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I remember spending time longingly going over the details of diaper bag choices. How many pockets? Waterproof? Is it cute?
I feel it’s a new mom rite of passage to get excited about diaper bags, but here I am 4 years into this gig and my beloved diaper bag has fallen by the wayside. Now it’s a diaper stuffed into my purse if I’m lucky.
However, there’s a new bag in town that trumps all the bags and has become my new mom-must-have— the car bag!
Does my car always look this clean and organized? Of course it does!
…lies.
But I will say 90% of the time I do have all these items in the car. I’m working on keeping them beautifully organized like this though because it does make life easier. Now, onto what’s in the bag!
I love my for impromptu picnics or diaper changing on difficult surfaces (sand, etc). It wipes down easily and rolls up into a little bag. Also a great gift for new moms if you’re looking for shower ideas!
Along with the blanket, I always have a towel for multiple uses, like wiping down wet swings and slides or drying off after a surprise spray ground experience. I keep sunscreen in the car too because you never know when you might be out playing longer than you intended. During the summer months I try to keep bathing suits for the girls in the bag too.
Then there are the obvious: diaper and wipes, not just for baby bottoms but also for wiping off sticky hands. I also keep several plastic bags to dispose of dirty diapers or to turn into trash bags. I pack a change of clothes for both girls, including undies and socks. Never leave home with out extra clothes. The one time you do is when an accident will happen and you’ll have to drive your child home naked and wrapped in the towel. Trust me.
Then there are the things as equally important as clothes…
Snacks! Amiright moms??
I keep germ-off wipes on hand to wipe down benches/carts/tables when necessary and two bottles of water just in case. I always pack the girls fresh waters for trips, but occasionally I forget on the shorter drives and like having a backup.
Then there are snacks, which one might argue are the mother of car necessities, especially for long drives.
First for mom- I love simple-ingredient bars that are still filling, like these nuts and seed bars from two moms. I also can’t pass up a handful or two of dark chocolate trail mix from CVS’s new Gold Emblem Abound Line.
For the kiddos…
Bars, pouches and other fruit-based snacks keep well in the car and serve as healthy on-the-go options. The girls go CRAZY for the CVS Fruit Clusters and will down a bag within minutes. They are just freeze-dried fruit formed into clusters and I’ll admit, they are delicious. Plus the Gold Emblem Abound line boasts absolutely no artificial preservatives or flavors. The superfruit bites use vegetable extracts for colors- love it.
Like I mentioned above, while most of this can sometimes be found strewn around the car, I’m working on keeping it organized and in one place to make it easier to notice when I need to restock.
Plus, it helps me feel like a mom that’s got it all together… even if it is just a momentary mirage.
Disclosure: I’m proud to partner with CVS/pharmacy for the Back to School Healthy Essentials campaign. I am being sponsored by CVS/pharmacy for my posts and activities, but all opinions expressed are my own, and all product claims or program details shared should be verified at CVS.com or with the appropriate manufacturers.
Shanna says
I always have wipes, snacks, plastic bags & some toy cars that will always occupy one of my boys when needed.
Karen says
We always have first aid in both vehicles.
Taking care of children during the week and doing the risky outdoor activities we do as a family on the weekends, we have found ourselves using our first aid kit quite often.
Maria says
Not necessary but I always have activities in a bun in my car…color wow books, wipe clean books, mini etch a sketch, magma doodle, a few books, etc..
Laura says
My essentials are wipes, diapers, a blanket, toys:), a towel, and plastic bags!
Amy says
Books! My 16 month old loves to read books so they help to keep him occupied.
Erin says
Ok I love this idea! I’ve been slugging around the diaper bag but have been thinking more and more how rarely I use what’s inside it except for the actual diapers.
Lynn says
Wipes, a toy, and my sons blanket are all a must. He NEVER travels without his blanket.
Emily says
Lately, our potette plus with extra grocery bags 😉 who loves potty training? Oh, that’s right, no one. And wet bags in the summer were a lifesaver in the car for clothing changes, accidents, last minute water park decisions 😉
Lisa says
I always keep extra napkins (and even plastic silverware) plus dental floss!!
Caroline says
I like to keep a few backup waters, a towel, and some dog treats and baggies for my fur babies!! I love the idea of keeping sunscreen in there – gonna add that to my glove box today.
Allison says
Plastic and reusable grocery bags, a few towels, & hand sanitizer!
Stacie W. says
I always keep extra clothes including undies, diapers, wipes, water and $10 in cash for those unexpected moments!
Gassmama says
Hand sanitizer, wipes and diapers. I need to get a little more organized.
