On the move with young children | NameBubbles

This post is sponsored by NameBubbles.  Use code ONTAP to receive 15% off your next order of adorable personalized labels for everyday life.

In this joyful season of parties, playdates, cookie swaps,and caroling (just kidding… we don’t go caroling… does anyone go caroling?… we do the other stuff, though), it seems like we are on the move more often than not.  It’s taken me nearly four years, but I’ve finally got our system down when it comes to packing for two young children.  Whether we’re heading out for a few hours or a few days, there are several things I always do or have on hand to keep us (semi) organized, sane and happy.

WHAT WE PACK FOR DAY-TRIPS OR SHORT OUTINGS

For doctor’s appointments, gymnastics, to exercise, or visits to family and friends, I try to pack as light as possible (it’s all relative with little people in tow).  

Our staples include:

• A full water bottle for each of us — I love using NameBubbles labels in fun shapes because they stand out and are easily recognizable, so there is no mistaking whose bottle is whose 
• Snacks (obvi)
• Pull-ups, wipes, a change of clothes
• A few books and toys

WHAT WE KEEP IN THE CAR

In addition to a first aid kit and car safety basics (jumper cables, a photocopy of my AAA card, emergency cash), I also keep a small container (it’s this soft-sided cooler… so basically… we are also ready for a party AT ALL TIMES) of everyday items in the car, tucked behind the driver’s seat.  I check and re-stock our container often and switch out some items based on the season and label anything that might lose its way (and hopefully find its way back to us).

• Non-perishable snacks (nut + fruit bars, apple sauce, crackers)
• Aquaphor (great for chapped lips, dry skin, cuticles, minor cuts or scrapes and diaper rash)
• Mints
• Hand sanitizers and/or wipes
• 2 pull-ups/diapers/undies per child, changing mat
• 2 basic changes of clothes — long sleeve tee shirt and leggings (it really helps that Grace and Nick wear the same size)
• Extra socks (they double as mittens when you’re extra unprepared…)
• Tissues
• Small bag for garbage or laundry

WHAT WE PACK FOR LONGER ADVENTURES

We do a lot of traveling between the city and the Cape, and for longer drives we pack a few extras in addition to our clothes and toiletries.

• A small cooler packed with a few necessary perishable items like fruit and yogurt for the kids, so that we’re not rushing out to the store as soon as we get where we’re going
• Books and activity kits for the drive
• Comfort items for sleep time (Nicky is devoted to his lovie, and Grace has a few hundred stuffed animals that usually make the trip, too)
• Packable jackets (because kids are wonderfully messy and inevitably one ends up in the wash) and extra sneakers or boots, depending on the weather

I’ve recently started using NameBubbles’ clothing and shoe labels for the kids, rather than writing in their names with permanent marker.  Once they’ve outgrown their clothes and shoes, I’ll be able to easily remove the label and donate the items to Cradles to Crayons or the Family Pantry of Cape Cod in the best condition possible.  These labels are machine washable and work for stuffed animals too, which is great for when the kids bring toys on trips, or to school or playdates.

Now I just need to figure out how to organized the rest of my life.  Just kidding… kind of.

To save 15% on your next order of personalized labels, use the code ONTAP. 

Also On Tap for Today:

• Mama Beasts cookie swap!
• Guilt-free decluttering from Apartment Therapy
• Maybe I will start wrapping presents… maybe…

What are your must-haves for quick trips or longer adventures?