Do you wonder how on earth to get out the door on time with a toddler? Do you find that with kids you’re running late more often than you used to? Do your mornings sometimes feel chaotic or like it’s impossible to get out of the house in a coordinated manner?
Same here, mama. That was SO me/us!
Pre-Taylor I took a little pride in being on time. Even when I went back to work for a year initially after maternity leave (I work from home now!) I was doing okay. Then Taylor became mobile and having opinions of her own she isn’t afraid to voice. At the onset of toddler-dom, and getting adjusted to the stay at home mom lifestyle, all of a sudden it felt like getting out the door was a three+ hour process every day and that no matter where we went, we were NEVER on time!
In this post I’m going to share some of the best hacks & tips I’ve learned along the way and picked up from other mamas with more than one kiddo for getting out of the house in the morning with little ones. And, make sure to snag a printable PDF of the Morning & Evening Toddler Routine Chart! A morning routine for a toddler is essential for timeliness around our house!!
11 Hacks For Getting Out The Door ON TIME With A Toddler!!
Set the time you need to or would like to be out the door. Next, make a list of all the things that would need to accomplish before then and how long they take (i.e. your own morning routine, getting yourself ready for the day, getting or helping your kiddo/s get ready, fixing and eating breakfast, brushing teeth, readying your bag, getting everyone into socks/shoes, and out the door and into the car, etc.). Now, backward map how much time you’ll need for each segment. You’ll then be able to determine what time you need to be up yourself when you’ll want to wake your kiddo/s if they aren’t already up, etc. in order to be on time!
Wake up and get ready yourself before your little one wakes up if at all possible. If you have a super early bird and can’t make this happen, have a quick 5-minute makeup grab bag + mirror that you can spruce yourself up with while your toddler is eating breakfast or doing another morning routine task.
All Our Bags Are Packed And I’m Ready To GO! Have your diaper bag, toddler backpack, or purse stocked up and ready to go and either in your car or next to the door the night before. This simple hack has made a big difference; Not having to think about what I’m forgetting when I’m trying to get us out the door is a mama mental-load game changer!
Meal prep lunches in bulk (things like PB&J sandwiches, bags of carrot sticks/pretzels, etc..) and have a grab & go station in your pantry for the rest on the snacks that your toddler can help load their lunch box with. Taylor LOVES this concept – often trying to {unsuccessfully} pack three of her fav fruit roll-ups!!
Wake up your little one so that they have plenty of getting ready and play time before you need to leave for the day, especially if they love to play in the morning and have difficulty transitioning from one activity to the next.
Have your toddler get dressed or assist them with getting dressed for the day before ever leaving their room in the morning. For some reason, maybe because I’m lazy and don’t want to go up and down the stairs a bunch of times, this one really helps! It gets us out of lazy, lay around mode (if we have somewhere to be) and into “let’s get this day going!” mode!
Have grab and go breakfast options ready – breakfast bars are perfect for this!! These are clutch when/if you’re running later than you want to be (if you allow eating in the car as we do!)
Allow your child a special toy or item to take with them out of the house (our favs are Paw Patrol figurines right now!).
Offer rewards for task completion (audio of a YouTube story in the car, a game on an education App, a second snack/breakfast, a sticker or stamp, etc.) so that you don’t have to continue following up and nagging.
Break it down step-by-step: instead of just saying, “let’s go to the park” or “we’re going to Target,”Start with, “let’s put on your shoes and socks,” “let’s pack up your snacks together” and take it task by task. This GREATLY helps with transitions, as does a morning routine chart:
Have a Morning Toddler Routine Chart – picture chart for pre-readers, or one with words included for readers so that they can self-direct their morning routine like the one I created below for Taylor (and YOU if you’d like to save the time of making one!!).
We printed this routine chart and used our little laminating machine to laminate it, and now check off each of the tasks with a dry erase marker as we progress. Taylor really enjoys this toddler routine chart and I’ve found it makes for much more smooth evenings and mornings – she’s a routine girl, who has a hard time with transitions at times!
SNAG YOUR PDF TO PRINT + LAMINATE BELOW!
*after completing payment click on “Return To Merchant” to access your printable PDF!!
Last tip, and the most important, PLEASE give yourself grace because it’s seriously not an easy task to coordinate #allthethings and be timely (and I only have ONE!!)!
I hope you found these tips and hacks for getting out the door and being on time with your toddler helpful!!
As always, best to you sweet mama!! Thank you for reading today!!
Here is the replay of a Live video I shared over on Facebook on Taylor-made Mama on this topic:
Hacks to get yourself + your kids out the door on time! ?????Bonus: a really fun free resource!#14daychallenge day 3️⃣
The title of this post is intentionally misleading because I don’t think that “Stress Free Potty Training” is actually possible. And that’s okay! If you’re a magical unicorn mama who isn’t stressed with any element of potty training, well, we simply can’t be friends. I mean, we can but you have some SERIOUS explaining and life coaching to do with me.
That said, I really do have some things to share about our recent (and successful) foray into potty training – including a Printable Checklist that WILL reduce stress surrounding P-Day…
But, first a few thoughts and some vulnerability.
“Let go of who you think you need to be, and be who you actually are.â€
This intention could apply to many areas of life but, at this season in mine, it speaks especially to motherhood and lifestyle. A few months ago, I noticed myself feeling like I just wasn’t “enough†in the teeny, tiny corner of the internet/influence I’ve created,
Not adding enough value.
Not creating enough content.
Not having enough influence.
Not creating content IG worthy enough.
Not being an exemplary enough mama.
Well, you know what I say to that? Pardon my abbreviated French but, “ENOUGH with that B.S.!”!!!!
And, I’d rather ACTUALLY be happy than PERCEIVED as anything else.
This is a platform I built with the intention of expressing myself in the best way I know how (through writing), connecting with other mamas across the country/world, and inspiring them to find harmony + balance in #momlife and life in general.