Julia says
My umbrella stroller! There is never any doubt that if I think I will never need a stroller for a short errand that I will end up wishing I had it!
Sarah says
I know we live in the era of smart phones but I always keep maps in my car. You never know when you won’t have service.
Lindsey @ Simply Lindsey says
I always have water and snacks in the car! You never know if a quick trip out will turn into a longer shopping excursion. 😉
Beth says
TIssues. I always, always have tissues on hand. BTW, I bought some of the CVS snacks because of your blog and the Cranberry Orange Almond Crunch is AMAZING!!
Danielle says
I always keep wipes and my baby bjorn in the car! But now I think I need to add a few to that list!
jackie says
i always have paper towels in the car! never know when you will need some.
Vicky N. says
I always have wipes, even though my son is potty-trained now…they’re handy for so many things!
Katie D. says
I always have a beach towel, diapers and wipes! Also, I spy a Thirty One bag 🙂
katie says
baby wipes for messes and sticky hands!
Allison Strauss says
I always have napkins, wipes, and water on-hand, but now this post has seriously made me re-think my supply strategy!
Christina Thomas says
I always have paper towel, wipes, and a blanket in the car!
Gabbie says
I always have a travel size roll of paper towels and plastic bags to use as trash bags. I also keep snacks in the car because I have a very long commute!
Carly says
Always a good snack stash and lots of gum.
Shannon says
Brittany, What is the bag that you’re using for the car bag? Not the blanket but the other? It’s so cute and I love that it has the frame at the top to hold it open! Nothing worse than fishing around in a tote bag for what you need…!
Jennifer says
Lots of water & snacks, tissues
Brittany K says
SNACKS! We cannot leave home without them. For a while we had a “no eating in the new car” rule, but road trips (even short ones) are no fun without snacks!
Jennifer M says
Our car essential is a car kick mat by Britax. It keeps the back of our seats clean and also holds books and little toys to keep the twins entertained! I am sure you can keep snacks in there as well…multi-purpose!!
Vicky says
Water, almonds, umbrella, and a flashlight!
Sarah T says
wipes, snacks & winter weather supplies
Cara says
Hand sanitizer, paper towels, tissues, snacks, water, hair rubber bands, diapers and wipes are a must! 🙂
Jess says
We keep sunscreen, extra clothes, plastic bags, pocket pack kleenex, etc.
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood says
The car bag is such a smart idea!! I have a diaper bag that I lug around most of the time, but I also have stuff strewn around the car, as much as I try to avoid it!
Tessa says
Wet Ones (hand wipes) are always mandatory!
jeannine says
Baby wipes for the car is a must! I love reading your blog. Have a nice Thursday 🙂
Anna Ransdell says
Dog poo bags, small headlamp and some cord (just in case I score something at a yard sale that doesn’t fit all the way in the car or to pull someone out of a snow bank)
Cindy Childers says
With two kids 8 and 10 and another almost 3 we are ALMOST done potty training, but STILL. I have to keep a pull up or two and some wipes in the car for good measure. Baby wipes not only good for baby/toddler but great for dirty hands on other kiddos 🙂
chrissy says
Books, sunglasses, and an extra set of (spare) keys since my daughter insists on holding my keys everywhere we go!
Liz says
My car essential has been an extra changing pad in the back of the SUV for changes in the car in the parking lot versus public restrooms. May not be the classiest essential, but it definitely helps my nerves with not worrying about germs in public restrooms. God help me when we get to potty training!
Sara says
I also keep bug spray and in addition to all listed above I’m a huge safety nerd. Flashlight, jumper cables, air pump in case spare tire is flat. Lol even though I pay for AAA ? Us moms can never be too prepared.
Abbie says
I have a Thirty One tote in my trunk as well holding all of my essentials. It’s so handy and keep s me organized! I always keep essentials and emergency items – blanket/ towel, tennis shoes, wipes.
Heather says
Baby wipes, water and plastic bags are a MUST for us. Our son gets car sick at times and after several vomiting episodes, we make sure to always have something on hand for clean up, just in case.
Tara Allred says
Water for both of us, snacks, and wipes are all essentials for us. The other day I needed a diaper and did not have any in my car. How is this possible!! I will be implementing a necessities stash ASAP 🙂
Jenny says
I always have water, neosporin and bandaids. Plus the handy diaper bag with diapers, wipes and cheerios. oh and Mr Hungry my daughters pacifier attached to a pink hippo. What I NEVER have is s change of clothes. Rookie mistake!!!
