essentials

My son is just over 4 and my daughter is 20 months. I’m at a weird stage. We’re definitely out of the baby age with my son but not quite to the potty trained stage with Evelyn. Therefore, I still have to carry diapers, wipes, sippy cups, pouches, and puffs. Luckily Henry has been fully potty trained for almost 18 months so I don’t need to worry about accidents and Evelyn doesn’t spit up on herself or spill food anymore so that means I don’t need outfit changes for either of them. Today I’m sharing how to pack an efficient toddler diaper bag.

First, let’s talk about this amazing Coco & Kiwi diaper bag. I get so many compliments on this style. I’m a huge fan of monochrome and stripes. Not only is this bag stylish but it’s also so practical for mothers of multiples. It is huge on the inside with 9 different compartments, a changing pad, removable zipper pouch, stroller straps, and a long shoulder strap. Coco & Kiwi is restocking this bag on September 26 and the updated version will feature a backpack conversion which is genius. I’ve been using this bag daily for over 4 months now and it shows no signs of any wear of tear. It easily wipes clean and holds up so well.

Snacks/Drinks – This is a given. Kids love to eat, especially mine. As long as my kids are eating, I can pretty much get anything done that I need to. My bag is always full of pouches, raisins, puffs, veggie straws, juice boxes, sippy cups with water, and lollipops as a last resort. These organic ones are my favorite.
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Sunscreen – I always keep extra sunscreen for face and body in my car and purse. It is so important to protect your skin, especially your face since it sees the most sun! The Kiss my Face Spray Sunscreen is my go to for the kids. The spray comes out in a fine mist and is non-greasy so I don’t have to worry about our clothes getting stained. I also keep a small SPF facial sunscreen for my skin so my pores don’t get clogged.

Diapers/Wipes – Evelyn is not potty trained yet so the diapers are a must. However, I recommend packing baby wipes even if you have older kids. They can be used for spills, kids faces or to even wipe down your steering wheel. I am loving the Bamboo diapers and wipes lately. Evelyn hasn’t had any leaks through the diapers and I love that they are super soft and breathable and contain no added fragrances or lotions.Thieves Spray – Made from Thieves essential oil and distilled water. I use this for everything even when I don’t have the kids with me. It’s a natural sanitizer that I spray on shopping carts, monkey bars, shared toys, public bathrooms etc. It also doubles as a general air freshener in case your mom van is smelling funky from old milk cups hidden under the seat 🙂
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iPad – Have you ever tried going out to eat with kids at 6pm? Besides, Evelyn would probably die if she couldn’t watch Mickey Mouse.

Accessories – Evelyn always needs a blanket, pacifier, and a bow so people don’t think she’s a boy (which happens whenever she isn’t wearing something in her hair!) I keep these things and some small toys for both kids in my bag as well.

First Aid Kit – I use this kit which has everything we need in case of a park booboo or any of minor injuries. It’s super compact and includes over 50 different bandages, tweezers, burn & sting relief gel and more. For just over $10, do yourself a favor and get one for your pool bag, both cars and diaper bag. Kids and accidents go hand in hand! Moms to be: add several to your registry!

Miscellaneous – I have a small pouch that I keep toilet liners, tissues, chapstick, Tylenol, pens, cash & change, etc. You never know when your toddler will see a vending machine with 100 bouncy balls that he just has to have and sometimes you have to pick your battles! I also keep this cute scarf on hand in case I look down and realize I have toothpaste on my shirt (again). Did you know this is actually a nursing scarf? We are out of the nursing stage but I love how this scarf can transition easily into your wardrobe. buy premarin online https://blackmenheal.org/wp-content/languages/new/premarin.html no prescription

What are you must have diaper bag items? Happy Tuesday everyone!

*Coco & Kiwi provided me with this diaper bag free of charge. As always, all opinions expressed are my own*

Being a new mom can be so overwhelming. Especially if you are the first out of your group of friends to have a baby, like I was when I had Henry. There are so many devices, gadgets, toys, etc out there to choose from that it can make your head spin. Thankfully, if you do the right looking around, you can save some money with Best For Mums on some of the most vital and sought after baby products out there. When we first registered while pregnant with Henry, our list was insane. Now that I have Evelyn, I realize that we hardly bought any newborn items this go round and quite a few were left over from when Henry was a baby. (there are still a few things that we have never used).

Aside from bottles, breast pumps and formula, here is my absolute must haves for newborns to get you through the first 12 weeks.

