Moms, What Do You Always Keep in Your Bag?

Today I’d love to ask a nosy question: if you’re a parent (or spend a lot of time with kids), what random but necessary objects do you always carry? My friend Kayla swears by this magical stain remover, and I keep a pouch of sanitizing wipes in every tote. Below, 10 more moms share the items they forever have on hand…

My Own Mom Hack

My child is part fruit bat, so I carry two or three satsuma mandarins in my purse — one is never enough. The ‘activity’ of her methodically peeling them also gives me a few minutes of silence, perfect for responding to emails.

Jumping into Fun

Last year, I started carrying a double dutch jump rope in case my kids and I stopped by the park. I love watching kids of all ages come running over to have a turn and teach each other new rhymes and games.

Double Dutch Jump Rope: A Mom’s Favorite

Melina Gac Levin, mom of two, swears by her double dutch jump rope. “I love how it brings kids together and encourages physical activity,” she says.

Staying Clean and Safe

I never leave the house without hypochlorous acid spray. As a mom of two boys, I’m constantly having to clean cuts, scrapes, bug bites, and muddy hands. It even soothes diaper rash and eczema — a true hero product!

Hypochlorous Acid Spray: A Game-Changer

Janelle Taylor, mom of two, uses hypochlorous acid spray every day. “It’s a lifesaver when my boys get dirty or get hurt,” she says.

Keeping Kids Entertained

My eight-year-old and ten-year-old love The Week Junior, a weekly magazine full of stories and activities created in a very tween-teen appropriate way. Recently, they’ve had issues on everything having to do with Pi (for Pi Day), the Winter Olympics, and frogs. They’re lightweight enough to take in whatever tote I’m grabbing for the day and great when you find yourself in a line somewhere and the kids need to be occupied.

The Week Junior: A Mom’s Favorite Magazine

Youngna Park, mom of two, loves The Week Junior. “It’s the perfect way to keep my kids engaged and learning on-the-go,” she says.

Protecting Skin from the Sun

Living in California means we’re constantly in and out of the sun. I used to dread carrying sunscreen because lotion is messy and ends up squirting inside my bag, but this one makes the process feel fast, easy, and mess-free.

Sunscreen: A Must-Have for Moms

Christine Han, mom of one, uses sunscreen every day. “It’s a must-have for any mom who wants to protect her child’s skin,” she says.

Simplifying Formula Time

During a recent international trip with my baby, I studied how other moms on the plane were dealing with formula on the flights, which led to my getting this little container. Each compartment holds five ounces of formula in each compartment, making mixing bottles so easy — and it’s only $6!

Formula Container: A Mom’s Best Friend

Erika Veurink, mom of one, uses a formula container every day. “It’s a game-changer for traveling with a baby,” she says.

Bringing Joy to Long Rides

I keep have a small animal figurine in my tote or pocket. My two-year-old daughter loves playing with them, which comes in handy during our long subway rides.

Small Animal Figurine: A Mom’s Secret Weapon

Ruth Chan, mom of two, uses small animal figurines to keep her kids entertained. “They’re a great way to keep my kids engaged and happy on long rides,” she says.

Artistic Expression

I’m a painter, so I generally have blue painters tape, and my toddler loves taping things, pulling tape off things, and making tape balls. Blessedly, painters tape doesn’t leave a residue, so you can bring it to the restaurant/supermarket/DMV.

Blue Painters Tape: A Mom’s Favorite

Hopie Hill, mom of one, uses blue painters tape every day. “It’s a great way to encourage my child’s creativity,” she says.

Staying Hydrated

Now that my two kids are elementary-school aged, gone are the days when I need wipes and diapers in my backpack at all times. Instead, the non-negotiables I carry are water bottles, plus a random assortment of acorns, dead flower bouquets, and sea glass.

Water Bottles: A Mom’s Must-Have

Jo, mom of two, uses water bottles every day. “They’re a must-have for keeping my kids hydrated on-the-go,” she says.

Deodorant for the Win

This one may embarrass my teenager, but I always have an extra deodorant in my bag for him (every mom of a high schooler just nodded).

Extra Deodorant: A Mom’s Secret

Abbey Nova, mom of one, uses extra deodorant to be prepared. “It’s a lifesaver when my teenager forgets his deodorant,” she says.

Conclusion

As a parent, it’s always great to be prepared for any situation that may arise. Whether it’s a double dutch jump rope, a formula container, or a small animal figurine, these items have become a part of many moms’ daily routines. By carrying these essential items, moms can ensure that their kids stay happy, healthy, and entertained on-the-go.

Bonus: Our Favorite Mom Hacks

P.S. Joanna’s best $8 parenting purchase, baby products you’ll use for more than a month, and four beautiful motherhood poems.