What’s In My Bag? [Mom Edition]

I admit it, I’m an over-packer. I’ve been one for as long as I remember. The thing is that I like being prepared for whatever may come but carrying all those things quickly added up eventually making my bag so heavy that I started having back and shoulder pain. So a couple of years ago, I decided that enough is enough and downsized my tote bag to a crossbody bag which helped me recognize what was actually essential and which items I was carrying for those “what if” moments.

For the past year, I’ve switched back to a tote bag mainly because I like the option of carrying my son’s diapers and other essentials in my purse so I don’t have to lug around the heavy diaper bag every time we go out. That being said, I thought I’d share with you what I carry in my mom bag, so let’s begin.

First off, I recently got a new bag and I am absolutely loving it! It’s the Kate + Alex Cuffaro Nylon Tote from DSW* and it’s style is very similar to the Longchamp Le Pliage bag. What I love about it is the nylon material since it is incredibly lightweight so it doesn’t feel too heavy with all my stuff inside. I purchased the bag in the color “light mauve” and it is a beautiful shade of pink that I can see myself using for a long time.

*It seems like this bag is no longer available at DSW, I’ve linked some similar looking ones from Amazon here:
1. TCHH-DayUp Women Waterproof Zipper Tote Bag
2. Women’s Stylish Waterproof Tote Bag
3. Sunny Snowy Laptop Tote Bag

Wallet
The next item I include in my bag is my wallet. I’ve used all sorts of wallets in the past, but I’m currently using my Michael Kor’s Wristlet as a wallet and am loving the size and how convenient it is to carry especially if I have to make a quick run to the grocery store and don’t want to lug around my entire purse. It has six card slots and one pocket that I use to hold my change. The main pocket is large enough to fit my phone as well as some tissues, a lipstick and a small tin of Altoids.

Diaper Pouch
I keep a medium-sized pouch that holds Shahzaib’s diaper essentials. This pouch contains a couple of diapers, baby wipes, diaper trash bags, diaper cream and a cap for Shahzaib in case it gets cold. Storing these items in the pouch makes it really convenient when I have to change Shahzaib’s diaper on the go because everything I need is in one place.

Antibacterial Wipes/Cleaning Wipes
Along with the diaper wipes that I keep in my diaper pouch, I also carry a packet of antibacterial wipes to use to clean a shopping cart or wiping a table at a restaurant. I also keep a packet of face and hand wipes to clean Shahzaib’s hands or wiping his face after he eats.

Spare Pacifier
The spare pacifier is a must-have for us and although we try to limit the amount of time Shahzaib uses this pacifier, there are certain occasions when he’s constantly putting his fingers in his mouth to soothe the pain from teething and at these moments we prefer he takes the pacifier instead of his fingers which may or may not be clean. So if for some reason we forget to take his pacifier before leaving the house or the one he was using got dirty, I like knowing I have a back up one in my bag.

Jacket/Cap/Bib
The weather has been so unpredictable lately, the mornings may start off cold but by the time it’s the afternoon the weather may be nice and warm. Since it can be hard to predict how the weather will change throughout the day, I like keeping a light jacket and sun cap for Shahzaib. I also keep a spare bib just in case we need it since Shahzaib is teething and gets a bit drolly.

Essentials Pouch
In my essentials pouch, I keep some bandages, facial tissues, glass cleaning wipes for my glasses, lactose pills for my husband, $20 in case I need it as an emergency, a portable phone charger, ibuprofen, some mints, and a sanitary pad.

Sunglasses/Prescription Glasses
I keep a pair of sunglasses in my bag in addition to my prescription glasses and a spare contact lens case. I have the spare contact case in case my lenses start to bug me and I need to remove them while I’m out.

Makeup Pouch
I keep some basic makeup with me so I can refresh during the day if necessary. My pouch contains my Rimmel Eyeliner in Blackest Black, my all-time favorite mascara from Tarte, several different shades of lipsticks and liquid velvet lipsticks. I keep a compact mirror and some lotion in this pouch as well. I also have a small stick of Baby Bum sunscreen for the times Shahzaib and I go to the park. I really love this sunscreen since it comes in a deodorant like container which makes it easy to apply.

Snack Pouch
I like keeping a pouch with a couple of different snacks for Shahzaib for when we are out of the house and he gets hungry. I purposely use a green-colored pouch to keep these items in since it is his favorite color and will keep him busy when he starts to get fussy.

Headphone Case
I got this cute pink headphone case from DSW that I use to keep my headphones in to prevent them from getting tangled and lost in my bag.

Spare Battery Pack
I keep another spare portable phone charger in case both my husband and I need to use it.

Pouch with Loyalty Cards and Gift Cards
I like getting a good deal which is why I end up signing up for loyalty cards with almost every store I go to. So to keep the cards from getting lost, I store them in a pouch along with any gift cards I may have.

Reusable Shopping Bag
So in California, you need to carry a reusable shopping bag with you otherwise you’ll end up paying $0.10 per bag, and yes, I know that doesn’t seem like a lot of money but it adds up and then the bags accumulate at home and I end up having to use them as trash bags. So to be environmentally friendly, I simply prefer taking my own bag. I purchased the BAGGU Large Reusable Shopping Bag from Amazon and love how large it is and the amount of groceries it can hold. You just have to be careful to not load it with too much groceries otherwise it will get really heavy.

Hopefully, I haven’t overwhelmed you with all the items I carry in my bag. Do note that I slightly modify what I keep from season to season as well as what Shahzaib needs based on his age range but the three items that always remain are the essentials pouch, my makeup bag, and wallet.

I wanted to thank you all for taking the time to read this long post and please let me know what essentials you carry in your bag, I’d love to hear below. 🙂

Sincerely,
Sana