I ran out of time and motivation for photo shoots and being “that motherhood + lifestyle influencer†I never intended to be, a while back (as evidenced by our simple party and post documenting Taylor’s 2nd B-day) but I still have a passion for organization especially as it can be applied to preparing for new phases of motherhood – and subsequently sharing that with you, dear reader.
I’m excited to finally feel okay with letting go of being 100% anything but myself. I hope you’ll still be excited about hanging out and doing #momlife with just plain old me. And I hope my inspiration can be for YOU to feel okay with being 100% yourself too!
Back To Potty Training…
All that being said, many of my Instagram and other friends have been messaging me about what we’ve been doing/using for potty training. If you follow me you read this update last week:
Essentially, the #1 thing I recommend is waiting until your child, AND YOU, are prepared and ready. Yes, there’s a “windowâ€, but if you stress the heck out of yourself to train before that window closes, you may not find the success you’re hoping for.
There are tons of great books, E books, manuals, family/friend advice, etc. and I encourage you to read them because I know always feel better when I’ve done my due diligence too. Here are some of the books I read myself or read to Taylor before and during potty training:
That said, at end of the day, you have to do what makes intuitive sense for YOU and your kiddo. Remember, you know your child best. If potty training is making YOU a stressed out mess (like it was me), then it’s probably not the time, or it’s time to switch things up.
Spend some time sorting that stress reaction out, ease off the pressure brakes, read a book (drink some wine?), get some supplies ready, THEN jump in when you’re ready to be the strong one in the boot camp relationship – it’s hard enough for the little one peeing and pooping themselves all day.
Free, Printable Potty Training Prep Checklist!
To access the printable Potty Trainig Essentials Checklist use this link or just click on the image below.  Print it, shop with it, then keep it in your kit to make sure you’re always stocked up. As a subscriber, you can access and download this and any of the other printables from my website by going to the Printables Library Page and entering the password I emailed to you when you subscribed.
I know this isn’t the most helpful Potty Training post in all of Pinterest-landia, but I do hope you’ll find this free, printable checklist of the items that we used before and during potty training to ultimately find success helpful!! Make sure you also have your Toddler Car Kit put together because many of these things will already be in it!
There is nothing cuter than hearing that proud little voice say, “I’m so proud of myself. I’m big girl/boy now!!!†(and not feeling like you’re going to rip your hair out in the same moment).
Remember that, if you’re loving hard, it’s not that hard.
MOM your way, friend. You got this!
XO,
Ashley
P.S. Because many of you asked, we did NOT use a timer or specific intervals at all during potty training. I am considering doing another post of the good, bad and poopy of what we did do and what I would do differently. What do you think? Would you be interested?
Other Ta[y]lor-made Mama posts you may be interested in:
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PersilLaundry #CollectiveBias
Did you know that a typically developing child is expected to be able to feed themselves completely independently with a spoon by the age of 2? Well don’t worry if you didn’t, because I didn’t either until our Pediatrician told us at Taylor’s 18 month appointment! However, most toddlers are capable of learning to do this at a much younger age; Taylor is well on her way to independently eating with a spoon AND fork at 19 months old! Today I wanted to share 5 ways you can help your toddler learn to eat with utensils as well, and clean clothing stainsfrom the inevitable mess they’ll make withtrial size Persil® ProClean® laundry detergent. Persil® Original Pro10wasnamed “Best New Liquid Laundry Detergent” by Family Circle magazine in 2017, so I was curious to put it to the test! I have to say, I was quite impressed with the cleaning, brightening and whitening results, especially given the amount of time the marinara had to set into her bright white shirt (my bad because, #momlife)!
5 Ways To Help Your Toddler Learn To Eat With Utensils Independently:
Provide your toddler with utensils that are, well, toddler-sized. Silverware with thick, weighted, rubber/textured handles are best as they are easier to grasp and control. HERE are our favorites to use (the set comes in green, pink or aqua!).
Demonstrate how to use utensils with slow, exaggerated motions accompanied by a verbal explanation of exactly what you’re doing. (e.g. “Mommy is scooping some applesauce onto her spoon, now I’m going to raise my arm and put the spoon in my mouth like this… Yum!”). You’re basically their eating mechanics coach!
Start out with thick foods that will stick to a spoon, like yogurt or applesauce when scooped. When your toddler is practicing eating with a fork, I recommend easy to spear pasta shapes like penne!
Provide ample opportunities for practice eating with utensils. At first, your toddler may not have much control or accuracy, but it’s still important that they have the chance to learn to manipulate the fork or spoon.
Praise your little one for trying! Most toddlers prefer to use their fingers over a fork or spoon, so they deserve some applause for their efforts.
All of that said, one thing you can expect is A LOT of mess when your toddler is learning to eat with utensils, so you’ll want to have a laundry detergent you can trust to get the job done! I purchased the convenient trial size Persil® ProClean® laundry detergent last week at Target and challenged it with the marinara sauce stains featured in this post.
Persil® Original Pro10 was named “Best New Liquid Laundry Detergent” by Family Circle magazine in 2017, so I was curious to put it to the test! I have to say, I was quite impressed with the cleaning, brightening and whitening results, especially given the amount of time the marinara had to set into her bright white shirt (my bad because, #momlife)!
Persil Laundry Detergent To The Rescue!
By the time I got around to washing Taylor’s shirt after she finished her pasta, over an hour had passed, so I decided to pre-treat it with Persil® laundry detergent. I poured a very small amount of Persil laundry detergent into the cap, dipped a finger in and rubbed a very small amount directly onto the stain. After leaving the shirt to pre-treat for 5 minutes, I placed it in our washing machine with the rest of Taylor’s whites in the warmest water possible with a capful of Persil® laundry detergent, per the Laundry Tips on Persil’s webpage. Remember to check the results before drying. I really like that Persil® laundry detergent can be used in all machines, including an HE like ours.
