Thanks to Similac for sponsoring today’s helpful checklist! This is the last in a series as a part of the Sisterhood of Motherhood.
Minor Mom (or Dad!) mishaps: they happen to everyone. I remember reading every book on the shelf, trying to stay prepared for every situation I might encounter with a baby, and even later, a toddler. I read. I asked. I observed. But life is unpredictable, no matter what. Have you ever put your keys in the fridge? What about leaving that all-important form at home? I know I’m guilty of leaving the entire diaper bag at home and then having Red spit up everywhere? Or how about the time we were out errand-ing and I completely forgot about his well-child visit? That took a while to reschedule! There are ways to stay prepared with a new bundle of joy, you just need to flex your prep/routine a little bit!
We all know that mishaps are bound to happen, whether we like it or not. Sometimes, they snowball and turn our decent day into a really crummy one. But thinking ahead is the best advice I can give you on how to stay prepared with a baby! It sounds awful, but be a little pessimistic. Think about what could go wrong and prepare for that…
- Bring ALL OF THE THINGS. But Lindsey, doesn’t that mean a heaping bag of crap to lug around everywhere? Well, yes, but if you make everything travel sized, are smart about what you need, and constantly clean out your bag, it’s not that bad.
- Pack some of ALL OF THE THINGS in your Car. This is a lifesaving tip. Have a little tote in each of your cars, and stock it with properly sized diapers, travel wipes and a spare outfit. You can even stash non-perishable snacks, a first aid kit, hand wipes and store your water bottle every day here. Voila! I just cut your bag size in half.
- Learn your Child’s Triggers. Does your baby tend to spit up excessively? Pack an extra outfit for her, AND a few shirts for you in your car bag. Is your toddler struggling to potty train? Don’t chance leaving the house without a travel potty, grocery sack liners and extra underpants.
- Use Online Delivery Services like Amazon stock & save, etc. for delivery of goods on a schedule (We’re using a diaper service like this for Baby Girl). If you know how overwhelmed you are, don’t leave it to chance that you’re going to run out of detergent, diapers, shampoo, etc. Keep a digital grocery list in your phone (Google Drive is AWESOME for this) and check it instantly when you need to add or delete an item.
- Give yourself a moment to recoup. No one can be “on” all the time. If you don’t give yourself a moment to recharge, gather your thoughts or collect yourself, you won’t be at your best (or even your moderate self). This really reduces the chances of being on autopilot and driving to the wrong destination, forgetting an appointment or even to text your mom back! Give yourself some brownie points for all that you’re doing.
What are your best tips for staying prepared with a baby or a toddler? Are they travel based tips, or do you like to stay home and ready? Let me know by leaving a comment, & thank you!
I am incredibly proud to be a Partner of the Sisterhood of Motherhood with Similac, and they generously sponsored my discussion starter. The Sisterhood of Motherhood believes it’s time to embrace parents who choose to embrace parenthood, because no two of us are the same, and we’re all in this together. We need to nourish each other the same way we nourish our kids. The Sisterhood (all of us!) is there to help you get through the first few days and months of motherhood with confidence — and zero judgment. And I firmly believe that’s way it should be.
If I could do it all over again (no, baby Jesus we don’t want another child) – I would definitely take advantage of Amazon prime and food delivery services.
With just one active boy in the Kroger shopping cart, I almost lose it. I couldn’t imagine juggling two littles.
oh yeah. I took Red to Costco and groceries yesterday, and I think babywearing Little Girl is the ONLY way to go. Red is still wiggly at 4!
Also remember, this too shall pass when you are in a rough moment!
Yes! Deep breaths are my friend.
Yes! I always had a checklist of things to bring with me when we went out.
My baby brain is going to demand that… I’ll post it by the garage door!
I am a Grandparent. I can tell you, I can use all the ideas I can get about little ones. I need to be prepared when they come visit.
These are great tips. Packing a little bit of everything is my favorite. The more eventualities you can cover, the better.
Some great tips! We had twins and I jumped into parenting with both feet and did not take any help but looking back wish we would have amazon prime to get some of the basics!
These are some great tips! With our next, I definitely plan on taking advantage of Amazon prime more to get diapers and other essentials.
These are fantastic tips! I am going to send this post to my friend who is pregnant with her first child. I am sure she will find this helpful when baby comes.
These are great tips. I always kept a change of clothes, diapers and wipes in each car. That way if I left and forgot to restock the diaper bag I was covered.
Great tips! After 4 and 5 I had it down finally but before that? Lists, reminders and my husband is how I got through!
I sure wish online ordering was around when my kids were little. I would have been stocked up at all times!
These are all wonderful tips and I certainly have stories I could share about times when I was not always prepared. My youngest is now seven and I still keep spare necessities in our car!
My kids aren’t babies or toddlers any more, but I’m still learning what their triggers are. They change so often!
Very good tips. Checklist is always great to have
Great tips especially the one where you utilize online delivery services. That makes life a little bit easier especially with little ones. Thanks for sharing.
It took me a while to get there, but I have to be realistic with my expectations. I’d plan this lovely outings with my family and be so disappointed when everything didn’t turn out like my daydream.
Good info – my babies are all grown. Sharing with a friend that has a newborn.
This is a great site . Red Head Baby Mama is absolutely great for moms , Moms-to-be, and care takers and grandparents.
Being prepared when you have a baby is major. I remember having the kitchen sink and nursery in my bag everywhere I went.
Great ideas! I for sure need a little tote in the car. That’s super helpful.
These are great tips and honestly? I still plan ahead and bring lots with my 6 and 8 year old boys because they get bored easily and I often need to ensure they have enough to entertain them when we go to places such as a restaurant for dinner, long road trip to Maine or to Rye NH for the Atlantic Ocean trip we do every Summer. Always be prepared!
That’s the girl scout motto!
Great Tips love! I know you are well versed in this subject and this will definitely help you when baby #2 arrives!
I sure could have used online delivery service when my son was a baby/toddler… would have made things much easier/nicer.
Prepared with a baby, is that an oxymoron? Lol, just kidding! With these tips, you will definitely stay prepared!
Ordering diapers, wipes and formula is super smart. I should have done that.. LOL
Online delivery services are definitely a plus. I didn’t use those when my daughter was little but totally would have.