What's in the Bag?

Not too long ago, I attended a funeral with my family. One of the things I googled was quiet toys to bring to a funeral. I knew the potential of the funeral being lengthy, so I wanted the kids to be occupied. That google search came up empty.

So as the weekend approaches and you may be going to a restaurant, airplane ride, doctor’s appointment, church or somewhere where the kids need to be quietly occupied, let's talk about what to put in the diaper bag.

Toys

The toys and books that I put in my diaper bag stay there. This way it’s like a new toy to them when I pull it out. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Busy Board for Toddlers, Montessori Toys Busy Book

• Kids Erasable Doodle Book Set - Toddlers Activity Toys Reusable Drawing Pads

• Star Suction Cup Spinner Toy (works well for airplane rides)

• Fidget Spinners Toys 5 Pack, Sensory Hand Fidget

• Reusable sticker book

• See, Touch, Feel: A First Sensory Book

• Travel size coloring book and crayons

• Stuffed animal

• Teething ring

• Pacifiers

• Download their favorite movie or cartoon episode

Tons of Snacks

When packing snacks, I think through a few things. Is this going to create a mess? Do I have to refrigerate it? Is it filling? Can they eat it with no assistance from me?

• Fruit bars/granola bars

• Fruit (dried or fresh)

• Crackers

• Popcorn

• Dry cereal

• Fruit snacks

• Applesauce pouches

• Chips

• Protein bar (for mom)

• Water bottle or juice box

• Formula or portable pump for infants

Clothes

I don’t know about you, but my children tend to sometimes make a mess or have blowout diapers when we are out. One day, we were out and my oldest fell in mud. This is the one time I had no change of clothes with me, so back home we went. Fortunately for us, we were close to home but that may not be the case for you. So I try to remember to have:

• Extra diapers/underwear/wipes

• Full change of clothes: pants, shirt, socks, jacket

• A blanket for the baby

Encouragement

Kids will be kids. You may be fully prepared for the outing or event and they still become fidgety. There is no harm in taking your child outside and letting them get the wiggles out. We all get bored and need a change of scenery sometimes. It’s okay! Don’t place too many expectations on your child to sit still and be quiet for hours, especially if they are young. Get out there and enjoy your time together, as always YOU GOT THIS!

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