The Results
WOW. I was honestly surprised at how well Persil laundry detergent was able to tackle the stain. I imagine that, had I pre-treated and washed right away, the results would have been even more impressive. Persil laundry detergent is certainly a great choice for everyday laundry as well as stain fighting!
If you haven’t tried Persil laundry detergent yet, I encourage you to do what I did and pick up their new trial size bottle at Target (AKA Mecca) for only $1.99. The trial size bottle (10.1-ounce package) washes 6 full loads of laundry! Plus, there is a $2 off coupon on the back of the bottle for a future purchase, excluding the trial/travel size.
Give it a try and see the results for yourself!
I would love to hear any other tips you have for teaching your little ones to eat with utensils independently. What successes have you had as a toddler/eating mechanics coach duo? Any epic messes you could have used Persil laundry detergent for?!Email me or leave a comment on this post.
I was prompted to share this Modern Girl Nursery Reveal post as I have begun to think that, all too soon, I’ll need to transition it into a “Big Girl” room (my eyes tear up even just writing that sentence). I’m just waiting and watching the monitor closely for the day when she attempts to climb out of her crib. Babies just don’t keep, I tell you…
If you’ve been a reader for a while, you already know that I quit my job as a Special Education Administrator to stay home with Taylor a few months ago. Part of that whole cluster-change package was moving to a new home in a new city! Aside from now getting to spend my days with my precious little girl, one of the things I’m finding a lot of joy in these days is decorating our home! My passion for interiors is definitely resurfacing with the blessing of time and headspace. My favorite rooms to design by far have been Taylor’s nursery as well as her playroom; each decision and detail in those rooms is an expression of my love for her. I truly hope you enjoy photos of the finished product! Oh, and I linked everything that I could still find online for you at the bottom of the post!
With a second shot at creating Taylor’s modern nursery space, I used many of the pieces and artwork we had in her room at our previous home but paired things down for an even simpler, clean look. The other main change to her modern girl nursery is that the queen-sized bed (where I slept for several months when she was newborn!) is no longer in her room. This left a lot more space to work with.
The most recent addition, and finishing touch to Taylor’s room, is the beautiful piece shown in the photo above. This piece was gifted to us by one of Sacramento’s local artists, Sarah Phulps, owner of Sarah’s. I told Sarah the verse I wanted over T’s bed (Proverbs 3:15), sent her several pictures of the room, and she created this one of a kind gem! I couldn’t be more pleased with her creation. You have to check out Sarah’s!
It is my daily prayer + mission that Taylor will grow up believing that, because of her heart and the unique being God created her to be, she is indeed more precious than rubies.
All custom framing in Taylor’s modern girl nursery is from Aaron Brothers. Rocking Chair is from Buy Buy Baby but is unfortunately no longer available; linked here is one from Land of Nod that is very similar.
Modern Girl Nursery Organization:
Ya’ll know I can rarely put a post up without some sort of organizational tip or spin, and this one’s no different!
Organization For Outgrown Clothes:
With the rate babies grow (mine in particularly bc girlfriend is already on 2T at 18 months!), it’s important to have a system to keep all the clothes they outgrow organized until you decide what to do with them. Alternatively, you can just have a massive pile of little clothes in the bottom of the closet. Whatever suits you – mom your way ; ) I don’t yet know what we’ll do with Taylor’s baby clothes, but at least they’re neat and tidy for now, right? Maybe I’m secretly hoping we’ll have another girl who can wear it all but I digress… Anyway, here is a visual of what I came up with for storing the clothes/shoes she outgrows by size (the clear bins can be found at Target!):
Changing Station Essentials + Organization:
Although Taylor is a toddler, since she is still in diapers, not much has changed about the configuration of her changing station since her newborn days. Below are a few photos of how I organized her changing station/dresser for convenience as well as a printable shopping list of Changing Table Essentials (PS if you don’t have the Ubbi Diaper Pail – go. get. one. now. It works like a charm and works with the decor of any nursery!)
To access the printable Changing Station Essentials Checklist, click THIS LINK or the image below. If you are a subscriber, this list is now in the Printables Library for you!
I truly hope you enjoyed this Modern Girl Nursery reveal post. If there is anything else in my pictures you would like links to, comment on this post or shoot me an email and I’ll send them directly to you! If you haven’t already, make sure to subscribe so that you don’t miss our upcoming Modern Playroom Reveal post – I seriously CANNOT WAIT to show you what I’ve been working on in there!
Thank you to Coco & Kiwi for sponsoring this post. As always, all opinions are 100% my own and any affiliate links are to products I actually use and like.
The last time I posted a “what’s in my diaper bag” style post, Taylor was only 7 months old. Time has absolutely flown by….Now that she is 18 months I want to share what’s in our Toddler Diaper Bag. I keep my Toddler Emergency Car Kit and a Toddler Restaurant Kit in the trunk of my car which contain many of the things I would otherwise have to worry about grabbing on the way out the door or lugging around in my already full diaper bag (i.e. bib, utensils, first aid kit, change of clothes, etc.). If you haven’t already, and have or will soon have a toddler, definitely check out those two posts!
I have gotten more compliments on this Coco & Kiwi Provence Diaper Bag since I started carrying/wearing it, mostly from girls at my gym who are non-moms actually! As a Coco Ambassador this season, I had the option to choose my favorite bag; it wasn’t even a question which I’d choose. I adore the classic, chic sandstone stripes paired with the camel colored leather of the Provence Bag. Aside from how cute and stylish it looks, I wanted to share a couple of my favorite features with you – game changers I don’t know how I didn’t look for in a bag sooner:
1) detachable stroller straps, 2) the bag can be carried as a clutch, over the shoulder/messenger style, or as a BACKPACK! If you couldn’t tell by all caps, I’m definitely loving the diaper backpack option these days, running around after my toddler.
3) The ingenious zip-in wet bag. I use mine for opened snacks!
You can check out this and all of the stylish Coco & Kiwi Diaper Bags and accessories here.
What’s In My Toddler Diaper Bag?
