I never used to be a “purse girl.” But since having my own little girl, I’ve found it not only wise, but downright necessary, to carry so many toddler items in my purse that it rivals a doomsday prepper’s bunker. So, if you’re looking for inspiration on how to survive with a little girl outside of the house, take a peek at What’s In My Purse: #Girlmom Edition.
I used to carry that cute leather purse that Joanna Gaines always showcases in her homes but, not surprisingly, it’s no longer practical. First of all, leather? Last time I checked, it doesn’t stand up well to getting water, milk, or juice spilled on it and definitely doesn’t appreciate the fingerprints of peanut butter. Secondly, it has a serious lack of storage. While I still yank it off the coat rack on the rare day I get to venture out by myself, these days, I’m carting a much bigger load. Enter my very large, very washable, cloth, floral-printed purse.
I love that this bag is so functional! When that bag gets grimy, I just throw it in the wash and pull out a brand-new purse. Take that, peanut butter fingers. And the storage. Oh, the storage! You know a mom must have made it because not only is it large, but comes with side pockets for bottles, inside pockets for smaller items, and a large zipper to keep it all safe and snug. Brilliant!
Diapers
An obvious diaper bag/purse necessity! We are Pampers (and occasional Huggies) fans. We try to cloth diaper as much as possible when we are home, but we use disposables overnight and when on-the-go. We haven’t potty trained yet so I make sure to have a stack full of diapers. I’m guessing once we have to start lugging a mini toilet around with us I’ll have more room in my purse but less room in our trunk.
Wipes
We prefer Honest and Water Wipes in our house and in my bag. These are not only used to wipe tiny tushies but also sticky hands, messy faces and even to wipe down my car from time to time.
Extra Change of Clothes
Toddler girls are unpredictable and chances are good they will spill something on their pretty clothes that day. I also like to bring an extra set just so we don’t have to walk around Costco with tomato sauce all over us.
Baby Doll
Now we’re getting into some of the special items that will be unique for each child. My daughter’s baby doll is her constant companion on all trips, even walks around the neighborhood.
Stuffed Animal
If we’re going on a long car trip I add her two bunny stuffed animals. And if I forget one, we will hear “Bunny! Bunny! Bunny!” many more times than we can take.
Activity Toy
I also like to bring a toy that my daughter can interact with. Whether we’re waiting at the doctor’s office, or stuck in a car, it can help her calm down by getting to play or do something. I love those magnetic drawing boards right now.
Hairbrush + Hair Ties
Whether I need a quick touch-up, or I need to fix my toddler’s snarled hair from the car seat, I love bringing a small brush in my girl mom purse to make sure we both look a little less disheveled than usual. In a pinch, it can also be used as a toy!
Wallet
Probably aren’t getting too far without this one. Unfortunately, Starbucks won’t accept a smile as payment for my favorite macchiato. 😉
Minimal Make-Up for Mommy
I don’t wear much makeup these days, but if I’m out in public I do like to wipe a little color on my cheeks and lips. I love makeup that I can use for both.
Hand Sanitizer and Lotion
It’s cold and flu season. Need I say more? Keep your hands and your toddler’s hands clean and pack some lotion to help keep them hydrated from all of that washing and sanitizing.
Snacks
I’m not going to lie, there may be more snacks in my mom purse than diapers! Goldfish crackers. Pretzels. Yogurt bites. Fruit snacks. Anything I might need to pull out in a moment’s notice to appease a hungry and cranky toddler.
Water
I like to bring a good amount of water for both my daughter and myself whenever we leave the house. Thirst is not something I want to mess around with when we’re out and about!
Tissue
My allergies are always on overload. Plus, my toddler’s nose drips non-stop. Aren’t we all chasing our kids around with running noses?
Chewbeads Necklace
We LOVE our Chewbeads necklaces! Not just for teething — although they are excellent for that — but my girls also love playing with them. I’d rather distract them with a necklace over an iPhone any day.
Adult Snacks
To prevent any drop in blood sugar while out, I like to bring myself a protein-packed snack on trips to make sure at least one of us is not hangry. Nut and fruit bars are my favorite go-to snack.
Gum
Gum is something I’ve packed in my purse before having kids but is equally as important in my book. It’s my little pick me up if I’ve been out a while and haven’t been able to brush my teeth.
Phew! That’s it for What’s In My Purse – #Girlmom Edition! Now that I’ve dumped the contents of my girl mom purse out I’d love to know what you carry in yours! What #girlmom essentials do you carry in your mom bag?
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