How do you manage when you're out?

[leese]

Just got in after a stressful shopping trip, and felt compelled to seek solace in the welcome arms of mumsnet at once!! Basically, went to a Starbucks outlet, and tried to get jar of baby food heated - now I know all the problems re: health and safety etc, which is why lots of places no longer heat food for you. However, I always found Starbucks would, so kept going. Today however, they say they've changed their policy. Fair enough. However, when I asked for a cup/jug of hot water so that I could heat food, they refused that too! They said I had to go to the information desk within the shopping mall (a trek from the coffee shop), and get it heated there. So, i'd bought my coffee, on my own, dd in pushchair - hmmmmm. Couldn't leave her to go to sort it out, was not allowed to take mug of coffee with me, what to do? Gosh, I'm sure you all know the feeling - I just wish sometimes places would work to make things easier for mums, not harder.
In light of all this, a few questions. How do you all get food heated when out? Any particularly obliging places? Our John Lewis is good (thermos type thing), but usually heaving too. Any similar experiences, or am I just feeling particularly tense?!!

I headed for Debenhams every time - they give you a plastic container which has hot water sealed underneath it to spoon the food into, plus when you buy an adult meal the baby food is free too! They also give you bibs and provide crayons and pictures for the older ones to colour in.

Leese, this is probably no help to you if your child is used to having warm food - but have you tried feeding room temp food? I did this right from the start and my son seemed to be OK with it.

Just to reiterate the previous comment, I always gave my DS food & milk at room temperature & it didn't do him any harm - however horrified my SIL last week when I gave him his cup of bedtime milk - which he now has straight from the fridge!

It just seemed so much easier than all that bother about heating up - is too hot worries etc.

Good luck

All my children have preferred to have their milk straight from the fridge since they were about 3-4 months old so I never really suffer from that problem, but could you possibly take a small thermos of hot water out with you when you go and use the cup with it to heat up the milk/food in carton?

Leese - I am like the others, got the kids use to eating at room temperature but if I go out, I'll take a banana or avocado as a meal so that I can manage without any hassle. However can't you eat those jars in a bottle warmer ? Our boots has one in the baby room so does Mothercare.

Put the jar in the coffee?

Tinker - best laugh I had tonight - reading your comment! good idea!

Leese, I have to second Jodee's recommendation for debenhams -they have always been my first port of call too, they can't do enough to help - especially when struggling with a tray of food and a pushchair at the counter they would immediately get someone to help get you to your table. Also the fact that they have 2 types of high chair (and loads of them) a one that lies back in a 'carseat' style for the babies and a chunky wooden toddler style one - brilliant...
I have to say that dd was used to room temperature food pretty quickly though, I'm sure that it makes no difference to them really, its just if they will happily take it that way I suppose...
I sympathise with you Leese for the hassle you went through, I've been in some similar situations myself and it really does nothing for your stress levels, does it?!

Thanks everyone! - not quite sure about that coffee idea tho' Tinker! Anyhow, I'll give all the suggestions a try - have'nt tried avocado yet Pupuce, so maybe give that a go. I've tried a few times to give a jar at room temp, but i think it goes slightly runnier when heated, and if its not warm, she gags. Maybe I'll try taking more yoghurts and desserty things out with me instead. I've not really encountered the problem before, as she's still bf, so haven't had to seek out places that warm bottles - hence unprepared! Thanks again everyone - and for the kind words Lizzer - made me feel a lot better.

Someone mentioned the thermos John Lewis give you in the restaurant (normal Thermos of hot water but extra large, beaker shaped lid which screws on top).
You can actually buy those (from John Lewis as well as a few other places - big branches of Boots?). Although it's a pain carting them around I actually found it to be the answer (especially if on the road/ on a picnic/ outdoors etc)

I too had a stressful trip shopping yesterday - After returning to motherhood after a long break I am amazed at how unhelpful people are - not holding doors, lifts etc. One man even help the door open until I was half way through and then let go! Shop assistants often just watch as you struggle with doors and buggy. The day was redeemed by the staff at the food court in the main shopping centre who did heat up the baby food and carry my tray to the table - great service. I find the heating of baby food so inconsistent - some places will and some won't. At Asda last week they did provide a tall jug of hot water - unfortunately it was too deep and too full for me to be able to put a jar in and out without spilling half of it and scalding my fingers!

Anniemo - glad to know (in a perverse sort've way) I'm not alone!