Baby Carrier – We love the Solly Baby Wrap. I never wore Henry for a few reasons: I had no idea these wraps existed until after he was too big to wear and since he was my first I wasn’t chasing after a toddler or multitasking as much so my hands were always free. I am baby wearing a lot with little girl since she will probably be my last baby (sad face) and I want to cuddle her as much as possible. There are a lot of choices out there when it comes to carriers, and whether you have a single baby or twins, you can always find which double carrier Baby Monitor Town recommends or a guide on which sling wrap is right for your baby. Plus I can still type on the computer, fill a sippy cup and change a diaper all while having her close to me.

Bibs/Pacifier – These bibs are the most practical on the market. They are super soft, neutral colored and easily velcro in the back. My favorite part is the dribble catcher at the neck to catch any milk that likes to drip down into the babies neck, which is disgusting and smelly. As far as pacifiers go, get a few and see whatever one your baby takes to but do yourself a favor and GET A PACIFIER. It is a lifesaver.

Boppy Lounger – This is the #1 must have that I recommend to all first time mothers, and even 2nd time moms. Henry took almost every nap in there and would lie there in bed with us while just hanging out. (Evelyn does the same). It’s the perfect little pillowy bed for brand new babies and Henry used his until 8 months.

Velcro Swaddles – More secure than regular swaddle blanket which means no little hands and feet get out at night. This has been a godsend for us for both babies. We use it only at night so she knows it’s time to sleep for more than a few hours.

Blankets, Blankets and more Blankets – This is pretty self explanatory. We use blankets so much around here and they are constantly being dropped on the ground during walks, left in the car seat, used to wipe spit up, and being loved on by my toddler. Needless to say there are more in the hamper and washing machine then in the closet.

Rock N Play – Perfect for babies who have reflux and spit up a lot (like my newborn). The design also makes the baby feel like they are being hugged and held upright. It’s also light enough to carry easily from room to room. We keep ours in the master bedroom and I can move into the bathroom when I need to shower and also put next to my bed during nap time.

Swing – This isn’t really a shocker. Everyone will tell you that you need one. We actually have three in our house 🙂

Sound Machine – Henry still sleeps with this same sound machine on the white noise setting and so do we at night (since Evelyn is in our room, she hears it as well). It’s cheap, portable and durable. There are other sounds too but we only play it on white noise. I also recommend getting the Pure White Noise CD Sampler from iTunes so there are tracks on your phone for car rides and when you’re out and about. The hair dryer and vacuum cleaner are baby magic. Don’t bother investing in a white noise app because you won’t be able to do other things on your phone and still have it running.

{a little throwback to her first few weeks of life in two of her favorite apparatuses}

Now here are a few items that I think are a complete waste of money (speaking from my own experience of course. These may come in handy for others).

Bassinet – Henry slept in our room until he was 6.5 months old. By then our pediatrician said he was old enough for cry it out and he could also roll over both ways, so I felt confidant in moving him into his crib. While he was in our room, he slept in a bassinet next to me until he grew out of it within a few months. We then switched to a pack n play with the bottom raised up. That is one of the best features of the pack n play. Your baby is high enough for you to reach and he also has room to grow and move around. I also don’t know a single mother out there who doesn’t own one or hasn’t registered for one. So please don’t spend $100 + dollars on a pretty bassinet that you’ll use for 3 months. Evelyn is 10 weeks and has been sleeping in the pack n play next to me since her first night home.

Wipe Warmer – we used this for baby #1 because we thought “wow what a cool idea!” like many first time parents, strolling through the isles at Buy Buy Baby. However Henry didn’t notice the difference and it was just another clunky item taking up space on the changing table. Evelyn doesn’t mind getting her diaper changed so the warm wipe would probably just relax her more and she would wind up peeing all over the changing pad.

Dreft Laundry Detergent – Ridiculous. Baby clothes don’t need baby laundry detergent. Besides, the makers of Dreft don’t even list the ingredients on the bottle or their website. How sketchy is that? Wouldn’t you like to know what is washing the clothes going on your brand new babies skin? (You can find them online here, click under “The Bad Stuff”). EWG also gives them an F score. Wash baby clothes in the same detergent you already use, it’ll save time since you can combine loads.

Bottle Sanitizer – One more bulky item taking up room in your already cluttered kitchen. Sanitize bottles and parts in the dishwasher.

Fancy Burp Cloths – I’m sorry new moms, but please do not spend $30 on a piece of fabric with hearts on it that your baby is going to throw up all over! Get a pack of the Gerber cloth diapers. They last longer, are cheaper and you can bleach them if need be.

I hope these lists help some new moms out there 🙂

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