12 things you need for a day out with the kids
A simple trip to the park can turn into a nightmare if you forgot to pack baby wipes, snacks or a change of clothes. Our guide to the best on-the-go products for babies and toddlers will save your sanity.
Confession: I’ve wiped a poopy bum with a supermarket flyer. Two poopy bums, in fact. Because THE ONE TIME I decided to throw my twins in their stroller for a spontaneous trip to the park without any supplies (“We’ll only be gone half an hour!” I thought), they BOTH dropped it like it was hot the minute we got there. Naturally.
I don’t want to say that you can’t be spontaneous as a mom, but being organized definitely has its advantages for your sanity. One of the best tips a seasoned mama gave me when I was just starting out with my very first newborn was to restock the diaper bag (or backpack for older kids) every night so that I could just pick it up and go the next morning. This trick has saved me from sprouting many gray hairs over the years.
But what should you pack in these bags? Our on-the-go baby and toddler product guides cover all the bases.
The best on-the-go baby products
A Diaper bag
We’re mad for Jem + Bea’s Lola Tote offering the ultimate in sports luxe style. Made of featherweight Ripstop nylon, it has durable shoulder straps, a detachable cross body strap and is perfect for parents on the go. Here are some of our favorite features: a ‘leather look’ keyring holder, a Thermo-insulated bottle pocket, 5 interior pockets, including secure zip compartment for valuables and a padded changing mat. It’s also easy to wipe clean if you have any spills. Want to keep browsing. See more of our gorgeous Diaper Bags.
The incredibly versatile Bugaboo Donkey 3 Duo Stroller converts from a mono to a duo or twin stroller in a few easy clicks. It’s the only stroller you’ll ever need!
Free of fragrance, parabens, petrolatum, phthalates, dye and alcohol, Coterie Wipes’ enhanced formula is made with purified water and skin-protecting lotion to effectively clean and moisturize your baby’s skin, gently. Hypoallergenic, each wipe is 20% larger than the average baby wipe for broader coverage and higher absorbency.
Free of harmful chemicals such as BPA, BPS, Phthalates and PVC, the Thinkbaby All in One will take your baby from birth through toddlerhood with its award-winning, no-spill nipples, spouts, and straws.
A swaddle blanket can be used for swaddling, shading your baby from the sun, covering yourself while you nurse, and changing diapers when you’ve forgotten your change pad. We love Loulou Lollipop’s Bamboo Muslin Swaddles.
Never leave home without a change of clothes in case of a diaper explosion! Kyte BABY’s Bamboo Zipper Romper make changing a cinch and they double as daywear with their easy to mix and match colors.
Keep your little one entertained with the PlanToys My First Phone. Made from renewable rubber wood and finished with non-toxic paints, it has a handy loop to prevent drops and losses.
The best on-the-go toddler products
Toddlers are all about independence, so let them carry their own belongings in an eye-catching STATE Bags Mini Kane Color Block Backpack. Available in loads of different colors, it’s the perfect size for wee ones!
Making this the most perfect lunchtime combo since peanut butter and jelly, the STATE Bags Mini Rodgers lunch box perfectly fits inside any STATE Bags backpack.
Made of durable pro-grade stainless steel and designed with a tethered lid that won’t get lost, the 18.8 oz PlanetBox stainless steel water bottle is one both you and your kiddos will use forever!
If it’s not food or dirt, it’s probably a diaper explosion… never go anywhere without a change of clothes! We love these easy to mix and match organic cotton options from HART + LAND. Shop the entire collection here.
Jaq Jaq Bird Game Boards are just the thing your kids need to make layovers and road trips feel like a breeze. Designed with a zipper storage bag and non-toxic dustless chalk, they can also be used for creative fun.