My Ultimate Toddler Tote
Let me just say this, I have literally only ONE toddler let and I am starting to freak out! I can;t imagine what it will be like with 4 kids that are no longer considered little kids but big kids! Some one help me out here lol.
But seriously, as they have gotten older, I started to realize how much "less chaotic" my life was whenever I would step out of the house or go on trips. I would have my whole life and another human beings life packed to capacity in a diaper bag! Let me tell you moms out there this, I have envied you for a looonnngg time! I mean you literally have one bag that has EVERYTHING you need! Hand cleaners, emergency items, clothes, food and whatever else you could fit in it. I know I would pack basically a drawer, half a sleeve from the diaper box, a whole can of Gerber puffs and I would feel like I could conquer the world!
But now that I have a toddler, a little man and two on the verge of of becoming pre- teens, I can't be that mom that still carries a diaper bag! I just could't do it to them...
So, I have decided instead of carrying a diaper bag, or making them lug around extra bags (they keep school work in their backpacks) I would carry things that were necessary for the kids and my sanity. My new prized possession.... MY TODDLER TOTE!!
Okay so it isn't a legit "tote" but I can carry all that I need to keep the kids clean, entertained, fed and a quick change of clothes because well yea.... kids. Check out all that goes inside.. for now!
So of course I had to get something fashionable that my older girls would love and something that was comfortable and big enough to tote stuff around all day for 4 kids. I found this super cute bag from Walmart for less than $20.
In the center pocket (biggest) we have snacks and goodies. My kids love gum and as long as they are listening and being well behaved, I let them chew on some of their favorites. I also have several packs of fruit snacks, granola bars and will switch out between animal crackers or snack crackers.
Inside, each kid has a change of clothes and if need be, an extra pair of shoes. Most of the time they don't need to bring any shoes unless they want to bring sandals along.
Since I started carrying my "toddler tote" I seem to be more on top of things lol. The kids have what they want, I have what I need and there is peace once again in the kingdom!
Do you still use a diaper bag? What all do you need to make it through the day? Let me know in the comments below!!
Also, how cute is my water bottle?! My Aunt helped my kiddos make it for one of my Mother's Day gifts! It reads " I'm not like a regular mom, I'm a cool mom" with eyes winking lol. I love it! It is a quote from one of my all time favorite movies.. Mean Girls! lol
34 comments
I have a 2-year-old and 3-year-old and recently switched to a smaller bag. I hated lugging around a huge diaper bag! Love your tote.
ReplyDeleteoh man! Yea a 2 and 3 year old need a lot lol. How are you doing with a smaller bag now? Thank you so much!
DeleteThat bag is so cute. Its crazy the cute finds you can get at Walmart sometimes. Love all the things you pack in it as well. My kids always need a bandaid lol
ReplyDeleteThank you Fawn! I know it's crazy! I think they are starting to change their direction of items they sell (which is good). My kids always need them too!
DeleteWe have never been a fan of the huge diaper bags. We started using my hubbys backpack diaper bag and never went back. But I am looking forward to when we can reduce the amount of stuff we have to take every time we leave the house
ReplyDeleteEver since I started using this bag, I take it even if I don't have the kiddos with me lol! It's so easy to keep my belongings together that way!
DeleteOh I am looking forward to the days when I don't need to carry so much around, haha! Our baby bag always feels so full and heavy! Most of the time I stuff it on the stroller but I'll definitely be downsizing when I don't need the stroller any more - not long until that happens now! (I have 2 boys under 3).
ReplyDeleteHope you have a great weekend ahead of you! :)
Away From The Blue Blog
I always felt so overwhelmed with a diaper bag!I would always squeeze it into the bottom of the stroller too! lol Thank you for commenting! Have a great weekend!
DeleteI love the print of that bag and that it has so many pockets! You can literally put in so many things!
ReplyDeleteIt is so pretty! I keep so much stuff in there is it crazy lol
DeleteIt's tough to forget things when you have a toddler! I think this bag is awesome because it fits everything that you need! It's never a good idea to leave snacks behind when you're out with a toddler!
ReplyDeleteSnacks are a must have in our house! Even for the older kiddos too!
DeleteIt's amazing how you put so many things in one (very good-looking!) bag! Would definitely take note of your techniques!
ReplyDeleteLol... thank you!
DeleteThis tote is so beautiful. Print is very trendy and cute and I love how everything fits in it!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I was so excited when I spotted it!
DeleteI've made the switch to a backpack too! The thing is I also have him carrying a little backpack. :) Crazy to think how time passes.
ReplyDeleteThey are great right?! My youngest uses a "purse" lol
DeleteLove your Tote! I did this for a bit before my newest one came (2 months old). I had this really cute purse that was wider so it held everything a toddler may say they need Ha Ha! She is turning 3 and acts like a teenager.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I remember carrying those huge bags all the time! I would have EVERYTHING!
DeleteI love the print having a toddler bag seems important at 3 they require a lot during the day and snacks are a must have lol
ReplyDeleteThank you! It was so eye catching!
Deleteahahahahaha! Loved your water bottle! it's such a cool quote ( get the pun? hehehe)
ReplyDeletebut seriously, I think all the must haves were included in your bag and the bag itself looks real cool - the colour is so cute!
Thank you! It was a Mother's Day gift from my kiddos!
DeleteCan I just say, you are so much more organized then I am. I usually just throw some things in my diaper bag and make it work. But this seems so much more practical and would have me so much more prepared!
ReplyDeleteOh no... I am not always organized lol. This bag helps keep me sane when it comes to things the kids need!
DeleteLOVE that tote! I don't have kids but I LOVE bags with loads of storage and pockets.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I was actually surprised how much I could cram in there!
DeleteLove your trendy tote and stuff that goes in it! If you're gonna have to carry #allthethings then it might as well be a cute bag, right?? Seriously though, by my 3rd kid, I just carried a few diapers in my purse and called it a day ;) LOL
ReplyDeleteExactly! Mom still has to look decent right?! lol
DeleteHaha, it's cute how you are 'freaking out' yet totally organized. Well when you have 4, it's like taking the same grade exams 4 times in a row. There will be slight differences, but it will be more or less the same!
ReplyDeletelol I always feel like am missing something! I do try to stay organized but hey... sometimes I'm lucky just to go with the flow lol
DeleteWe do a backpack too :) You have to be prepared for anything with these little guys. I liked a lot of your suggestions. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteOh awesome! Yes! being prepared is essential when raising little humans!
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