Rachel says
One of my twins has some serious car seat anxiety so we always have books and toys that help to make for a more peaceful ride for all of us.
Ellie says
Diapers and wipes for sure! I also try to keep some extra toys for my 1 year old as well as extra binkies (pacifiers) and a baby carrier (ergo/tula) for those quick trips and when I forget the stroller!
Karen says
Hi There…
I like to have Kleenex in the car as well as plenty of water.
Jeannie says
I love keeping things organized! All those snacks looks great for my little one. We keep toys and books in the car. It’s a must have. 🙂
Sara says
I always keep some extra napkins and always have a few pairs of sunglasses.
Karen H says
We have the changing pads that store diapers and wipes each car, but I am still a slave to the diaper bag if we are doing a full day out. I’m inspired by your post. I should put together a car kit.
Erin Powell says
Even though I do not have kids, I always have wet wipes, kleenex, sunglasses, and snacks in my car! haha!
Nicole says
Extra diapers and wipes, and a few toys! Generally all strewn around the backseat or trunk, but we’re working on that! 😉
Steph says
I keep baby wipes everywhere. They are indispensable! And we keep chia bars and kasha bars in the car. My almost 2 year old is a big fan of coconut chia bars.
Ashley D says
My car is a mess right now and could use some organization. Where did you get the bag? My must have in the car is a couple trucks or trains, since my almost 3 year old is obsessed. It keeps him entertained until we get home….usually. 😉
Jen W. says
Rain coats & umbrellas have taken over my car this summer. It’s been a long rainy summer in Florida.
Layla says
I always bring toys to occupy my daughter. I admire your organization!
Kat says
I live in DC so we rarely drive but we always have a cloth shopping bag or two for impromtu shopping…or storing dirty/wet baby clothes!
Kristen says
Sunscreen and I also keep my ergo carrier in the car so I never get stuck lugging my 10 month old around while chasing my preschooler!
Erin says
I always keep water, a blanket, change of clothes, snacks, a first aid kit, and a couple of books.
Jennifer says
My car essential is definitely napkins/wipes!! You never know when you’re gonna need em! Snacks are a close 2nd though 🙂
Jenn says
We always have sunscreen in the car. My kids burn fast so I can’t forget it!
ThEresa says
ws have to have books in the car. Otherwise the kiddos start to go stir crazy on longer drives.
Jessie M says
I’m not a mom yet, but snacks (I get HANGRY easily), napkins, jumper cables, an extra warm layer of clothing & a towel. Oh and an extra pair of sunglasses.
Who am I kidding, I’ve got a lot more than that that never seems to leave my car. But it’s certainly not organized in any fashion. Unless throwing everything in my passenger seat counts. 😉
I’m a rowing coach. I never know if I’ll end up needing more warm layers once I get down to the river. Or if a surprise rain shower will leave me sopping wet for my drive home.
Debbie! says
Our mini car potty! It has saved me so many times…
Nikki Fahey says
workout clothing and shoes:)
Laura says
I have a 3.5 month old so don’t go anywhere without diapers, wipes, change of clothes, plastic bags, extra formula…and of course Mortimer the Moose :).
Karley Brown says
I’m not a mom (yet!), but I always keep extra napkins and first aid kit in my car. Kids aren’t the only ones who make a mess! 😉
Donna Mason says
I always have WATER!!!!! Also a workout towel, umbrella, book, jumper cables, napkins, plastic utensils.
Nancy says
notepad and pen! always seem to be in the car when on the phone and need to jot something down quickly
Nikki says
I also have wipes and extra water.
Sara McGrath says
Baby wipes…because 4 kids means everything is messy in the car. And hair elastics because I never notice that we forgot to brush hair until we get somewhere…
Briana Lucas says
So funny, about 20 minutes before I logged on to check my daily blogs, I re-packed my car! I had a burst of energy and I was putting all summer clothes away anyway, so thought it would be a good time to clean up my car kit.
Essentials are PJ’s, diapers, wipes, and Baby wash for impromptu tubbies at random people’s houses, My Kids are the Pig Pens of all the kids in the world, so this happens frequently.
I also am sure to stock snacks too, mostly granola bars and a few bottled waters 🙂
Erin says
I always keep wipes and emergency snacks in the car!
Kathryn P says
Always have diapers and wipes in the car!
Ibu says
Baby wipes all the way! Don’t know what I will do without them. It helps in cleaning up messes so fast.
Emily G says
Clorox wipes! I hate messes – especially sticky ones! Keeps my car way cleaner 🙂
Caitlin says
I use one of those plastic handle containers (the one used for cleaning supplies) and I stock it with essentials (wipes, diapers, grocery bags…)
Hope to win!
