Hey there, dads! By now, you’ve likely realized that parenting gives you the perfect excuse to sport a stylish man bag. Whether you lean toward a rugged backpack or a chic designer tote, what really matters is what’s inside. After nearly seven years of parenting experience, I’ve compiled a list of 10 must-have items that will prepare you for almost any situation.
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Wet Wipes or Napkins
As your little ones grow, the need for mess management only increases. You could go the old-school route like my mom and use your thumb and some spit to clean up crumbs, or you could keep it classy with some wet wipes. Believe me, you’ll want to avoid touching whatever your kids have gotten into! -
Travel Size Hand Sanitizer
This pairs perfectly with wet wipes. After a chaotic soccer game or a messy snack, a generous dollop of hand sanitizer works wonders. While it may just be a psychological comfort, it definitely helps ease my mind in sticky situations. -
Lip Balm
I didn’t appreciate the importance of lip balm until my son was sobbing in the backseat with chapped lips during winter. Trust me; you’ll want to have this on hand to avoid a mad dash to the nearest store. -
Compact First-Aid Kit
You can easily find these at airports or pharmacies; they contain everything you need for minor emergencies. I even added an Epipen for peace of mind, even though my son has no known allergies. Imagine being the go-to hero in a crisis! -
Noise-Canceling Headphones
Need I say more? Sometimes you just need to tune out the noise, especially in crowded places like playgrounds. -
Water Bottle
How often do you hear “I’m thirsty”? Instead of being caught off guard, I always keep water handy. It’s the best option and can even come in handy for unexpected cleanups (like when a surprise vomit incident strikes in your car). -
Extra Phone Charger
We’ve all experienced that panic when our phone battery hits zero during a long day out. Be prepared by carrying an extra charger so you can keep snapping those important pictures and videos. -
Pain Reliever
Trust me on this one; you’ll need it more often than you think. Whether it’s from a long day or the chaos of a loud place, having some Advil on hand can be a lifesaver. -
Tablet or Similar Device
Load it up with your child’s favorite shows, music, and apps like YouTube Kids, which filters safe content. And don’t forget to ensure it has Wi-Fi capability—nothing is worse than a bored child without access to their favorite shows! -
Small Surprise Toy
Keep a little toy that your child hasn’t seen yet. Something pocket-sized but impactful, like a Minecraft Mini Figure, can save the day during unexpected waits. Just let them know that good behavior will earn them the surprise!
You might not take all of my advice, but having a small dad bag can be a game changer after you retire your diaper bag. My bag usually stays on my kitchen counter or in the passenger seat of my car. Find one that fits your style, stock it with these essentials, and you’ll always be ready for anything. Plus, there’s nothing quite like whipping out a wet wipe in a moment of need and feeling like a superhero.
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Summary:
This article discusses the essential items every dad should carry in their bag, emphasizing practicality for various parenting situations. It covers wet wipes, hand sanitizer, lip balm, first-aid kits, headphones, water bottles, phone chargers, pain relievers, tablets, and surprise toys. Having these items will help dads feel prepared and confident when out and about with their kids.