FOR TODDLER:
2-3 Diapers – if your toddler still wears them which, at 18 months, Taylor does.
Wipes – I love Water Wipes travel packs because they are all natural, and can be used to clean little ones’ hands and faces as well!
Sanitizing Wipes – the Wet Ones Sensitive Skin canister makes for easy packing as well as pulling out wipes to sanitize shopping carts, restaurant tables, etc. quickly.
Snacks – did you know that when your baby becomes a toddler you then become a snack peddler? I keep a variety on hand at all times because, at this age, T is starting to really exert her independence through making her preferences known!
Comb and hair ties/bows – because, #girlmom.
Changing pad – a burgundy colored changing pad, which matches the lining, comes in the Coco & Kiwi Diaper bags, and it is actually long enough to accommodate a growing toddler bod!
Wet bag – this is another convenient feature of the Coco & Kiwi Diaper bag. The wet bag zips in and out. I personally use it to store opened + unfinished snacks!
Diaper bags + dispenser – I am obsessed with the Munchkin diaper bag dispenser. Okay, maybe not obsessed, but I do own 5!
Kleenex – toddlers tend to need nose wiping every now and again, and it’s nice to have these on hand when a runny nose occurs. These travel packs are the cutest I’ve found – it’s the little things : )
Mini first aid – I only carry bandaids in my diaper bag because I have a mini first aid kit in my fully loaded Toddler Emergency Car Kit (which includes this AWESOME portable potty for you potty training mamas!)
Sunglasses
Water bottle – sometimes I will just bring my adult sized version of this bottle and share with Taylor but, again, these days my toddler likes to have her OWN things!
A small toy that she is reallllllly into – at this moment, Peppa Pig!
FOR MAMA:
LipSense Lip Gloss– I literally do not leave the house without at least one of my LipSense glosses (Matte, Glossy or Bouganvillea), whether I’m wearing the lip color or not.LipSense is a kiss-proof, smudge proof, waterproof lip color that lasts up to 18 hours – talk about a busy mom MUST HAVE! The gloss is the only thing you need to reapply a couple of times throughout the day to keep your lips moisturized and your color it’s staying power. LipSense has been a game changer for me as a new, busy mama: if nothing else, I walk out the door with tinted moisturizer and LipSense on and feel pretty + put together! I loved this stuff so much that I became a distributor myself, at first for the discount but now I have another stream of income for my family because of it! If you’re interested in learning more or placing a LipSense order – check out my Taylor-made Beauty Facebook Group (lots of sales and fun giveaways!), and my In-Stock Album and Order page.
Gum
Feminine products
Phone
Sunglasses & Eyeglasses
Phone Charger – a must since becoming a mama/responsible for someone else besides myself!
Wireless headphones
Lifetime Athletic Gym card – I can’t insert the praise hands emoji through Word Press, or else I would. Adding this element into our toddler and mom weekday schedule has been a game-changer, sanity saver, etc.!
Hand sanitizer
Wallet (I linked the BEST price I’ve seen for this classic LV wallet!)
Protein bar – not pictured because I literally ate it an hour before taking the pictures for this post
Keys
Pen
To access the printable Toddler Diaper Bag Essentials Checklist use this linkor just click on the image below. As a subscriber, you can access and download this and any of the other printables from my website by going to the Printables Library Page and entering the password I emailed to you when you subscribed (if you can’t find it, just email me at ashley@taylor-mademama.com and I’ll re-send!).
What are your toddler diaper bag must-haves?
Other Ta[y]lor-made Mama posts you may be interested in:
Does your toddler love to eat veggies? Do you have the time to cook fresh vegetables to accompany every meal they eat? If you answer no to either of those questions, read on and pin this easy toddler approved green smoothie recipe!
From the time we introduced solids and started making out homemade baby food, Taylor would pretty much eat anything, including veggies, at every meal. “Score!”, we thought…However, at around 15 months she began to really develop her independence and preferences – not to mention an increase in her activity level! She began to reject the veggies presented to her, or eat less of them than I knew she needed for optimum daily nutrition.
She also developed a LOVE for Jamba Juice Acai Antioxidant smoothies. While absolutely delicious, the sugar content in (and price of!) those smoothies had my “I want to be a responsible mama” head spinning. I decided to make my own version of a “Jamba Juice” at home and she went bonkers for it. It’s basically a simplified version of the green smoothie her dad and I drink regularly.
I decided to make my own version of a “Jamba Juice” at home and she went bonkers for it. It’s basically a simplified version of the green smoothie her dad and have made for ourselves regularly for years now.
Nowadays, Taylor has this toddler approved green smoothie once daily: sometimes for breakfast, sometimes for lunch, and sometimes for her late afternoon/pre-dinner snack. It’s a total #momwin to know she’s getting such a nutritionally packed meal that she is also thrilled to eat!
Of course, I continue to offer her fresh, cooked vegetables with every meal, but on the occasions when she refuses or eats very little, I am confident that she is still getting sufficient fiber and nutrients in her diet from her green smoothie. I’m not a doctor, and of course there are feeding issues for some little ones that complicate this, but in general it’s recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics to introduce a variety of foods to toddlers, multiple times and in multiple ways, in age-appropriate portions, but to let them decide how much to eat.
Okay, so I won’t spend too much time on this piece, but I do have to say that we have tried gone through several different blends over the years, and the Nutri Ninja Auto-iQ Blender is A) the most convenient for a family (it comes with several different sizes of blender cups), and B) the best a thoroughly blending the ingredients (even whole, frozen fruits or ice!) .
The auto setting is awesome; the Nutri Ninja takes the guesswork out of the equation and blends perfectly every time. I’m not exaggerating. I will not mention our previous blender or harp on any more about the Nutri Ninja, but l think we can all agree that no one wants a grainy smoothie resulting in remnants of kale leaves in their teeth, am I right?
Go get the Nutri Ninja – totally worth the investment in your toddler’s health.
