What I pack for a day trip with a baby and toddler

Sausalito, CA

This summer we’ve been exploring local sites. From the aquarium, the zoo and across the next state to the beach. Along the way, I’ve been keeping a list of things to pack for a variety of adventures with the kids and most of the items overlap. We usually pack our lunches to save money and ensure we’re eating what we like and something nutritious that will give us energy. The more adventures we go on, the more prepared I feel.

Diaper bag:

• diapers

• wipes

• change of clothes for both Bo and Bee

• restaurant kit (this is awesome to have!)

• sunglasses for both kids

• sun hat for Bee and baseball cap for Bo

• Bug spray

• sunscreen

• antibacterial wipes and spray

• tabletop wipes

• muslin swaddle blanket

• 2 burp cloths

• Zyrtec

• entertainment: wiki sticks, suction toys, Spiderman coloring set, etc.

Extra bag:

• bathing suits

• towels

• sunscreen bag

• pool toys

• swim diapers & regular diapers

• water & snacks

Favorite snacks:

• meat sticks

• applesauce pouches

• goldfish

• animal crackers or teddy grahams

• grapes

• pirates booty

• we will usually bring peanut butter/sunbutter and jelly sandwiches or cold cut sandwiches.

Extra items:

• baby carrier

• double stroller with ride on board (for the almost 4 year old who will catch a ride whenever he can)

We’ve been taking both kids to restaurants and they love it, especially Bo. His favorite is sitting outside to watch cars and people go by. When I have the time, I usually pack him food to eat while we’re there since he’s not into kids meals unless it’s grilled cheese. Usually it’s a sunbutter and jelly sandwich, some fruit, and a vegetable. Often times, he’ll just eat off of mine and Jesse’s plate so having some food from home to fill in has been helpful. For entertainment, we typically just engage Bo in conversation but also bring some cars, coloring set and wiki sticks. One tip we’ve learned is as soon as we sit down, we order his meal and drink. He’s a grazer by nature so even though his food arrives first, he’s often the last one to finish. I have noticed that once we hit the 45 minute mark though, he tends to start trouble.

As for Bee, my adorable velcro baby, she’s much more comfortable sitting in the stroller than a high chair at this age. While she certainly can sit in a high chair, it gives her too much freedom. I think she feels more secure in the stroller and as long as she has a toy or something to nibble on, she’s been pretty good. Whoever finishes their meal first will often hold her to give her a change. The more she’s out and about the better she seems to be.

It seems like the trick to dining out with babies and toddlers is to have snacks and toys to keep them occupied. I should also mention that aside from cars, the diaper bag toys/coloring set are only for when we’re out of the house, that way, the newness doesn’t wear off. There have also been plenty of times where we’ve order to go boxes with our meals and the check. Sometimes it’s just not worth the tears.

What are some of your day trip must-have items for kids?