“Bag lady, you gone hurt your back..Dragging all them bags like that…” We all know and love the ode that our girl Erykah dedicated to us years ago. Though she was referring to those toxic relationships, those words hold true to us busy parents, trying to carry everything and everyone on outings. Have you ever been out and about with your kids, or even by yourself, with friends, significant other, you name it, and saw that mom that had bags hanging off her and the stroller? All while toting her baby on her hip or in the stroller that will tilt over any minute if the wrong person bumps into it? No? Just me? I’m sure you can identify one time or another this scenario has ran across your peripherals or plain sight. And you may have even made the comment, “That’s why I don’t have kids!” “Lord have mercy!” “Why does she have all that stuff anyway?” just to name a few. Well I for one had sworn to NEVER be this mom when I had kids; and you know what, I have managed to keep my little promise! It’s all about preparation! Check out these key tips to help you avoid being the bag momma or daddy, everyone wants to help but rarely does.
- Plan your outing before the outing.
- This means, don’t wait until an hour before departure to grab everything and everyone, rushing out the door forgetting something and overwhelmed by excess.
- Determine where you are going and what you will need during the outing.
- Clothes, diapers, wipes, snacks, memberships, etc.
- Determine where you are going and what you will need during the outing.
- This means, don’t wait until an hour before departure to grab everything and everyone, rushing out the door forgetting something and overwhelmed by excess.
- Pack a backpack or medium recyclable bag that has all the child’s necessities and your key items [wallet, hand sanitizer, lip balm, and keys].
- Put snacks in baggies or Tupperware, instead of using the containers they came in.
- Dress in layers instead of wearing a coat or jacket that will cause you to over heat unloading and loading you, baby and things into car.
- This may work for the baby as well, because their clothes are small and light, unlike a bulky coat that they will take on and off exiting and entering the car.
- Purchase a Mommy Hook to attach to your stroller to hold bag.
- Wear a satchel/crossbody/fanny pack rather than a large tote.
- Remember it’s okay to leave some things in the car, that you can just go back and retrieve when necessary.
This mommy’s packing essentials:
- Diapers and wipes [only enough for the outing-2 diapers, travel pack of wipes]
- SNACKS-for you and baby!
- Hand sanitizer [for obvious reasons]
- Johnson’s Hand and Face Wipes [clean hands and face from food, mess, snot, you name it!]
- Johnson’s Head to Toe Wipes [use to wipe down child after playtime]
- Spare clothes, including socks [I always change Duce’s socks before putting on his shoes]
- Band-aids and disinfected spray/First-aid kit
Add this list to your phone, or better yet, have an “Outing Bag” by the door with these essentials, so you are never caught rushing and overpacking. As mommas we have so much to worry about, even to be filled with anxiety over, because mommying is hard work. But where you can bring some constant peace and preparation into the equation of motherhood, do it! You will feel so much better about outings, and be able to focus and enjoy your time with your little ones. God’s Speed out there to you mommas! You got this! Be strong…be brave..be prepared!
“Do do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
~Isaiah 41:10
~Soli deo Gloria💜
Copyright © 2019 by Da’Quisha Whitaker
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the writer.
Her-Shey Mommy Chronicles 