At the time I took this picture, she would ONLY drink her smoothies from a recycled Jamba Juice cup. Pick your battles, I say.
Simple Toddler Approved Green Smoothie Recipe:
Toddler Approved Green Smoothie
1 handful kale (red kale is less bitter than green)
1 handful spinach
1/4 cup whole milk plain Greek yogurt
1/2 banana
4-6 organic frozen strawberries
1/4 cup unsweetened vanilla flax milk + protein
Layer all ingredients in the Nutri Ninja blender, starting with the kale and spinach.
Blend under completely smooth
Serve in a cup with a straw.
Shop Cups With Straws:
The possibilities are endless with this base smoothie! Which other yummy, nutritious, power ingredients will you add to this easy toddler approved green smoothie recipe? Avocado? Egg white protein powder? Gogi berries? What tips and tricks do you have for getting picky eaters to eat veggies?
Do you have a toddler car kit stocked with everything you would need in case of emergency (i.e. forgotten diapers, sudden need for a potty break, stuck in traffic, car wont’ start, flat tire, etc.)? Do you lug around a huge diaper bag full of everything under the sun in case of emergency and want to lighten your load? If you answered yes to either question, then this post is for you!
Taylor and I were out and about the other day when she needed a mid-shopping diaper change. I realized I didn’t have a diaper in my diaper bag – TOTAL #momfail. Then I remembered the Baby Car Kit I keep for her in the trunk of my car (this also happens to be one of this blog’s most popular posts to date!). Relieved, we walked to the parking lot for her change. Much to my chagrin, I realized it had been quite a while since I’d updated her kit, and the diapers I had in stock were a size too small. Although I was able to squeeze her into the diaper until we made it home and I wouldn’t necessarily categorize this as an “emergency” situation, it did remind me that our original emergency car kit needed a little updating.
So update I did, and here is exactly what is you need for an emergency car kit, fit for a toddler.
Everything You Need In A Toddler’s Emergency Car Kit
Here is a list of everything you need to pack in an Emergency Car Kit for your toddler to keep them fed, changed, happy and entertained in case of an unpredictable situation (or if you just don’t feel like dragging a big ole diaper bag around with you everywhere!). I pack all of this in this bin + lid from Tar-jay – it’s less than $10 and fits all our supplies (minus the portable potty) perfectly!
Water bottle with a spout (at least 1) to keep both you and your tot hydrated.
3-4 diapers
Wipes – I keep my wipes in a lined, zippered bag like this one so that moisture doesn’t escape over time (especially when it’s hot!).
Roll of toilet paper – if you’re in the potty training stage, this is critical, along with this portable potty (scroll down for more details).
1-2 activities/toys – I always keep 1-2 books and an activity that could consume my toddler’s attention for the maximum amount of time possible. This Magnetic Curious George Set is perfect for the car and developing imagination, and T loves it!
Travel first aid kit – you could, of course, put one together yourself, but I chose to buy http://bit.ly/2xKe7PVthis one from Target for $6.49.
Changing pad – the one pictured here is sold out, but this is a great option on Amazon Prime + only $6.
Hand sanitizer – I have one of these Babyganics hand sanitizer pumps in our change table caddy, nursing station basket and in the emergency car kit. I like this brand because it is alcohol and paraben free, yet 99% effective in killing germs.
Spare outfit (socks, pants, shirt) – I keep a t-shirt and pants that are 1-2 sizes too big so that I do not have to think about updating the spare outfit every couple of months because – growth spurts. The Cat & Jack line at Target has super cute T-Shirts for between $4.50 and $6.00 (both short and long sleeved depending on the seasons you’re in/entering).
{NOT PICTURED} A Restaurant Kit – create a Restaurant Kit with all the essentials you need to reduce the stress of dining out with little ones and keep it in your trunk. I have actually been bringing the Airplane Entertainment Kit in the car lately because it’s so packed with things to keep T busy.
{NOT PICTURED, but a MUST HAVE} Potette portable travel + training potty – I don’t yet have this portable potty because we haven’t started potty training at this point, but it is already on my Amazon shopping list for later. My best friends both have this in their cars and it’s come in incredibly handy on numerous occasions. You can actually be out and about during potty training because it can be adapted to any toilet seat OR you can just plop in on the ground anywhere you are and the disposable liners catch everything. Genius, right?!
To access the printable Toddler Emergency Car Kit Checklist use this link or just click on the image below. Print it, shop with it, then keep it in your kit to make sure you’re always stocked up. As a subscriber, you can access and download this and any of the other printables from my website by going to the Printables Library Page and entering the password I emailed to you when you subscribed.
Is there anything I’m missing? What other ways do you keep your car organized and prepared for your little ones? Let me know if I’m missing anything in the comments on this post and I’ll happily update my kit + this post.
P.S. This post is part of the Packed to Perfection Series. Each post (including one of my most popular – “What To Pack In A Carry-On To Entertain A Toddler On An Airplane”) includes tips for what to pack and printable checklists to make sure you don’t forget anything. It’s hard enough remembering what to pack for yourself, right?! I like to print my checklists, laminate them and keep them in my bags/suitcases/kits so that they are right on hand and I can keep track of what needs packing, refilling, etc.
Other Ta[y]lor-made Mama posts you may be interested in:
The thought of flying with a toddler with an attention span as short as they are cute for the first time (or anytime) can be downright intimidating. Taylor had flown with us before, but not since she became mobile and A LOT more active/aware. In preparation for our family vacation to South Carolina, I spent a lot of time tapping the brains of all my been-there-done-that mama friends, “researching” on Pinterest, and brainstorming ideas to compile the perfect carry on bag to keep my toddler entertained and happy on a cross country flight. Guess what? Our 4.5+ hour flight with a 15-month-old went off with far less stress than I envisioned – sans iPad/electronics or spending a ton of money – so I want to share what we packed, how we packed it and tips for a successful travel day with a toddler based on this experience.