Stacy says
Oh how I wish I remembered to keep at least one diaper in my car! I’ve been meaning to put a stash in there for weeks and hopefully this will remind me I need to do it!
Summer says
Plastic bags for wet clothes, trash, sick kids…
Paj says
Granola bars and hand sanitizer, always!
Molly says
Wipes, Snacks, and a first aid kit. The kids would tell you that a blanket for each of them is essential as well!
Dana says
I always like having snacks, water, diapers, and wipes! I need to find a tote to keep it all together like yours!!
Tracy says
In my car: sunglasses, lipgloss and my yoga mat! You never know when the urge to practice yoga will hit!
Elizabeth Evans says
Rasins! They are conveniently packaged, easy to store in the car, kids love them & they buy me time because it takes awhile to finish a little box. They can sneak into the cracks of the car seat but the pros outweigh the cons!
Leah T says
I agree with most of yours – wipes, diapers, change of clothes, sunscreen… But I also always have an extra hat and mitts for each of the kids during cold weather…
Carla S says
I have to have glass wipes for the windshield in case it fogs up.
Kelly D says
My car essentials are a box of tissues and bottled water.
Kelsey says
Wipes, sunscreen, swim suits and a towel!! Plus a few favorite toys for the boys 🙂 Love the idea of a car bag!
Jessica S says
I always have water and sunglasses in my car, in addition to the “survival” gear in my trunk.
Karen says
Our travel potty is a must have in our car. It’s been a lifesaver, even past the potty-training years!
Jess says
Hand sanitizer for sure!
Brenda says
My Joovy sit n stand stroller!
Mai-An says
Extra clothes and tissues are always in the car.
Emma says
I love having hand sanitizer, umbrella, jacket, water, and extra cash!
Layne Hellman says
As an expecting mom these were great ideas to have on hand in the car, thanks! My current must have is water and a protein bar. Especially with being on the go and pregnant both are essential!!
Lexi says
Hands-down, I would say clorox or lysol wipes are my car essential! My dashboard and seats and windows get dirty waaay too fast! And I also have to give a nod to my ice scraper which has helped me survive many-a-winter.
Chelsea says
all the snacks! Also changes of clothes for three kids, and some extra baby carriers 🙂
Liz says
A car essential for me is a beach towel! Living in San diego, I never know when I’ll randomly head to the beach. Plus, it’s great to use as a cover for my seat after a sweaty gym session!
Bianca G. says
We are about to purchase our first car and one item I def need in the car is a trash bag!! Snacks are great too, and so is water. Thank you for this giveaway!
Kristin s says
Diapers and wipes!!!! It’s saved my husband multiple times when he “accideñtly” forgets the diaper bag. And graham crackers are an easy snack for my little guy.
Amy says
I’d love to win this Giveaway for CVS’s Gold Emblem Abound Products and also the brand new, water-resistant, fold-up blanket! Nice! To answer the Giveaway question, a couple of the necessities I have in my car are: snacks, flashlight, tire air pressure gauge, blankets, lighter, mini-first aid kit, sunblock. I know I’m missing some things, so I plan on adding more. You can never be too prepared.
Tori says
A bottle of water, and an extra phone charger!
Brittany says
What a great giveaway! My #1 car essential is my sunglasses 🙂 I know, I know– pretty cliche. I can’t leave too many things though because in South Florida things melt like nobody’s business!!
Reid says
My top two items are plastic bags and an umbrella!
Jaimie says
I ALWAYS have hand sanitizer and a tide to go pen in my car!
Amy says
Such a good idea! Lately i’ve been trying to remember wipes after a tragic diaper incident without them!
Tara says
Wipes, bottled water, snacks and a back up towel!
Melissa says
Wipes, diapers (although they are usually too small, always forgetting to swap out) and hair elastics! Hair in my face drives me crazy.
Kristin says
I always have snacks, juice cups and some toys
Sara says
Always have to have baby wipes!
Angela says
At this stage in my 1 year olds life, I always keep at least one extra pacifier in there. If we stay out longer than we meant to I can always count on the paci to facilitate a stroller nap or car nap!
Maggie says
I always have a towel and extra sunglasses!
Emily says
I always have a larabar, almonds, and a bottle of water in my car! 🙂
Bella says
Three things; wipes, bleach wipes and tissues! 🙂
Katie says
I love this idea! I still lug around the way to full and overpacked diaper bag! Books and toys are big for us right now…they make car rides much happier 🙂
Jamie says
Among the typical diapers, wipes, toys & snacks… BLANKETS! Gosh Wisconsin weather can be unpredictable & right now it is cold! 🙁
SuzanneU says
My must have are sunglasses for me and burp clothes for my daughter.
