I was hoping when Cece turned 2 that I could fit everything I needed for her into a larger purse, but it's not the case when going for a full day of adventures. We recently took a day trip to Tampa to visit the children's museum, lunch downtown, AND Ikea all in one day! It got me thinking about what I had with me that day to make it run smoothly, and things I try to have on hand for day trips.
Here are some must haves for our day to be successful:
Here are some must haves for our day to be successful:
The tote! I get away with a medium sized tote bag rather then the traditional baby bag. I prefer my LLBean medium sized tote with long handles (A combo of the 2 middle totes). I can throw lots of things in it and there is room for everything.
My mini pouch that goes inside my tote! Things that go in here include anything for ME- wallet, phone, keys, chapstick. I can then just take the little zippered bag in with me somewhere if I'm running in really quick and don't need the whole tote. Recently I've been using this cute zippered bag from Trosko that I won from a blog giveaway my friend Rebecca was doing on her fantastic blog Mainely Mama. Check her out! So much info on baby gear, smoothie recipes, being a mom and so much more.
Coloring books and crayons. Cece loves coloring books as long as someone is coloring with her. These are PERFECT to have on hand when going to a restaurant that may or may not have crayons for kids. I try to keep her coloring books in more of a rotation so there's always something new to color.
SNACKS and water for adults and kids. What would one do without snacks? You never know if you will be hung up somewhere or if that's the only thing that will keep your little tot from running all over the place. Some of our favorites these days are:
- raisins
- animal crackers
- peanuts
- granola bars
- grapes
Another thing we bring along are a few forms of transportation for Cece, the stroller, the Ergo and also her elephant (pictured below). Depending on where we are going we have options. Cece is one that likes to run towards anything she finds exciting or interesting. We have had success using her harnessed elephant tether. It gives us piece of mind, and she can't go wherever she pleases. Especially useful in crowded places like our recent trip to the Glazer Children's Museum and Lakewood Ranch's Music on Main.
Another item that I like to have on hand, but it doesn't always get used because it's used as a last resort if it's been a big long day is the iPad mini. I have toddler games and movies (Frozen) loaded onto it and ready to go. I've found success in not letting Cece play with the iPad at home, because it is used as a special treat when we are out. We recently got a Clamcase for it and LOVE it. It protects the iPad mini, has a keyboard, and makes it easy to watch movies on.
Also, necessary things like diapers, wipes, wet ones, and hand sanitizer are all in there as well.
I know as Cece grows, the things we bring along will change, but for our busy 2 and a half year old, all of these things are a must. I'm not at the "just bring a purse" stage yet, but I try and rock the tote! I hope you enjoy your day trips and adventures with your little ones! Cheers!
I know as Cece grows, the things we bring along will change, but for our busy 2 and a half year old, all of these things are a must. I'm not at the "just bring a purse" stage yet, but I try and rock the tote! I hope you enjoy your day trips and adventures with your little ones! Cheers!