Bonus – the in-flight kit I created has served as a both a car and restaurant entertainment kit while we’ve been on vacation as well! I hope you find this post useful when packing a carry on bag to keep your toddler AND you entertained and happy during your travels. If you have an infant, check out this post to see how we packed for one of Taylor’s first flights/vacations featuring our absolute, must have packing cubes by EZPacking.
If you’re packing for an upcoming vacation, you NEED to snag some of these.
Make sure to download and print the FREE printable checklist at the end of this post (or click the photo below)!
Let’s start with the bag:
I snagged this mesh tote at Target for $9.99 (!!!) and think it’s a perfect carry on because A) they have it in 8 colors, B) it’s durable but mesh, so you can easily see and grab for anything you might need in-flight, C) it can be used as a beach bag upon arrival if you’re taking a beach vacay, and D) did I mention it was only $9.99!?
What’s In The Bag (and how it all fit!):
ÂÂ
In-Flight Entertainment Kit – I included a section below with all the details on what’s inside this cosmetics case turned toddler entertainment kit. I use this same bag (in this floral pattern) for my Baby/Toddler Restaurant Kit as well because it’s a perfect size and has tons of storage space! EDIT:The case I use has been sold out FOREVER – boooo – BUT I found this black one that would work just as well!!!
Tote Savvy Mini Insert – Stocked with 4 diapers, pack of wipe, disposable diaper bags/dispenser, changing pad, hand sanitizer, lip gloss, wallet, keys, etc. I pop this in and out of pretty much all my bags so that we always have the essentials on hand and organized. Check out this post for exactly what and how I’m packing my Tote Savvy for a toddler diaper bag these days.
A zippered pouch (this one from Target is only $4.99) to carry a copy of your little one’s birth certificate (most airlines require proof that your toddler is under 2 years old to qualify as a “lap infant”) and headphones for if and when your toddler naps. I stored this pouch in the front pocket of the mesh tote bag for easy access during our travels. I love my beautiful rose-gold, wireless headphones from Sudio – you can snag a pair for 15% offhere using the discount code TAYLORMADEMAMA.
Puffs (AKA toddler crack). I keep these on hand pretty much at all times. We only buy the Happy Baby organic brand.
Empty water bottles for mama and tot Fill them up once you’ve cleared security. I store the water bottles in the outer pockets on either side of the tote bag.
A novel toy set like this one with a wooden fire engine theme. Check Target’s Dollar Section – I swear, they have the most amazing toys/activities for travel purposes on the super cheap! After I already had everything together for this trip I found mini felt board sets which would be PERFECT for the kit! There is a set of 3 felt story boards on Amazon right now that I’m considering ordering to our beach house for the return flight (another Amazon Prime membership perk!). This magnetic block set would also be a great option.
Packing tape to tape up a box for your car seat if you’re bringing it with you. We had a short wardrobe box as that was the only box that would fit the dimension of our beloved car seat (Maxi Cosi 70 Convertible – on sale for only $199 right now on Amazon!!). We also brought a roll of bubble wrap to line it with. You can also check it in one of these nifty car seat backpack style bags – either way, the goal is to prevent damage. We ended up making a game time decision to put our car seat in our travel stroller bag and forego the box altogether!
Number 11!!!! Although she LOVES to color, I can’t freely give Taylor crayons or other drawing instruments because, at 15 months old, she cannot be trusted not to try them out for flavor… so, introducing this off-brand etch a sketch during the flight was a total win-win. There are more expensive versions with lap pads and sound features that would be great for car travel, but this one fit the bill for function, size and the quiet factor. Taylor played with this for nearly an hour of the flight (cumulative), so I would say the $19 price tag was well worth it. As I was writing this post I noticed that right now it’s on sale for Amazon Prime members for only $10.65! Don’t have a Prime Membership yet? Get a FREE 30 Day Trial here ( I PROMISE it’s worth it – most things on this list are Amazon Prime eligible!). There is also a cute set of two miniature drawing pads like this if you’re packing for more than one little. One of my besties recently showed me her kids’ LCD Writing Tablet like this one which is only $29.99 on Amazon.com for Prime members and an even better option than the traditional etch a sketch.
What’s In The In-Flight Entertainment Kit (# 1):
This cosmetics case is the PERFECT in-flight entertainment kit bag.
Left side = snacks, utensils, wipes, box of organic milk, bib, etc.
The Left Side:
When all else fails, snacks (and a big variety of them!) will be your tantrum tamers on a flight. In the left side of the in-flight kit I packed a ton of snacks I knew she would love: Annie’s organic gummy bunnies, fruit roll ups and cheddar bunnies, fruit + veggie pouches, a variety or bars, 2 milk boxes, a travel set of utensils (LOVE these by OXO!), a Green Sprouts wipe-off bib with a pouch (the best, and so easy to fold up!_, and individual hand and surface sanitizing wipes by Babyganics.
Right side = toys, art supplies, flashcards, etc.
The Right Side:
Basically, I raided our local party supply store and the Target dollar bins to stock up on a ton of fun little toys, stickers, flashcards and other packable items that I knew Taylor would be interested in. I brought them out one by one, or let her pick, whenever she began to lose interest. I actually had WAY more than I needed, so I’m happy we’ll still have some novel entertainment for the return flight and/or restaurant trips on vacation! I’ve heard of parents also wrapping individual toys and letting their kiddo open them up one by one to add to the time/excitement.
A Speech Pathologists I worked with recommended these Busy Baby cards to work on language development. Taylor loves looking at the cute little images and hearing me talk about what she is seeing (i.e “this baby is holding a cat and wearing a hat!”). I definitely recommend any toddler mama to pick up a pack.
What I’ll Pack Next Time:
Although our trip went smoothly, of course, I’m already thinking about how to make our mom lives even less stressful. Here are a couple things I didn’t bring with us this time, but likely will for the next trip based on our experience:
A portable, foldable high chair like this one that I almost bought on Prime Day this year! It could easily fit in a carry-on. Fortunately, we were visiting family who let us borrow us their daughter’s old Pack and Play and high chair for this trip, but in the future, we will want to bring those ourselves. The portable crib we have, use and love is this one by Baby Bjorn.
