When you have children, life's little luxuries don't need to stop. However, there's no denying that your visits to restaurants will change slightly, especially when your children are in their earlier years. If the thought of dining out with young children is making you nervous, here are some tips for ensuring it goes smoothly.

Choose an Appropriate Restaurant

Not all restaurants are child-friendly. Although it's unusual for any place to ban children altogether, those that serve haute cuisine may not offer the type of atmosphere your little one feels comfortable in. Create a shortlist of places that may offer the type of food and atmosphere your child will love. This doesn't have to mean focusing solely on those with children's menus, though. Normalising grown-up dishes for your little one can make it easier to broaden your dining choices in the future.

Plan Your Timings 

Heading to your venue early in the evening comes with a couple of advantages. First, the chances of other children being there are higher, which can make your kids feel at ease. Second, it means you don't need to push them beyond their bedtime. As any seasoned parent knows, a tired child is less likely to enjoy the setting they're in, so it's wise to dine to suit their bedtime. Finally, consider the speed at which the restaurant serves food. Children have short attention spans, so expecting them to wait for eons for each course may not work for them.

Offer Some Choice

It's unlikely your children can handle three courses, as their stomachs are so small. Build excitement before setting off by explaining their options to them and allowing them to choose. There's no harm in taking an inventive approach and allowing them to choose a starter and dessert. If your little ones are old enough to understand menus, sit and read the menu with them before you go out to dine. When children feel in control of a situation, they enjoy it more.

Pack Some Drinks and Snacks

While the thought of taking drinks and snacks to a restaurant may seem absurd, it can curb unruly behaviour. Children often become fractious when they're feeling thirsty, hungry or even just missing their usual sippy cup. By bringing some light refreshments, you can bridge the gap between your arrival and your children's courses hitting the table. If the restaurant you're going to has strict policies banning the consumption of your own food, try ordering some nibbles ahead of your arrival.

Contact local restaurants to ask about child-friendly options.