to May, including Golden Week which may offer up to 12 consecutive holidays, many people are likely planning to return to their hometowns or go on family trips. However, for mothers and fathers with children in the weaning stage, long outings, while enjoyable, are also accompanied by anxiety. Amidst this, Wakodo, a brand for infant and toddler food and supplies celebrating its 120th anniversary this year, introduces points to alleviate the burden of "eating out" as much as possible and help families enjoy the spring outings together.

＜Summary＞

■ GW Outings, Weaning-Stage Parents' Worries: Lack of ease and nutritional aspects

■ Key points for eating out: "Hygiene First", "Shorten waiting time", "Minimize luggage"

■ No need for plates or spoons! Wakodo's safety design from the perspective of "Eiyō Marche" and "Baby Quality 120 Encyclopedia."

● Eating Out, Moms and Dads' Worries are "Lack of Ease"

　According to a survey conducted by Asahi Group Foods*, over half of respondents (52.5%) answered that "adults cannot eat leisurely" when dining out with children, making it the overwhelming first place. This was followed by "clothes getting dirty from food" (32.6%), "restaurant menus have too strong a taste for children" (31.5%), and "luggage becomes heavy" (31.3%). These results highlight the reality that mothers and fathers lose their leisure due to "not being able to enjoy meals themselves" and "being busy with processing spills and luggage." Furthermore, it became clear that worries about children's health, such as "seasoning" and "nutritional aspects" of restaurant menus, are also endless.

● "3 Key Points to Consider for Eating Out"

　For the spring leisure season, we will explain points from Wakodo's perspective to ensure peace of mind with weaning meals, while also creating "ease" for mothers and fathers, even in unfamiliar environments when going out.

・Point 1: "First, hygiene is important"

　April to May is a period when daytime temperatures rise rapidly. Handmade bento boxes carry a high risk of spoiling during transport. While it's easy to think "I want to make it handmade," when going out, it is safer from a food poisoning prevention perspective to utilize commercially available baby food (retort pouches and cup containers) that have undergone thorough sterilization and sealing processes and can be transported at room temperature. This also saves preparation time and resolves the rush before going out.

・Point 2: "Shorten waiting time to secure adult mealtime"

　It is a common scenario where by the time you enter a restaurant and are cooling down baby food or transferring it to a plate, the child becomes impatient and fussy, and ultimately the adults cannot eat leisurely. If the restaurant allows children's meals to be brought in, try to bring baby food that can be fed immediately. By satisfying the child without making them wait, mothers and fathers will ultimately gain the leisure to enjoy warm meals when out.

・Point 3: "Minimize luggage when going out"

　If you prepare various ingredients according to the baby's age and try to carry two meals, your bag can become quite full with small portioned containers. Also, dealing with spoons that get dirty each time is a source of worry for mothers and fathers. In such cases, try incorporating commercially available products where the container itself can serve as a plate, or use disposable cutlery. Simply choosing items that are easy to carry and can be disposed of after eating will save you the trouble of washing dishes and significantly reduce your luggage on the return trip.

【Advice from Wakodo】

　Unexpected situations often occur when out, which can lead to stress. The most important thing is for mothers and fathers to maintain their peace of mind. Just having "reliable baby food" in your bag provides a sense of security, such as "I'll be okay with this," so carry it as an amulet for outings!

● Explaining "Key Points for Choosing Baby Food" by Outing Scene!

　Reduce stress by choosing baby food according to the location of your outing! We explain the points of concern and countermeasures for each scene, along with recommended products.

・Scene 1: "Restaurants and Service Areas when Out"

＜Points of Concern＞ "Cannot eat leisurely", "Restaurant menus have too strong a taste"

　Self-standing cup-type baby food is recommended. Since it can be fed immediately after opening the lid, it reduces preparation time and makes it easier to secure time for mothers and fathers to eat. It is also a benefit that you can ensure a balanced meal without worrying about the restaurant's menu seasoning.

