The other day while I was out with Oak, he started scratching a mosquito bite that he already scratched raw. The scene was pretty gross, and as I dug in my bag to find some sort of pain relief for him, I realized that I completely forgot everything! It was a switch the purse day, as well as a only diapers and a snack day. No diaper bag. I wasn’t prepared, and there I went running to the closest Duane Reade for rescues. From now on, no matter if I plan to be with kids or not, there are a select few necessities I will never leave our home without.
Here they are in no particular order:
Kleenex Tissues– somehow someone always has a runny nose at the most inconvenient time.
Neosporin to go– Now we have not one, but two, and I’ve officially learned my lesson. They will always come in handy.
A Protein Bar– I always end up hungry, somehow some way.
Mints or Gum– Because having that coffee at a meeting always means coffee breath.
A Bottle of Water- I recently had a conversation with friends about this. Doesn’t it feel awful when your child wants water, and you don’t have it on you? River always wants water on the train or somewhere impossible, so I now come prepared. But this rule applies to me as an adult as well. I am always thirsty. A bottle of water is necessary.
Chapstick – This one gives the most shine and does the best work. And/or your favorite lipstick. I’m loving a touch of Rebel from Mac.
Cash- The amount of ATM charges one gets on an outing is astronomical when not properly prepared. Lets not even get into the amount of restaurants and cafes that now only except cash. Always carry a bit of cash.
What would you never leave home without? I would love to hear!
P.S What’s in our stroller basket
(photo via Mother Mag via Maria Del Rio)
Hand sanitizer!
Yes!! I ALWAYS forget that one!
Hello !
I have just arrived in Brooklyn with my husband and toddler son.
I used to read your blog while I was so far from you and now we are nearly neighbours!
I always carry in my stroller basket a light swaddle to cover my son when we enter a freezing supermarket or subway train.
I love your blog.
Rozanne from Paris
At first I thought I didn't really have a -never-leave-home-without- list, but boy was I wrong. I have plenty of things I never leave the house without.
I too always have a chapstick and my camelbak water bottle. Can't stand paying for water, so I try to keep my bottle with me at all times. Burt's Bees is currently my go-to chappie.
I almost always bring something I'm either knitting or crocheting. I'm not good at standing in lines or sitting on the metro patiently, so yarnwork brings me some peace of mind.
I always bring a reusable bag with me. I have an etsy shop where I sell some (binderycollection). It's funny too because I'm usually crocheting a bag and carrying it all in another crochet bag.
I keep my iPod (old school) on me too – I love audiobooks and they are perfect for my long-ass commute. Currently reading, The Cuckoo's Calling.
Love your work. Thank you for doing this blog!
A small case with a few band-aids in it, hand sanitizer – or hanitizer, as my kids once called it – and pen and a small notepad, just in case I need to jot something important down.
Hey Colleen!
I thought I didn't have one too, until I was like, man, I NEED a list.
Thanks so much for commenting, I love reading your thoughts.
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Hi Carolina!
River calls it "hand soap." haha I love having a pen and paper on me as well. I use a red moleskin.
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