When I started my “mommy essential” car kit it was simple. An emergency baby bag with diapers, wipes, receiving blankets and a couple of outfits. Bottled water. First aid kit. 

Now it’s about 50 things and I have used each item at some point. 

It’s been a lifesaver in some situations and provided peace of mind when the girls came up with something spontaneous they wanted to do while we were out. 

To help you with your kit, here are 50 things you’ll be happy to have with you, no matter the age of your children:

  • All-Weather, Indoor/Outdoor Blanket. Whether we need the blanket for cover because the kids are chilly or for an impromptu picnic in the park, this blanket has been a lifesaver.
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Bottled Water. This is good for hydration and so much more. Wet napkins to clean spills. Clean scrapes/bruises. Rinse fruit if you’re eating on the go.
  • Can/bottle opener
  • Car kit (jumper cables, tools, etc.)
  • Change/money. This will come in handy for parking meters and a drive-thru line when their card machine stops working.
  • Cooler bag. This will come in handy for impromptu al fresco dining, to hold leftovers and more.
  • Deodorant
  • Disinfectant wipes
  • Extra outfit
  • Earring backs
  • Feminine products
  • First aid kit. Kids have accidents and this will help them, and you, panic less. Even if a bruise/scrape is microscopic, kids will often act like they have broken a limb, until they get a bandaid.
  • Flashlight
  • Flip flops
  • Hand sanitizer. I am #TeamWashHands all day, but sometimes that’s not an option. Sanitizer is a good second option.
  • Headphones. It is inevitable that someone’s headphones will stop working and you probably won’t want to hear that episode of their favorite show for the hundredth time.
  • Hairbrush
  • Hair ties
  • Ibuprofen/pain killer
  • Insect repellant 
  • Jacket
  • Kids medicine. I keep allergy medicine and a pain reliever like Tylenol.
  • Lotion
  • Manicure kit
  • Masks
  • Mints
  • Napkins/Paper Towels. Whether you need a wet wipe (see bottled water above) or the kids are having snacks, trust me, you can’t have too many.
  • Notebook/paper/coloring book
  • Pens/crayons/markers
  • Plastic bags. Whether you’re spending a day at the beach, having a picnic in the back of your SUV, or just need something to gather trash, at some point you’ll need a bag.
  • Plasticware
  • Playing cards
  • Ponchos
  • Portable phone charger
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Reusable shopping bags
  • Scissors
  • Sewing kit
  • Snacks. I typically keep things like granola bars and goldfish.
  • Sneakers
  • Spot remover
  • Straws
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Tissue
  • Travel pillow
  • Towel
  • Umbrella
  • Vaseline/Petroleum Jelly/Natural Alternative Like Coconut Oil

BONUS ITEM:

Radio. Drive-in movie experiences are gaining popularity, and having a battery-operated FM radio can make the experience better. You won’t have to worry about  draining your car battery or your car turning off automatically during one of the good parts, :-).

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