Summer heat is no joke and nothing to handle unprepared. Though it’s not so easily avoidable, especially when you have children.
Here are some tips to keep the hassle at bay by preparing for the unexpected!
First things first, the diaper bag.
Mastering your diaper bag is the holy grail of any outing. It’s all about you and your baby’s needs. If you don’t have a bag, my suggestion is to find one that can fit your necessities and a little more. Make sure you have the basics: diapers, wipes, pacifiers, etc. (This will include the specifics of your child’s daily routine.)
Always keep a change of clothes or two in the diaper bag or car for yourself and your baby. Accidents happen to everyone and it’s no one’s fault. For the longest I just brought clothes for my baby, but, more times than not, if he had an accident of some sort – I was target practice! To make it easier on myself I always fold a few spare grocery bags within the baby outfits to conceal any soiled items.
In addition to the Walmart bags, I also keep a few large Ziplock bags handy. Ziplock bags are great for dirty on-the-go bottles, empty snack containers, ultra messy clothes and dirty diapers.
I also keep a small trash can in my car for the dirty diapers. It’s a small, bathroom-sized trashcan with a scented bag to contain any odor for the trip home or whatever the day has in store for us.
When it comes to the blowouts, a portable changing pad is a lifesaver. Not every bathroom will have a changing station, let alone a clean one. I cannot recommend the purchase of a changing pad enough! Get one with all of the bells and whistles.
Changing pads that fold and conveniently hold diapers and wipes are a must. Some even have extra padding and a pillow so your little one isn’t feeling the surface they are momentarily placed on. How innovative!
Having a spare towel in your vehicle for changes, along with the wipes and diapers in your bag, works just as well, but may not be the most enjoyable during the heat. Though it is an option, nonetheless.
Include a wireless charging bank with an extra charger in your bag, too. Even if you keep a charger inside your car at all times, it’s best to have one in your bag as well in case one stops working. Then if your car’s charging port stops, you have the wireless charger to use.
And of course, my favorite – portable fans. You can have fans that plug into your charging bank or go the battery-powered route. If you go with the latter, pack extra batteries in the event of an emergency.
Fans are also made that clip to headrest bars. This can benefit children who are rear or front facing, as well as any adult passengers.
Don’t forget those boiling hot belt buckles! In extremely hot temperatures take the extra time to buckle your seatbelt or car seat buckles before leaving the car. This keeps the metal cool and can prevent unwanted burns or general discomfort. While it may seem tedious, it’s better to put the extra time into this than potentially burning yourself or your child during load-up.
In addition to burns, if your child is prone to accidents be sure to keep a first-aid kit in your vehicle. It can also be included in the diaper bag for the unexpected moments when you can’t walk back to the car.
Speaking of accidents and vehicles – be prepared for car troubles! Have the proper tools to make changing a flat quick and time efficient. Purchase a portable jump starter and anything that will keep you and your family off the road and out of danger.
In cases such as these, having a way to charge your phone to call for help, portable fans to stay cool and even having extra water in your vehicle can make all the difference. So plan for the unexpected and have a good summer!
