Full Bloom Blog

I am pretty sure that the concept behind this bin came from the fact that my oldest child is a puker. She has all kinds of triggers, but car sickness is definitely at the top of the list. After several road trips with gruesome events, I learned that I needed to be better prepared for what had really become a regular part of our travels. After I had Giselle, who, lucky me, also turned out to be a puker, and Torsten I got my stuff together and put together a bin full of items I frequently needed. Vomit aside, there have been MANY occasions where this bin has come in handy; potty accidents, surprise rain downpour, picnics: just life with small children! I don’t think I would go anywhere without it now! So here are tips and advice on what to stock in your mom-mobile bin.

1. Full change of weather appropriate clothes for each kid including socks and underpants. (Pro-tip, pick clothes that are a size too big or outfits that they would not otherwise wear so as to not “waste” an outfit sitting in the car *hopefully* a whole season)

2. Plastic bags. I keep two kinds- used grocery shopping bags and SASSY blue “scent neutralizing” little baggies.

3. Hand sanitizer.

4. Sanitizing hand wipes- because sometimes you need something a little more than hand sanitizer.

5. Clorox wipes.

6. A whole roll of paper towel. Yup. The whole roll. Whether they’re functioning as napkins or clean up crew, they are essential.

7. Tissues. For all your issues- specifically of the nasal origin.

4. Extra diapers/pull ups and baby wipes. If it’s summer, don’t forget the swim diapers!

9. Depending on the season- sunscreen, bug spray, extra mittens, extra hats.

10. Umbrella(s).

12. Snacks. Something non perishable (obviously). Think Goldfish (Costco size tub with some mini Dixie cups).

13. Blankets. Think small and light. I don’t like to use blankets that are so long that they drag on the dirty van floor or make the kids sweat. Especially, my little ones, love a good car snuggle.

11. Extra hoodie. Living in MI- it’s basically common sense to always have a hoodie on hand. This way you’re prepared for an impromptu bonfire or blizzard. Sometimes, after a long day at the beach- nothing beats a cozy hoodie.

Pro – Tip: in the summer time, keep an extra beach bag in your car at all times! Stock it with simple basics like enough towels for each family member, a swim suit for each person, and some good sunscreen. If you’re like my family, we just leave our sand toys in the car all summer so we’re always ready for a last minute trip to the lake.

All thoughts and photos belong to Kerry Graney. Opinions and advice are not of a professional standpoint and are not meant to advise or persuade in any way.