If there’s one thing we learn fast as new moms it’s to always be prepared. You never know when the next accident might happen with your baby or when certain items will come in handy. Whether it be extra diapers, an extra pair of shoes, or a first aid kit, make sure you always have these FIVE items in a “backup kit” ready and kept in your car at all times.
1. An Extra Pair of Clothes
Babies often have diaper blowouts, especially around the age of 3 to 6 months since they haven’t been introduced to solids. Blowouts are runny and happen at the back of the diaper when the diaper isn’t snug on the baby. No matter how hard you try, this is inevitable. The worst part is that you never know when it’s going to happen. For that reason, always make sure to carry an extra outfit and pajama set so that no matter what time of day, you can be prepared when nature calls. This is also handy if you have a toddler in the potty training phase or an active little one who likes to get dirty in the sandbox at their favorite park.
2. Household Wipes and Hand Sanitizer
You never know when a tummy ache can turn ugly in the car, or an unforeseeable spill happens due to kids being kids. It’s easier to clean up when you have cleaning wipes and disinfectant at your fingertips. They also come in handy if you’re wanting to wipe down high chairs at restaurants or anywhere you’re planning on placing baby. Because babies take time to develop their immune system, you should always wash your hands with soap and water (or hand sanitizer) before touching your baby when you’re on the road or out and about.
3. Shopping Cart Hammock
Every mom dreads having to take their newborn grocery shopping because of the hassle juggling the car seat and groceries along with the cart. Two hands never seem to be enough. With a shopping cart car seat holder, you snap the shopping cart holder on the grocery cart and then place your car seat on top of the hammock to secure your baby while you shop. As a bonus, you’ll make it so much of a habit that you’ll remember to keep your reusable shopping bags in the car with it for the next shopping trip!
4. Pacifiers
If your newborn or toddler needs a pacifier to soothe themselves, this is one of those things you should have two or three clean ones as backups. Pacifiers are small so it’s easy to misplace them or forget on your outing. Babies will also drop them in public places, and to avoid hand-foot-and-mouth disease, you should never reuse. Instead, pull out one of your backups that your baby can suck on until you can properly sanitize the other one.
5. A Clean Bottle and a Bottle of Water
You never know if an appointment or errand is going to take longer than anticipated. Or sometimes an unfortunate event happens when you’re away from home. Having a backup bottle and water helps you be ready for your baby’s next feeding and not worry about missing it if you’re stuck somewhere. If you’re comfortable with storing formula, always make sure to jot down the expiration date on the container you’re storing in and store it at the proper temperature.
All of these items can easily be stored in a diaper bag, backpack, or a small storage container with a lid to ensure the items remain clean. Keep them in your trunk, and remember to periodically check on your kit for expiring items, items to restock as you use them, or items the baby outgrows.
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