Let’s face it, Moms are BUSY. Between school events, homework, after school activities, play dates, and more Moms are always on the go. I’ve been in the parenting world for several years now and there are a few things I’ve learned that I need to ALWAYS have with me. Most of these things I keep in my purse, but keeping them in my car is important too. (The Daily Momtivity Moms shared what they keep in their purses last year. Come read that post here!)
5 Things a Mom Should Have with Her At All Times
1. Cash: I’m not talking 100’s of dollars, but it’s important to always have a little cash with you. You never know when you might need $1 for something and it’s a cash-only place (like a snow cone stand or kids’ sports event). I always try to keep $5 with me for this reason.
2. Snacks: If your kids are like mine they are CONSTANTLY hungry (especially my daughter)! I try to keep some snack mix or pre-packaged snack ready to go for them. The snack might end up being your saving grace for whiny/starving kids! My no bake PB balls make great snacks on the go!
3. Wipes/Sanitizer: I am constantly wiping little hands and faces and wipes are perfect for this reason. Especially after they’ve been eating those delicious snacks in the car, fingers will need wiping. I’m sorta germ freak too and I can’t stand dirty hands. I wash my kid’s hands immediately after school and after any playground. Just last week we went to watch my husband’s basketball team play and I was so thankful for wipes. My 2-year-old was all over the bleachers and it’s just gross!
4. Toy/Book: It’s a great idea to keep a little toy or book in your purse or car. You never know when you might be stuck in traffic or you need something to distract your kid with while you run errands. A little $1 toy works great and books from happy meals work well too. Lightweight and fun.
5. Gum/Mints/Non-choking candy: This is mainly for older kids but I can’t tell you how many times we’ve been running around and my daughter starts to feel a tummy-ache. Gum is great for her. I’ve also used the candy as a bribe for my little one when I needed him in the car or needed to distract him! Smarties and dum-dum’s work well for this.
[bctt tweet=”Moms need to be prepared for anything and everything. Here are the 5 things I NEVER leave home w/o!” username=”dailymomtivity”]
Let’s hear from the other Mommies out there, what are your must-haves for your purse/bag?
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Tina says
These are great ideas for things to have on hand at all times. My thing was band-aids and hair ties when mine were little.
Angela @ Blooming On A Budget says
My kiddoes are older and so we can’t seem to go anywhere anymore without having to pack a spare cell phone charger. I am trying to limit their cell phone time, but it’s a battle and I am outnumbered. I definitely second your need to carry small bills. So many unexpected little expenses seem to pop up when you have kids.
Shannon says
Oh I’m so not ready for kids having cell phones!!! AHHHH!!
Jessica (The Failed Dieter) says
Not just for moms…it’s great to always be prepared! 🙂 My top 5 are 1) Nuts 2) Lady Supplies 3) Chap Stick 4) Sunscreen and 5) Tissue!
Shannon says
Yes! Not just for Moms!! I need to keep nuts for a Mommy snack 🙂
Kandice Kelso says
Great advice! The snacks… the snacks are soooo TRUE… my kids are the worst in the car seats…and my husband just doesn’t get it… he’ll repack the car and not give me anything that is bite sized and travel safe then put the bag way out of my reach….
I also always have their darn water cups on me wherever I go… my kids were apparently fish in previous lives….
Shannon says
Yes! Snacks are very important 🙂
Angela says
Yes, yes, yes! I always have these things on hand…usually x3!
Inez says
We’ve got a few years for the gum/mints but everything else is a must for us, too! I love that you include cash. Most people don’t carry cash anymore but you never know when you’ll need it. Pinning this!
Aileen says
I always keep a tube of roll-on sunscreen in my purse. It’s perfect for a once over on my fair-skinned red headed daughter’s face.
Shannon says
Sunscreen is very important too! I usually have that in my car!
Kristen says
Toys and snacks! You never know where you’re going to be or for how long. This list is so helpful!
Shannon says
Whatever keeps the kids happy 🙂
rebecca says
I would add quarters to that list. You’d surprise how a promise of “you can play the crane game if you are good” can make grocery shopping a more pleasant experience! I another “must have” is Tylenol. For the kids, and for mom!
Shannon says
So true! I’m so bad at those crane games 🙂 Tylenol!! Yes!!
Jennifer says
Love this list! Even after my kids are potty trained I think I’ll still carry wipes with me. I use them so much!
Shannon says
Wipes are a MUST have!!
Crystal says
Love this! So similar to what I carry with me too. I always keep a notebook too. Helps with not forgetting things and gives my daughter something quiet to do.
Shannon says
Great idea! Yes, a little notebook is nice to have on hand 🙂
Ros Emely@stressfreemommies says
Great list of items to have at all times! I always had snacks, drinks and cash with me everywhere I went, among other things of course! Thanks!
Nicole @ The Professional Mom Project says
Great list – I also try to remember water for my son. He’s always thirsty and lets me know when there’s no where for us to actually get a bottle of water! Found your post at #SmallVictoriesSunday
Faye says
Wipes/sanitizer and cash – yes! I ALWAYS need wipes and hand sanitizer… and there have definitely been times when I’ve wanted to purchase something during a walk yet I’ve left the cash at home.
Misty says
These are great! Yes especially, on cash and snacks!!
Mother of 3 says
I have three active boys so I find a tiny travel container of band-aids is a must!
Shannon says
Yes!! Band-aids for sure!!
Leigh Powell Hines says
These are really great tips.
Shannon says
Thanks! I like to be prepared!