we’ve all been there: stuck in traffic that is absolutely stopped. minutes drag on, and although it was just a quick trip to the post office you are now not able to move an inch and the baby is hungry. are you prepared? how about a visit to the playground where your three year old falls and scrapes her knee. do you have bandages or antiseptic wipes? maybe the family is out to the beach for the day but the bathrooms are out of tp. what do you do?
i have been in many a circumstance when my go-to bag saved me. i am going on my fourth year with one, and as each year brings new changes to the family, the go-to bag evolves. in fact, this year it has evolved right out of a bag and into the little compartment the back of our suv has. so now, should i call it a go-to compartment? : ) whatever the case, i believe being prepared is the best way to stay sane and not lose your cool when put into a situation simply out of your control. customize it to fit your family, and remember as you use something, be sure to replace it for a future time of need.
what’s in my go-to bag?
first aid kit the small kit we have holds the usual bandages, tweezers, tape, gloves, burn ointment, imodium, tylenol, a cold pack, first aid guide and many more little items we might need. however, i went ahead and added to it, so that it really fit our family and the things we use most often.
- papaya enzyme (great for upset tummies)
- nail clippers
- cough drops
- kids tums
- teething tablets
- activated charcoal (also great for tummy troubles)
- motrin
- eye drops
- sunblock
- desitin
toiletries you just never know when you might need one of the following, and you will sure be glad you have it!
- charmin makes a mini pack of toilet seat covers to-go. fabulous!
- charmin also has mini rolls of tp, fabulous x2!
- feminine products
food & drink we have definitely been happy to reach into our go-to bag for a snack on a long drive or grab a bottled water after a tiring trip to the park.
- juice boxes for the kids
- snacks that won’t melt or go bad
- crystal light mix-ins for water
- a set of silverware for the kids
- water, water, water!
for the kids this section is for our 4 year old and the baby.
- diapers & wipes
- a few jars of baby food
- bottle & sippy cup
- formula
- nose aspirator
- binky
- a few small toys or books for unexpected long rides
- extra clothes
everything else this of course is for any other items you can think of. in an urgent situation, what do you think you’d most need?
- pen and paper
- batteries
- flashlight
- quarters (maybe even some $1s)
- gloves
- extra socks for all
- blanket(s)
- hand creme
- hairspray
- mini sewing kit
- carmex
- ear plugs
- tire pressure gage
- flare
now, it may seem like a lot of items, but everything i listed is in my little compartment in the back of our trailblazer. you can get really creative with arranging your items. trust me, you’ll be so glad you have them!
do you have something like this? any suggestions on items that should be in a go-to bag?
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Very inspiring!! Before our trip to seattle I put updated extra outfits and some non-perishable snacks in the car in a general bag, but I really need to add more of these things! Thanks for the great ideas! :)
glad you enjoyed this kristi! sounds like you have started your own go to bag, wtg! :)