I never used to be a “purse girl.” But since having my little girl, I’ve found it not only wise but downright necessary to carry so many toddler items in my purse that it rivals a doomsday prepper’s bunker. So, if you’re looking for inspiration for how to survive with a little girl outside of the house, take a peek at what’s in my girl mom purse.
I used to carry that cute leather purse that Joanna Gaines always showcases in her homes but, not surprisingly, it’s no longer practical. First of all, leather? The last time I checked, it doesn’t stand up well to getting water, milk, or juice spilled on it and definitely doesn’t appreciate the fingerprints of peanut butter. Secondly, it has a serious lack of storage. While I still yank it off the coat rack on a rare day I get to venture out by myself, I’m carting a much bigger load these days. Enter my very large, very washable, cloth, floral-printed purse.
I love that this bag is so functional! When the bag gets grimy, I just throw it in the wash and pull out a brand-new purse. Take that, peanut butter fingers. And the storage. Oh, the storage! You know a mom must have made it because it is large and comes with side pockets for bottles, inside pockets for smaller items, and a large zipper to keep it all safe and snug. Brilliant!
Diapers
An obvious diaper bag/purse necessity! We are Pampers (and occasional Huggies) fans. We try to cloth diaper as much as possible when we are home, but we use disposables overnight and on the go. We haven’t potty trained yet, so I make sure to have a stack full of diapers. I’m guessing once we start lugging a mini toilet around, I’ll have more room in my purse but less room in our trunk.
Wipes
We prefer Honest and Water Wipes in our house and my bag. These are not only used to wipe tiny tushies but also sticky hands and messy faces and even to wipe down my car from time to time.
Extra Change of Clothes
Toddler girls are unpredictable and chances are good they will spill something on their pretty clothes that day. I also like to bring an extra set so we don’t have to walk around Costco with tomato sauce all over us.
Baby Doll
Now we’re getting into some special items that will be unique for each child. My daughter’s baby doll is her companion on all trips, even on walks around the neighborhood.
Stuffed Animal
I add her two bunny stuffed animals if we’re going on a long car trip. And if I forget one, we will hear “Bunny! Bunny! Bunny!” many more times than we can take.
Activity Toy
I also like to bring a toy my daughter can interact with (and distract herself with) while we’re out. Whether we’re waiting at the doctor’s office or stuck in a car, it can help her calm down by getting to play or do something. I love those magnetic drawing boards right now.
Hairbrush + Hair Ties
Whether I need a quick touch-up or to fix my toddler’s snarled hair from the car seat, I love bringing a small brush in my girl mom purse to make sure we both look a little less disheveled than usual. In a pinch, it can also be used as a toy!
Wallet
We probably aren’t getting too far without this one. Unfortunately, Starbucks won’t accept a smile as payment for my favorite macchiato. 😉
Minimal Makeup for Mommy
I don’t wear much makeup these days, but I like to wipe a little color on my cheeks and lips if I’m out in public. I love makeup that I can use for both.
Hand Sanitizer and Lotion
It’s cold and flu season. Need I say more? Keep your and your toddler’s hands clean, and pack some lotion to help keep them hydrated from all that washing and sanitizing.
Snacks
I’m not going to lie; there may be more snacks in my mom purse than diapers! Goldfish crackers. Pretzels. Yogurt bites. Fruit snacks. Anything I might need to pull out at a moment’s notice to appease a hungry and cranky toddler.
Water
I like to bring a good amount of water for my daughter and me whenever we leave the house. Thirst is not something I want to mess around with when we’re out and about!
Tissue
My allergies are always on overload. Plus, my toddler’s nose drips non-stop. Aren’t we all chasing our kids around with running noses?
Adult Snacks
To prevent any drop in blood sugar while out, I like to bring myself a protein-packed snack on trips to make sure at least one of us is not hangry. Nut and fruit bars are my favorite go-to snack.
Gum
I’ve packed gum in my purse before having kids, but it is equally important after kids in my book. It’s my little pick-me-up if I’ve been out a while and haven’t been able to brush my teeth.
Phew! That’s it for What’s In My Purse – Girl Mom Edition! Now that I’ve dumped the contents of my girl mom purse out, I’d love to know what you carry in yours! What #girlmom essentials do you carry in your mom bag?