Now, onto my top 10 tips for traveling & flying with a toddler…
You can bring your own milk or juice in a cooler like this one,  but you may have to go through a full on TSA check. One option is to wait until you get through security and buy a milk box from Starbucks (these do not require refrigeration). Some airplanes will have milk depending on the airline and time of day, but if you care for it to be organic, you’re likely out of luck. I think the best option is to bring no refrigeration needed, easily portable milk boxes with you. When we arrived at our beach house, I ordered another 12 pack of organic whole milk boxes for the rest of our travel as we will not always have easy access to a fridge/milk.
3. Put your little one (if not already potty trained) in overnight diapers for the flight initially so that they don’t need to be changed as soon as they would in a regular diaper. Leaky diapers are fun for no one. Make sure they are in comfy clothes with shoes that are easy to slip on and off; we opted for Natives and they worked like a charm – definitely our new fav toddler shoe!
4. I know it isn’t always possible with logistics, but try to plan your flight time around your toddler’s nap if possible. We booked a SUPER early flight which was painful at 4:30 in the morning but worth it to coincide with Taylor’s daily nap. We enjoyed watching the movie Lionwhile she snoozed.
5. I know screen time isn’t for everyone, and to each their own, but if you allow it this suggestion is for you. Download shows from Netflix, Xfinity, etc. and age appropriate apps onto your iPad or laptop. This will, hopefully, occupy your little one and buy you and your fellow passengers some quiet time. We had technical difficulties and weren’t able to utilize this option on this flight. Luckily, Taylor slept for nearly 2 hours of the flight but if she hadn’t we really would have missed out on having this entertainment option.
6. Bring empty water bottles in your carry on and fill them up at the airport once you’ve cleared security.
7. Invest in a travel/umbrella stroller and umbrella stroller bag. Previously, we traveled with our Baby Jogger City Select, but it was just too big and cumbersome with all the other luggage we needed to bring with us. This J by Jeep umbrella stroller is easy to fold open and closed and really compact. It also has a UV. You can check the stroller at the gate right before you board, but make sure to ask the desk attendant at your gate for a tag asap.
8. Walk the aisles if you sense that the native/s are getting restless and it is permitted by the captain. Generally, other passengers are going to want to see that cute little toddler’s happy face when they get to get up and move around the cabin. The walk will give them a chance to check out this new environment and distract them from being confined to a seat. If anyone has a problem with it (or your toddler crying for that matter) then that is their own issue – but truth be told, #momshaming can be real on flights!
9. Arrive to check in for your flight early, call ahead, or both to ask for an extra seat if possible. Generally, airlines will go ahead and reserve a seat when a “lap infant” is flagged on the manifest and keep it if the flight is not full. The extra seat makes diaper changes, and the whole flying experience, a lot easier! By the way, this article by USA today does a great job of breaking down how to deal with how to change a diaper during a flight!
10. My last, but number one piece of advice would be to prepare and pack as well as you can beforehand, but then try your best to relax and go with the flow because, as we all know, toddlers certainly cannot be predicted!
I truly hope there is at least one piece you can use to make your #momlife less stressful when planning and packing for your next family vacation!
Now, click here or just click on the picture below to access, download and print a copy of the packing checklist:
Be sure to check out the other posts in my Packed to Perfection Series I’ll be including free downloadable packing lists for each! Print, laminate (this laminating machine is $19.97 on Amazon.com, woo hoo!), stick the list in your bag to reference, and stop worrying about forgetting something every time you head out the door!
What other posts would you love to see in this series?
Other Taylor-made Mama posts you may be interested in:
Make sure to download and print the FREE printable Toddler Pool Bag checklist at the end of this post!
Now, let’s dive into (pun intended) what to pack for a day at the pool with a toddler:
It used to be as easy as grabbing a towel, sunnies and a suit, sunblock, an issue of InStyle, water bottle, flip flops, then off to the pool for the day. Now that you have a baby or toddler in tow, there is a whole new element to planning and packing for a successful, fun, safe day at the pool.Â
I want to show you what and how I pack for a Mommy and Me Pool Day with my toddler. If you’re a first-time mom in the same boat as I was OR a been-there-done-that pro mama, I hope this post will give you some good ideas for things to pack (and what to pack them in!) for a great day at the pool with your toddler.
Swimsuit with built in swim diaper by i play.
Now that we have access to a pool right down the road in our new community, pool days are a part of our weekly routine. Taylor lovingly refers to this special place as the poooo, which I find pretty darn funny, but I digress…
Before we moved, I had never taken Taylor to a pool and I wasn’t quite sure what to pack to bring with us that first day. Flash forward a couple weeks and I feel like we have rounded up everything we need with the caveat that, at some point, we’ll probably start bringing some pool toys. Right now, at 15 months old, Taylor is happy to just people watch from her float or splash/walk around in the baby pool. The first few times at the pool for her were about introducing her and helping her become accustomed to the water and new environment.
What to pack for a day at the pool with a toddler:
Tote Bag – obviously, this is a must! The bag shown in the photo above is one I got at our local grocery market because I loved the design, fun color scheme and the size worked perfectly. Here are a few similar and the black mesh tote I am using for a carry on/beach bag for our upcoming vacation (it comes in several colors and is under $10!):
1.Babyganics sunscreen stick SPF 50 (for the face bc my fingers on her face is, apparently, torture) and sunscreen in a gallon Ziplock bag – I usually put my own sunscreen on at home and if I need to reapply, I will just use Taylor’s.
2. Skip Hop wet/dry bag with the following inside the dry pouch: the Wet Brush and a change of clothes for a toddler. When we are ready to leave, we rinse off and then I change her into a diaper, put the pool cover up back on her and throw the wet suit into this bag. I can’t tell you how many things I use these bags for or how many we own!
