Dining out with a toddler can be a challenging experience. Still, having a toddler does not have to mean the end of dining out. By being prepared and following a few simple suggestions dinner out with your little one can be enjoyable.

Make sure your toddler is well rested. As parents we all know a cranky child can cause havoc.

If your child is old enough to understand what you are saying, give them a pep talk. Explain how you are going out for dinner as a family. Talk with them on how it calls for their best behavior.

If your child is getting hungry before leaving home, give them a small healthy snack to hold them over until you get to the restaurant. The trick is not to fill them up yet give them enough that they will not get irritable from hunger at the restaurant.

Choose a family restaurant. People will likely be more tolerant of your child's behavior. Also, a family restaurant is likely to have high chairs and booster seats available for use.

Do not go to the restaurant during rush hours. During slower times there are fewer people to disturb, less noise, quicker service and less likely to cause over stimulation of your child.