Kimberly Lynne says
For us it’s a cd of kid friendly music. My son loves to “dance” in his carseat and we have fun singing to each other through the rear view mirror.
Sarah says
Wipes and plastic bags. A must!!
Caitlin M says
Baby wipes for the kiddo and simple for me: ink pen! On more than one occasion I’ve needed a pen to fill out a last minute bday card, etc.
Allison D. says
I don’t have kids, but I keep baby wipes in my car too! They’re great for wiping down after a sweaty run or a little coffee spill!
Ann P-L says
I make sure I have wipes and some cash in my car!
theresa j says
I always have wipes in my car
Heather @ What Does She Do All Day? says
I always keep a pack of wipes, sunscreen, a towel, a blanket and now that the weather is getting cooler gloves and hats in the car.
Shana says
A change of clothes, for everyone!
Stephanie Phelps says
One of our car essentials is extra clothes for each one of the kids because you never know!
Melissa K says
I always have wipes and a change of clothes.
karla says
I keep snacks, diapers, wipes and toys!
Hillary says
I always have a blanket and a snow shovel in my car just in case!
Kassie says
I have a diaper and pack of wipes in my glove box and a blanket in my trunk at all times!
Kelli says
Our must haves are napkins, wipes and pens (I have older kids so we have moved on from certain things!)
Julie says
My daughter is a teenager now so my car must-haves are for me. 🙂 Granola bars, napkins & a bottled water.
Danielle says
always tissues!
Urban Wife says
I am embarrassed to admit that I have no such thing as a car bag or even stuff in the car for the kiddos. I’m thinking I need to get with the program, pronto. I think a first aid kit would be great in the car among all the other stuff you mentioned!
Shannon Elmor says
Lots of books to keep the babe occupied on those long drives!
Maria B says
Every car I have been responsible for has had tissues, lip balm and pens/notepads in the glove compartment along with all the legal documents for the vehicle.
Kimberly @ Healthy Strides says
Wipes, towel and an extra set of clothes.
Emily J says
I always keep water and an extra pair of running clothes in my car 🙂 If the day is perfect, why not go for a run somewhere new?
Alex says
Snacks…always snacks! And hand sanitizer aNd wipes- thanks!
Laura W says
I HAVE to have snacks in my car!
Gab M. says
Wipes, paper towels and plastic garbage bags!
Madeline says
Always an extra outfit, wipes, and sunscreen. But I love how organized your bag is, I need to start doing that!!
Claire says
I always have plenty of snacks and napkins! Also an extra leash for the dog!
Jenny says
I always have an umbrella stroller and picnic blanket in the back – for those impromptu stops!
Carrie says
A small garbage bag in the cup holder in the driver’s door. I found I could never get all the trash out of my car when we got home so I started placing a produce bag or dog bag in the cup holder on my door. My car (and seats) have benefitted immensely.
Emily says
Hand sanitizer and a pack of almonds!
Staci A says
I carry most of the things you do. One of the most important things in my car is a small blanket. It covers my kiddo’s car seat in the summer to keep the buckles cool and covers him up when it’s cool outside.
Sharon says
Snack bars and wipes. And a garbage bag.
Hillary says
I always have tissues/napkins and hand sanitizer.
Caroline says
Reusable grocery bags, sunglasses, and napkins within easy reach!
Linda N. says
Hand wipes, water bottles, a first aid kit, a few snacks and tissues are musts in the car.
Heather says
gorsh I love CVS! There is one just a couple of a blocks from my apartment, and I often make a couple of trips a week. Love this product line, too! They’ve been coming out with so many cool products and flavors as of late.
I have 2 car essentials that are ALWAYS found in back seat. 1. papertowels, because I’m the clumziest and often spill and 2. a bag of snacks [hense my needing the papertowels] – I usually have a couple of snack bars, fruit snacks, and almonds or other snacking nuts. I HATE getting hungry and sometimes get car sick, so having something if i need to settle my stomach or keep me satisfied until meal-time is a MUST in my book.
Jen says
I always have tissues in the car.
However, I’m about to have a baby, so my list of “necessary car items” is about to get bigger!!
Emily L says
Our travel potty is an essential as my 3 year old dislikes using public restrooms.
Katherine says
I always have diapers and wipes of course, and I try to always remember some snacks and sippy cups on long and short trips. I used to be so much better at this- have to get my act together!
Lauren H says
Wipes Wipes