5. Skip Hop cooler for water bottles (I also used this in my Pumping Bag) – Camel Back bottles: mom version, toddler version. If you’re looking to pack snacks that need to be refrigerated I HIGHLY recommend this Freezable Tote by PackIt; you stick it in the freezer and, once frozen, it stays cold for up to 10 hours – no ice packs needed!
6. Floaties – the ones linked are super easy to blow up, well rated, Amazon Prime eligible (as are most items linked in this post) and under $10! If you aren’t yet an Amazon Prime member, you can sign up for a free 30 day trial HERE.
7. Swim Suit Cover Up for mama – I have two pool cover ups I’m LOVING right now. The first is this simple, classy one.The second (shown in the photo above) is by Michael Stars. I got that one as part of the summer Fab Fit Fun box. I’m kind of obsessed with these boxes. Most of the individual items in the box (like the cover up) are worth more than the cost of the ENTIRE box. Use the code TAYLORMADE to save $10, and get your box for only $39.99!
9. Towels – I bring one for myself and one for Taylor, but you could probably get by with just one and save bag space.
Tote Savvy Insert = Mom Must Have!
10. ToteSavvy Mini Insert – I use this ToteSavvy insert interchangeably in all my bags these days be it a purse, diaper bag, carry on for a flight or pool day bag;Â I love it because I always know where to look for the essentials. To me, this insert is an absolute mom must-have! These days I carry the following inside it’s pouches: Bandaids, mini Evian facial spray (this keeps both toddler and mama cool on a hot day!), a couple small toys, Babyganics Alcohol-Free individually packed hand,face and mouth sanitizing wipes, 2 diapers, pack of wipes, several snacks, keys, wallet and one of the most popular items purchased through Amazon via links on my site – the Munchkin Arm & Hammer diaper bag dispenser and bags:
On Toddler:
Swimsuit – I bought a couple of these suits with built in swim diapers by I play on Amazon Prime Day 2017, and we’re loving them so far.
Swim diaper to wear underneath a suit if it doesn’t have a built-in. We have been using these disposable swim pants by Babyganics, but there are also tons of non-disposable versions as well.
Diaper for over the swim suit in the car ride to the pool because swim diapers tend to leak (or maybe I’m using them wrong?). When we get to the pool we just take off this extra safety precaution.
Cooler or freezable picnic tote for water bottles, milk and snacks that need refrigerating. For me, this is just too much to carry – I can only manage a baby, tote bag and float when it’s just T and I.
Now you tell me, what are your pool day bag must haves? I’m on the lookout for some water shoes like these from Carter’s for Taylor, but are there some you like better?
Click here or just click on the picture below to access, download and print a copy of the checklist:
Stay in the shade whenever possible, and limit sun exposure during the peak intensity hours – between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Wear a hat with a three-inch brim or a bill facing forward, sunglasses (look for sunglasses that provide 97% -100% protection against both UVA and UVB rays), and clothing with a tight weave.
On both sunny and cloudy days use a sunscreen with an SPF 15 or greater that protects against UVA and UVB rays.
Reapply sunscreen every two hours, and after swimming or sweating.
Call me ignorant, but I did not realize just how much CRAP is put into a lot of the products out there on the market for babies and toddlers. Mainstream baby products contain numerous toxic ingredients that will enter your baby’s body if used or actually ingested, not to mention toddlers who are putting stuff in their mouths ALL. THE. TIME. I feel like I’ve  been cognizant of trying my best to avoid buying things for Taylor that might be toxic, artificial, and generally not healthy for human beings, let alone little ones, but honestly I haven’t really had the time to do my due diligence on each and every product I’ve purchased… #momguilt
Now That I Know Better
Thankfully, I discovered a company whose purpose is to make it easier for busy moms (aren’t we all!) and moms-to-be to give themselves and their family the healthiest products, at really good prices, while doing all the vetting and research for us on the back end! 21 Bundles is a personalized subscription box service that delivers baby/toddler products that are sustainable, ethical, and most of all HEALTHY while still remaining super cute, relevant and fun. I LOVE mail like this! The best part is that you can rest assured no product 21 Bundles delivers will contain any of this junk:
source: www.healthiest.io
How 21 Bundles Works
Tell 21 Bundles your stage (or baby’s age)
Each Bundle is taylored (had to!) to your baby or toddlers age with all natural products. Each and every product in the bundles must meet or exceed these stringent regulations before being considered for and curated as “the healthiest” of products out there for little ones.
Every bundle (4-7 full-sized products along with stickers, samples, and coupons) is delivered in an eco-friendly box packed with safe and chemical free goodies! For example, the cute little owl stroller toy Taylor received in her 14-month-old bundle is made from fair trade certifiably organic Egyptian cotton and chemical free dyes!
Our first bundle was truly loaded with goodies relevant to Taylor’s and stage! Her favorite from the get was definitely the Rainbow Sensory Ball; much to my dismay her delight it has a very, shall we say, distinctive squeak to it; it’s a go-to toy for her now, but at least I don’t have to worry when she mouths it! Personally, I am anxious to use the Monkey Mat (as seen on Shark Tank!) for backyard and park picnics/concerts this summer, and I’m definitely stashing the non-toxic surface sanitizer in my Toddler Restaurant Essentials Kit.
You can learn more about any product sent to you in your own bundle, or order other healthy family and baby products by visiting the parent site to 21bundles, www.healthiest.io. From here on out, I’m definitely saving myself the trouble of researching on my own and using this site as a resource.
What do you think of this concept? Pretty awesome, right? Would you try something like this out for your own babe or as a gift? Right now, you can get 20% off your first bundle using code TAYLORMADEMAMA at check out!
Hope you love your experience with 21 Bundles it as much as we did!
Thanks to 21 Bundles for sponsoring today’s post. Please know that I only recommend products and resources I truly believe in.
Other Taylor-made Mama posts you may be interested in:
over the years, and the 
Shop Cups With Straws:
 
high chair like this one
6. 