【Wakodo Recommended Product "Eiyō Marche"】

・Scene 2: "Leisure Spots like Parks and Amusement Parks"

＜Points of Concern＞ "Clothes get dirty from food", "Luggage becomes heavy"

　Outdoors, where handwashing stations and tables are not always readily available, pouch-type products that children can hold and drink themselves without a spoon are recommended. They are less likely to spill even when resting on a bench, reducing the risk of clothes getting dirty. In addition to being easy to carry, the waste after drinking compacts small, solving luggage problems. They are also perfect for frequent hydration during outdoor play and for addressing minor fussiness while waiting for attractions.

【Wakodo Recommended Product】

"1-sai kara no MY Jelly Drink"

● Introducing Wakodo's Recommended Products to Solve "Troubles" When Outing

"Eiyō Marche"

　"Eiyō Marche," which takes care of balanced meals on behalf of busy mothers and fathers, solves the problems of "wanting to reduce luggage," "wanting to feed immediately," and "concerned about nutrition and hygiene" all at once! There is also a "BIG size Eiyō Marche" for children after 1 year old, offering a satisfying, large portion.

- Convenient to carry, no plates or spoons needed

　The cup-type products come with a spoon, so you can feed your child immediately after opening. After eating, just discard it in the trash. There's no need to bring back dirty dishes or cutlery, making it hygienic and lighter for the return trip.

- Can be carried at room temperature because it's sterilized

　It is sealed and sterilized after cooking, so it can be stored at room temperature if unopened. It can be carried even during spring outings when temperatures rise.

- Main dish + side dish for a balanced meal even when traveling

　It includes a main dish and side dish set*, offering a balanced design that also includes vegetables. It solves the problem of unbalanced meals while traveling. *Single-item menus with two main dishes are also available.

★ For fussiness during travel

"Hajimete no Fruche Jelly" is also recommended

A collaboration product between "Fruche*" and "Wakodo." It's a jelly-type Fruche with a gentle sweetness considerate of children, that can be drunk as is. "Hajimete no Fruche Jelly" can be consumed from around 1.5 years old.

*"Fruche" is a registered trademark of House Foods Group Inc.

*This product is sold by Asahi Group Foods, Ltd. under license from House Foods Inc.

● What is "Baby Quality 120 Encyclopedia" that delivers Wakodo's Safety and Peace of Mind?

　Wakodo brand, celebrating its 120th anniversary in 2026, has released the "Baby Quality 120 Encyclopedia," packed with the "baby quality" commitment inherited since its founding. We will introduce content related to this outing scenario from the "Baby Quality 120 Encyclopedia."

"Baby Quality 120 Encyclopedia" Public Site: https://www.wakodo.co.jp/promise/120zukan/

- NO. 3 "Always available at your usual store."

　Wakodo products are available at drugstores nationwide. Life with a baby can be unpredictable. High quality is important, but being able to buy it at a nearby store when you want to buy it is also considered quality.

- NO. 15 "Find your baby's favorite."

　Wakodo's baby food has the No. 1 product lineup in Japan*! The number of menus, the selection according to growth, and even the number of ingredients used are all extensive. We offer a wide range of products that suit babies' mouths. *As of January 2026.

- NO. 44 "All-in-one for eating out."

　The challenge of daily parenting: eating out. Having "this is all you need" is a great help. Main dish, side dish, container, spoon, and even meal balance – everything you need, all in one.

● About "Wakodo", celebrating its 120th anniversary

　Wakodo, which celebrated its 120th anniversary in 2026, has a new brand promise of "Always, Baby Quality. Even More, Baby Quality." and offers products such as infant formula, baby food, pre-kid food, snacks and beverages for infants and toddlers, skincare for infants and toddlers, pharmaceuticals for infants and toddlers, and food for pregnant and nursing mothers. For foods like baby food, they provide safe and secure products that are particular about seasoning, ingredient size, texture, quantity, and the taste of ingredients according to the child's growth stage, aiming to support children's growth and reduce the burden of childcare for caregivers.

■ Brand Site: https://www.wakodo.co.jp/

Quality Commitment by Wakodo Employees: "Development" Edition

Quality Commitment by Wakodo Employees: "Baby Nutrition Consultation" Edition

 

Wakodo "Baby Nutrition Consultation" Edition