Now that summer is approaching, a myriad of day trips will become possible: days picnicking at the park, visiting the zoo, going to the fair, or possibly even an amusement park. These trips can be a whole lot of fun for the whole family, but a bit cumbersome when you’ve got infants or toddlers. There are so many scenarios to consider, and no parent wants to be caught without something they really need! If you’re coming up on a day trip, here are some tips and some great things to keep in your diaper bag survival kit:
- Bring the proper stroller. Okay, so a stroller doesn’t fit inside a diaper bag, but it will likely be the means for carrying it! Because your little ones will be in the stroller for a long duration of the day, it is important that you take many factors into consideration. Making sure that your stroller is the right size for your baby is incredibly important, and of course that the seat is comfortable. There are also some stroller accessories from companies like UPPA baby, like cup holders or toddler ride-along boards that can save you a whole lot of grief on your trip and make things much more convenient. A shade for baby is absolutely essential, as well—particularly on sunny days!
- Keep first aid essentials in the bag. Though the word “essentials” is largely interpretable, there are some that immediately may come to mind: sunscreen, (infant safe, DEET-free) bug spray, band aids (because you never know when your older one will have a boo-boo), peroxide or alcohol wipes to clean the scrapes and cuts, and the most important first aid essential is… water. Yes, keeping your kids (and yourself!) properly hydrated on these day trips is absolutely essential. Well hydrated kids are less cranky kids, and well you know how you get when you get in those situations.
- Keep snacks for everyone in the bag. We know to throw the baby food into the diaper bag, but we often forget ourselves in the mix. Having healthy snacks for the whole family will prevent crankiness and the scramble to locate (and drop way too much money at) food vendors or fast food restaurants—leading to an overall more pleasant experience for all.
Don’t forget the million other things! Toys, binkies, and of course the diapers. Think you can’t fit it all? Try grabbing a Maclaren stroller organizer to keep it all in order. It is impossible to believe that we will ever have everything that we may need (no parent is perfect, after all)—but preparation reigns supreme in the world of the day trip. Just don’t forget to bring the fun as well!
