Kelsey and I have rounded up our absolute must-haves when it comes to toting two tots around. My diaper bag has definitely been pared down after having #2. If you’ve ever seen this Luvs commercial about first kid vs. second kid, yep, it’s totally like that. I literally have the same trial sized sanitizer that I used from when my first was a baby. No judgments please!
So here are a few tips, tricks and products that we can’t live without when we’re out and about!
THE BAG
Nicole
Obviously. I love my Perry Mackin bag because it’s black and goes with everything I wear, and has a zillion pockets and pouches. It also has a separate removable pouch. Splurging a little on a good quality diaper bag is worth it, especially if you plan to use it kid after kid. Just be sure not to overstuff it (guilty!), or else you tend to just leave it in the car and put the necessities in your purse. While I love this bag, if I were to do it again, I’d get the backpack version.
Kelsey
I am OBSESSED with Lily Jade bags. I have had a couple but currently use the Elizabeth and it is such a life saver. I agree with Nicole that splurging on a high quality bag is so worth it. My Elizabeth is made from the softest leather and so durable. The bag an be used as a backpack, over the shoulder, or cross body purse. Inside is an amazing organizer that has a place for everything and the perfect sized changing pad. My favorite part is that the organizer is removable so when the kiddos stay with grandma you can leave it and use your bag as a regular purse.
STUFF FOR RESTAURANTS
Nicole
It’s inevitable that we’ll be out doing something, lose track of time and find ourselves eating out. Disposable placemats, a bib, silverware and lots of entertainment (see below) are saviors.
Kelsey
The main thing I never go to eat without is a pair of kid sized headphones. While I also keep a couple of washable markers for dining out distractions, headphones are a LIFESAVER. My son is usually very well behaved when we eat out but there are times he gets bored and wants to watch videos on my phone and the headphones are perfect to keep him entertained without disrupting anyone else. We currently have a pair of JLab JBuddies folding headphones. They have a volume limit and are the most durable pair we’ve owned.
ENTERTAINMENT
Nicole
If you find yourself at a restaurant that does not offer entertainment by way of activity placemat and crayons, I keep a stash of a couple little books and games that come from Chick Fil-A kid meals. The latest kids meal toy is Dinner Games, which is small, compact and pretty fun. But let’s be real, the real saving grace of a restaurant visit is a fully charged iPhone. Adult conversation anyone?
Kelsey
Every now and then we go to a friend’s house that doesn’t have kids or run errands somewhere without child friendly entertainment. For my son (age 4) I keep a few of his favorite small toys. I rotate them periodically but it usually consists of a hot wheels car, a happy meal toy, and whatever small trinket he’s obsessed with at the time. Currently we have a little rolling Hank from Finding Dory, a racing motorcycle, and some creepy accordion alien dog he got at Sonic. For my baby girl (6 months) I always have something to chew on. Right now we are using the glorified dog toy AKA Sophie the Giraffe. I don’t know why babies love this thing so much but they do, so if you have a baby and don’t have a Sophie I highly suggest getting one!
BRIBERY
Nicole
Again, no judgments! Dum dums, tootsie pops, fruit snacks. Just about anything sugary will do the trick.
Kelsey
I ALWAYS keep a packet of fruit snacks on hand. The last thing any mom wants to deal with is a hangry toddler melting down in the check out line of Target. My little loves the Kirklands organic fruit snacks but I’ve been known to pull out some skittles when things get rough, those always turn his attitude around.
RANDOM THINGS
Nicole
Spare change of baby clothes, snacks, Tylenol, a bottle warmer, spit up clothes, a nursing cover-up. Oh and a tube of tinted lip balm for when you’re out with no makeup and run into someone you know and need to look semi-put together, and quick!
Kelsey
Like Nicole, I always keep a spare change of seasonally appropriate clothes for the baby. I also have what I refer to as the “mommy pouch”. This holds a few first aid items, hair ties, my beloved Honest Co. spray-on hand sanitizer (GO BUY THIS! It’s amazing.), chapstick, lotion, and concealer. I also always have sunglasses for each kiddo, hand wipes, and my planner.
Are you a first or second (or third) time mom? What’s in your diaper bag?
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Share what’s in your Diaper Bag for a chance to win a $25 Target Gift Card!
Simply 1) Follow @collincountymomsblog on Instagram 2) Tag @collincountymomsblog & #CCMBDiaperBags between 1/25/17 – 2/25/17 and we’ll select TWO winners to win a $25 Target Gift Card courtesy of CCMB on 2/26/17.
So, let’s see those bags!
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I always have extra clothes, wipes, snacks, toys, diapers,more toys, and a bottle of water for me.