The 'simple' healthy food parenting hack that's quietly taking off

A new study by leading appliance retailer AO.com has revealed that one in five UK parents now keep a mini fridge in their child’s bedroom.

The trend was identified in a survey of 2,000 respondents commissioned by fridge freezer retailer AO.com, and is gaining popularity as families find fresh ways to support routines, independence and healthier habits at home.

Far from being an indulgent gimmick, experts suggest this move can have practical benefits for children to encourage independence, better hydration and healthier snacking habits – when done right.

Commenting on the findings, Mark Coleman, fridge appliance expert at AO.com, said: “At first glance, a fridge in a child’s bedroom might seem unusual – but when you look closer, it makes a lot of sense. From encouraging hydration to helping with morning routines, this simple addition can genuinely support daily family life.”

So why are parents keep fridges in children’s bedrooms? Mark answers parents’ most frequently asked questions and shares insights on the best models.

Why invest in a mini fridge for a children’s bedroom?

 “Buying a mini fridge can be a smart choice to help bring convenience and flexibility to your home. They’re an excellent addition to keep essentials like your snacks, drinks or groceries cool and within arm’s reach.

What to look for when buying a mini fridge for a child’s bedroom?

 “If you’re looking at the market, then try to choose between a few key factors.

 “Try to choose a mini fridge that’s on the quieter side, as this will make sure the appliance is quieter at night when children are asleep. Look out for decibel ratings or reviews and try to choose something that’s around 40 dB or less.

“Designs with easy-to-open doors and simple storage solutions that can be removed, such as removable shelves and bottle racks, will make it more child-friendly and practical, so you can stock different things depending on what your child needs.”

 How much capacity should a mini fridge have?

 “Since mini fridges are smaller versions of refrigerators, they will of course have reduced capacity for storing your goods. However, as a rule of thumb, you should be able to at least a bag of shopping in a good mini fridge.”

 How much electricity does a mini fridge use?

 “Parents who are concerned about mini fridges drastically increasing household energy bills needn’t worry, as many mini fridge models are very energy efficient.

“Electricity consumption for your mini fridge varies of course on model, but on average this should be around 100 to 300 kWh per year. In simple terms, this translates to roughly £30–£90 per year on your energy bill. You can help reduce this figure easily by setting a temperature of about 4 degrees which uses less energy and keeps your items cool rather than chilled.”

Should children have fridges in their bedrooms?

“Mini fridges can be a great way to empower children to manage their own hydration and make healthier decisions about snacks and food choices. However, it’s important to consider that everyone has a different relationship with food and that what works for some might not be appropriate for others.”

Shop the latest fridge freezers at AO.com, or visit the AO.com refrigeration hub to find out more food prep tips and advice.