Mommy must-haves for the diaper bag

When my sister, Liz, suggested this blog topic I was excited to cover it, because your diaper bag is like your 2nd child.   


We should get one thing straight though.... I don't think there has been even a single time where I am out with Aiden, and have everything I need in my diaper bag.  It simply does not happen. I constantly find myself rummaging around in the bag for that one item that will stop Aiden's screaming, even though I just know I forgot to bring it.  Good luck, mommies!


The Essentials:
These are the most boring and the most obvious.
10.a. Diapers
10.b Wipes (I love the to-go packets that pampers makes - nice and thin, with a flip-top lid)
9. Pacifier if your little one uses one
8. A change of clothes for your little one
7. Formula, milk, water, etc. (I'm not a juice fan; it's completely unnecessary.  Introduce your little one to water right off the bat and they will continue to love it)

The Fun Stuff:

6. One or two board books - I am continually impressed with Bright  Baby Board Books.  Simple, bright      
      colors, great pictures.  Aiden liked looking at them when he was a baby, and now "reads" them nonstop  
      when we are out.

5. Disposable placemats, like these from Babies R Us -  Especially for Baby Table Toppers
     You peel off the tape on the edges and it sticks to any restaurant table or highchair tray that you might
     not trust your little one to eat off. Pack a Bumpkins Bib and your child's eating utensils, as I have
     yet to find a restaurant that provides them.

4. Lip gloss and blush.  Nothing helps wake up your face like blush, and lip gloss moisturizes and shows the
    world that you have everything - including yourself - under control.  Even when you don't.

     I use good ol' fashioned drug store powder blush in a rosey pink, and my absolute favorite lip gloss is  
     TheBalm Plump Your Pucker Tinted Gloss.  Feels just like a lip balm, but with a little oomph. Cocoa my
     Coconut is a nice, neutral shade.

3. Snacks.  Endless possibilities, but here are some of our favorites:
    - Gerber Graduates Puffs are the perfect finger food for babies. Not filling whatsoever, but good to keep
      then busy, and mess-free.
    - Same as above for Gerber Graduates Yogurt Melts
    - Archer Farms Organic Fruit Strips are semi-dried fruit strips.  Can be ridiculously messy, but they are like
     crack to toddlers.  Aiden can't get enough. Purchase at Target.
    - Peanut butter Sandwich crackers
    - Stauffer's animal crackers. Mostly for me, because I am obsessed with them, but Aiden eats them
      too.

2. Diaper/Potty Must Haves.  For your little one in diapers, the Munchkin Arm and Hammer Diaper Bags &    Dispenser. Used when Aiden decides to poop on a beach, in a nice boutique or, god forbid, on an airplane.
You and others near the trash can where you will dispose these nice, scented, diaper bags, will thank you.

For potty trained/training little ones, the Kalencom 2-in-1 Portable Potty Seat. My sister-in-law, Brandee,
made this discovery, and I really can't see how parents survive without it.  It folds up nice and small, and you can attach a bag under it and set it up on the ground for moments when a potty isn't readily available.

When your little has to go, they simply have to go, and it's best to avoid: a. instilling the fear of falling in the big person potty, and b. not making it to a bathroom quickly enough while at an outdoor, public gathering.

1. A few small, fun toys.

Whether they be infant toys, like The World of Eric Carle Activity Caterpillar

Mini trucks, like the Tonka Chuck and Pals Mini Fleet (Your little guy can drive this tiny trucks on just about
       anything.)

Or,  the always entertaining Sing-A-Ma-Jigs
        Squeeze their belliy and they sing in different pitches as their mouth moves.  Aiden thinks it is
        hilarious, and they are nice and small.  Not good for the attention-shy, because people will stop
        and stare.



 Crayons and a mini-pad of paper are essential as well, if your little one is old enough to color.  Aiden
         spends lots of time in church contemplating his religious thoughts....or coloring. :)



XOXO, t.c. mommy