How To Quickly Pack a Toddler Bag

We are on the go go go, if you couldn't already tell! And we bring our 2 year old along for all the adventures. As she gets older and her needs change, we quickly learned how to pack a baby bag for her before we head out the door. It can be a struggle remembering everything so here are some tips we have for being prepped and not having to stress about forgetting something:

An extra bag in the car with clothing:

In our backseat, we have an extra bag just filled with extra clothing 'just in case' we need it. You never know when there is an emergency or a spill! Don't overthink this bag, keep it simple and don't touch it until the temperatures or baby sizing changes.

What's in it:

• 2 outfits (changed out each season)
• 1 rain jacket
• 2 pairs of socks
• 2 bibs
• 1 headband or hair accessory that matches the outfits packed
• 1 pair of shoes (changed out each season: boots or sandals)
• 1 blanket
• a pair of sunglasses
• stuffed animal

Chloe's baby bag is meant for short to medium trips while out and about on errands. If a day trip is in the works, pack extra items in the clothing bag mentioned above.

Here is what is in her bag at all times:

• • Wipes - we get a travel 3 pack which is smaller and smells great
• • Snacks - the most imperative of all! There is always 3-4 small containers of something plus 3 granola bars, 1 squeeze pack, and any ziploc snacks we can grab from our pantry. For longer trips we grab a reusable bag and fill it!
• • Silverware - typically one spoon and one fork
• • Crayons and sketch pad - the jumbo Crayola pack doesn't break in to pieces! And we always have a spiral sketch pad for her to draw in. The dollar store has snap-tight containers you can find that fit these crayons perfectly so you can store them easily. Get $5 off $35 or more with Crayola by clicking the pic!

• 3 books - babies change up what they're doing quickly so we rotate 3 smaller books out each month for her to 'read' while eating out.
• Portable changing pad - i grabbed the Skip Hop at Buy Buy Baby before she was born and we have used it in the most random places for emergencies (or if there is no changing room). It folds up in to a thin pack and takes up very little room.
• Bib - just in case things get messy
• Kleenex - a travel pack will suffice
• Sippy cup - the one thing we need to fill BEFORE we leave is a fresh cup or water, juice, or milk.  if we are out for the day, we pack our insulated baby bottle bag and out the ice pack in with it to keep it cooler.
• Pair of socks - stick 'em on the side pocket
• Travel anti-bacterial gel
• Butt cream - obviously
• Diapers - we have 3-4 in there at all times.
• *any medicine or other items imperative to your child's health and needs

When we get home, we have gotten in to the habit of refilling the snacks and diapers that were used so the next time we head out we don't have to worry about what's packed. It never hurts to do a look-over before you leave the house anyway but if you get in the habit, it will cut down on a hangry child.Keep it simple, keep it organized, and you will be good to go! We suggest a backpack style so you can throw it on and still be able to chase your kid around as they escape your grasp. Our current backpack is Fawn Design in Brown...but we may need a bigger one once baby #2 arrives!

What are your go-to items when you pack up for baby?