It's a hot day. Too hot, some might say, for a two mile walk to nowhere. But not us.
We are on our daily "constitutional," the toddler snacking while the baby sleeps. I'm sweating, but they're cool, with little fans manufacturing a personal breeze for each of them.
Sunlight is all around us. People pass with dogs, children, or alone, enjoying the solitude of a calm summer day. My son is pointing at a bird. It fills me with joy when he remembers they swoop to the grass for food.
Our days feel so long, segmented by naps and activities; snacks and "screen time." But these moments are ours alone. Time for a conversation with a two-year-old. And sibling bonding, facing one another as they ride in their stroller. It's learning time as we pass interesting things, and outside time when we stop to snack and play.
It's our daily walk, taken every morning. We take care not to skip it, except in cases of dangerous weather. It helps me feel like a real person instead of a house-bound SAHM. It gets the kids out in the fresh air. It teaches healthy habits. It's entirely indispensable for our sanity.
I recently published a blog post about ten things I know now that I wish I had known when I had my first kid. One of my tips discussed how important it is to get yourself out of the house with the kids (especially for stay-at-home parents adjusting to this new phase of life).
In hearing from readers, I’ve realized how many parents (new and seasoned) have anxiety about leaving the house with their kids, especially when they are outnumbered by their children.
So, I thought I would put together a few things you can do to facilitate the process and help you feel better about establishing an outing as part of your daily routine.
Summary:
1. Pack Smart – Pack your essentials in 1 or 2 easy-to-carry bags.
The massive diaper bag situation is the number one fun-killer on an outing with small kids. It also seems to be a major source of anxiety for parents, especially new ones, so we’ll spend a little extra time on it.
If your first thought before an outing is, “Ugh, I have to pack,” this section is for you. Try these steps to unpack and destress. (And don’t worry, you’ll still have your essentials nearby when we finish here.)
Make a list of everything you need for each child. I’m not talking about meeting every need that might emerge – Really boil it down to what you need IN THE MOMENT when you are not within reach of your home or vehicle.
Consider what types of bags you have at your disposal. Choose a packing option that fits everything on your list and is EASY TO CARRY. Imagine you lost your stroller. Would you survive?
Pack everything up.
Visualize your outing. Do you really need everything you packed? Remove items as necessary.
Example of What to Carry for Two Small Kids
Here’s what I carry on my daily outing with my 2.5-year-old and 6-month-old.
Bag #1: Toddler Backpack
My son carries everything he needs in his toddler-sized backpack. It is small enough that I can easily wear it if he resists carrying it (or if we do not have the stroller).
Items:
Portable potty (unfolds to make any big potty work for him)
Small “potty accident pouch” with Ziploc bags, wipes, a change of clothes, and pull-up for emergency tummy-issue situations
Three thin paperback storybooks
“Boogie Wipes” (love these, by the way)
Lunchbox with snacks
Milk box (no refrigeration necessary)
Water bottle in side beverage pouch
He also has room to throw in a toy or two, which he sometimes does when we leave the house. I leave that up to him.
Bag #2: Diaper Bag Fanny Pack
If you haven’t heard of a Kibou, I highly recommend checking out this ingenious hands-free bag. It’s a real game changer for moms looking to pack smart.
Items:
One change of clothes for the baby
Travel-sized diaper cream
One diaper
Wet wipes (Kibou has a “stay wet” compartment)
Changing pad (Kibou has one velcroed into the back pocket)
Ziploc bag (for dirty diapers/clothes)
Bib & spoon for the baby
My personal items (wallet, phone, car keys, chapstick)
That’s it! And there’s still room in the Kibou. Depending on the outing, I might add an extra diaper or puree snack for the baby. When I used formula, I could also fit a bottle with one feeding in here.
2. Set Up Your Car for Small Kids. Load Up Your Extras and Leave Them There.
Since you only packed your absolute essentials in your “carry with you” bags, set up your car as a “home base” and return to it whenever you need.
In addition to these packing and storage tips, don't forget to create a fun atmosphere while you're driving. Choose the audio together, make sure older kids can reach anything they'll need, and regulate the temp.
Over-The-Seat Pouch Pocket
We hang one of those pouch pockets over the back of the front passenger seat with toddler-related items we might need.
We have extra books and toys, a blanket, a spare change of clothes, extra snacks, trash bags, Clorox wipes, and paper towels in ours.
It’s so roomy that we often add outing-specific stuff. The organizer keeps everything readily accessible and stops mess from piling up in the car.
Diaper Station
We have a Highlander that opens into a roomy trunk hatchback, which makes this super easy. We keep two of the third-row seats pushed down to store the stroller. A diaper station is set up behind the other.
And……here is where I keep my giant diaper bag! You found it. It lives here, and I rarely remove it from the car. It has all the usual diaper bag stuff…extra diapers, wipes, creams, clothing, snacks, utensils, jackets – You name it, it’s probably in there.
I covered a patio cushion with a changing pad to create a super easy place to change the baby (or clean up the toddler if there is a potty accident). It’s low-stress and helps me carry lighter on my person because I know all I need to do is open the trunk for a safe space for the kids.
And really, we are so rarely far enough from the car that we cannot comfortably head back if some emergency arises that outdoes our Kibou and backpack.
Phew, that was a lot of time spent on packing. But, really, packing anxiety is one of the biggest reasons moms don’t like to go places. So I hope this helps readers out there.
3. Time Outings With Your Kids Correctly
Consider your kids, yourself, and your day before deciding when you’ll take your outing. Ideally, you’ll want as little interference as possible with the non-negotiables of the day – eating, napping, and potty stuff.
We take our daily outing (2-3 mile stroller walk) in the morning because that works for us. We go after breakfast and after my toddler uses the potty. That gives us a solid 90-120 minute window for us to enjoy our outing while still getting home in time for lunch/potty/nap.
A stroller walk is also the perfect TYPE of morning outing for our family. My son can eat his snack while riding in the stroller and even start lunch if we run late. My daughter can take her short morning nap while we walk.
As they age and new little ones join the crew, I’m sure our outings and timing will adjust. It’s all about flexibility, am I right?
4. Start Small & Grow
It’s so so normal to be anxious about getting the kids out. It took me ages after my son was born to feel comfortable with it. But, damn, was it worth it for my mental health.
If you’re nervous, start small. Go for a twenty-minute walk. Go to a friend’s house where you will be comfortable and have items you might need. Run to the supermarket to pick up a few things.
Then, stay out a little longer. Go a little further. Pack a little lighter. You’ll get the hang of what works for you and your kids in no time.
5. Get Your Mind Right
Finally, get your mind right before you go. “Perfect” outings are rare.
Your kids might cry. There might be a diaper blowout or a potty accident. Maybe you’ll forget your wallet or your phone will die.
Just….be okay with this going into it. Keep your cool. Remember that if something goes wrong, your kids are probably more freaked out about it than you are, so they need you to keep it together. Take a deep breath, look at what’s in front of you, and resolve what you can.
And honestly? Worst-case scenario, you pack it in and head home. No biggie, really.
Happy travels, everyone!
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