This post was in partnership with Burt’s Bees but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only recommend products we genuinely love.
"There was one thing I never expected would be taken over when I became a mom: my purse! Sure, I knew that a diaper bag would have to be carried around at all times, but I didn’t think past the diaper bag days to the fact that the tote I carried around would no longer be just mine.
While I keep my phone, wallet, and keys in my trusty belt bag, there are certain items that I can’t go without in my “mom tote” when out for the day with my 5-year-old son.
Shop the 10 items I always carry—including a few of my favorite items from Burt’s Bees—in my mom tote below!
1. Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer has always been a presence in my bag, even in pre-pandemic days. With a little one going in and out of school and always pressing elevator buttons, plus taxi and subway rides (we live in NYC)—we need a trusty hand sanitizer at all times. I love one that’s all natural and not too harsh on everyone’s hands.
Burt's Bees
2. Wipes
I’ve always been a sucker for makeup-remover wipes, especially when I was working in an office. You never know when your mascara may run, or you wipe your eyes and accidentally get your makeup everywhere. For me, carrying facial wipes—particularly one designed for sensitive skin—is crucial for post workouts, not to mention for when my 5-year-old finds himself in a sticky post-snack situation.
Burt's Bees
3. Hydrating Balm
New York winters are brutal and my skin gets incredibly dried out everywhere. Because of this, I always like to have a multipurpose balm on hand for my skin, cuticles, and lips!
Burt's Bees
4. Tinted Lip Balm
Speaking of lips and dryness–a tinted lip balm is key to making me look remotely alive on a day-to-day basis. Bonus, this one can double as a cheek stain.
5. Snacks
No mom tote is complete without a trusty snack. While I try to go the healthy route and carry some fruit in a reusable Stasher bag, the truth is it’s often Goldfish and granola bars. No shame!
6. Toys
No matter how many times I clean toys out of my bag, I somehow always end up carrying either a Hot Wheel car or superhero action figure at all times.
7. A Notebook or Planner
The Notes app on my phone can only get me so far—to truly remember a task, or something to add to the grocery list, I have to physically write it down. My life is kept together by constantly jotting down to-do lists and if I don’t have a notebook or my planner on hand, there is no chance I will keep things organized.
8. Crayons
Another bonus of carrying a notebook is that it’s built in toddler entertainment when we are dining out. Not all restaurants go the “kid’s menu with crayons” route, so I also always carry around a travel set of crayons so my son, who dubs himself an artist, can entertain himself without a screen.
9. Books
If we’re out and about for a long day, I will often bring along a few small books for my son, and even one for me. You never know when you’ll have to wait patiently somewhere and need a book.
10. Kids’ Bandages
Is your kid obsessed with sticky bandages? Because mine is—and plays with them almost like they’re stickers! Every time he bangs himself or falls, the only thing that calms him down is a Band-Aid. I always carry some in a fun pattern—we especially love the Welly “bravery badges” in the space pattern (linked below) or tie-dye.
Target
This post was in partnership with Burt’s Bees but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only recommend products we genuinely love.