The day that I could stop carrying around my diaper bag felt like the most magical day ever. I seriously detested that thing - it was beyond heavy - trying to carry that, plus a purse, plus keep track of two small children seemed like an impossible task.
So the day I could just stuff one diaper in my tiny purse and go in a store without feeling like a pack mule felt like I had won the jackpot! Except, then reality hit and I realized that even though I don't have baby babies anymore, I still needed more than just a tiny purse with me.
A good tote or messenger bag
A medium sized tote or messenger bag is the best of both worlds - it will hold more than your wallet, but you also don't need to carry an entire arsenal of baby products, either. I find if you carry big bags you tend to fill them up! You have enough on your hands, so don't carry around a heavy bag as well! I prefer the messenger style bags or ones that can turn into a backpack so that they can be as hands off as possible! And while its hard to not go for that amazing and awesome designer "investment" piece - the truth is I am HARD on bags. I need something that won't show its wear and tear that much, and that I can throw in the washer sometimes (because honesty, it gets dirty!).
Leak Proof Water Bottle
Leakproof is KEY here! I find that being able to have a bottle of water with us everywhere really helps stop us from buying all the extra fun beverages (Yes, Starbucks, I am talking to you!) just because we are thirsty and out and about.
Healthy Snacks
Having a healthy snack or two on hand is so important! My children are total grazers - they think they need to snack all day long. It is super hard to find healthy snacks that don't need a refrigerator (I am NOT packing a cooler with me everywhere I go. Just not.) I am totally loving these new Sprouted Snacks from Erin Baker! They are perfectly purse size, full of awesome ingredients like and perfect to throw in my bag when we are on the go.
Chapstick
Yup. Gotta have it.
A small container of wipes
We are just starting do transition between the world of diapers and undies with my youngest (and by that I mean we are fighting potty training tooth and nail!) so we still occasionally need a diaper and some wipes while we are out. But even when we don't need diapers anymore, wipes ALWAYS come in handy for sticky fingers, dirty faces, and all manner of other things! I love the little slim cases that you can just throw in your purse.
Hair Ties
I mean, I have hair. And I have two little girls who have lots of crazy, curly, unruly hair. Hair ties are something that I am always in need of - so yes, they are in my purse, my car, and practically every room of my house.
A Notebook and Pen
I find myself using a notebook ALL the time! Not only to jot down things when I have amazing ideas in the school pick up line, but also grocery lists, notes when I forget to bring something to a meeting (totally happens more than I care to admit), and random things I think of. It also comes in handy when you need to give your kiddos something to do at a doctors office, a restaurant, etc. It comes in handy all the time!
I am so excited that I partnered up with Erin Baker's to host a great giveaway of their new Sprouted Snacks! These crunchy clusters are packed with protein, sprouted seeds, whole grains, real ingredients, and they come in 4 awesome flavors! My husband loves their sriracha flavor, I am totally addicted to the dark chocolate, and my kids love the sea salt (affiliate link) (because they have no idea that the dark chocolate one even exists, muahaha). There is also a peppercorn flavor, and I hear they are coming out with a coconut curry flavor soon, too!
Check out these other resources designed to make your life easier!
- How to Make One Meal to Feed the Whole Family - Learn how to make one meal for the whole family to enjoy – from baby and toddler to adult! Enjoying a meal together as a family is an important part of your day – and learning how to cook one meal that satisfies everyone makes life easier, quicker, and cheaper.
I'm on board with all your suggestions! I HAVE to have some sort of snack for myself. I also like to carry aspirin (for myself, not for the kiddos).
Yes to snacks!!
I need all these things in my bag - but as long as I have my wallet, I'm good. 😉
haha yes!! You really only need your wallet - but the other things really help!
I carry a pen and notebook wherever I go. Inspiration always strikes when I'm out and about and least expect it.
Same here!!
A pen!!
I must have:
Lip balm - a plain one we can all use if necessary
Wipes - not just for bums. Hands, faces etc.
Snacks - MUST!
Cars - I have boys. Must have cars.
This is a good list!
I love all of these suggestions! I'm not a mom yet, but I'll be keeping this post in mind when I do have my Mom Bag!
My wallet, sunglasses, chapstick, wipes, hand sanitizer and some kind of snack!
This is the best giveaway ever because I always needs snacks in my bag. Sprouted? Yes, PLEASE!
They are so yummy!
Snacks for mom and kids are ESSENTIAL!
Lip balm, hair tie, and cell phone for sure!
I'm literally not a mom but still carry most of these things with me 😂
My "dad bag" has to have snacks...Its the number 1 priority! I also like to have a comb, hard candy, and some type of reading material (preferably and running magazine)!
Snacks are so important!!
I always have to have chapstick! It may be a mild addiction but I have to have it!
Sounds simple but my wallet. I literally have been out "driving dirty" because of mommy brain and I've left my wallet at home. Other top items for me include, altoids, dental floss, lip balm or lipstick and lotion (winter wind is so rude, lol).
chap-stick phone, sunscreen, sunglasses, healthy bar
Snacks, busy toys, wipes, bandaids, triple antibiotic ointment, notepad, pen, and a small flashlight. Many other items repeatedly end up in there that some small people must think are necessities lol.