Day out with a toddler: bag list
One bag, packed the night before, kept by the door. Restocking it when you get home is what makes the next outing possible without thinking.
33 items
Makes your own editable copy. No account needed.
The items
- Food and drink
- Water bottle or cup
- Two snacks more than you think
- A snack that is a treat, held back for the hard moment
- Lunch, if you are not buying it
- Bib and a spoon
- Changing and cleaning
- Nappies for the day plus two
- Wipes
- Changing mat
- Nappy bags
- Hand sanitiser
- A plastic bag for wet clothes
- Spares
- A complete change of clothesComplete means socks too. It is always socks.
- Spare pants, if toilet training
- A jumper, even in summer
- Sun hat or warm hat
- Weather
- Sun cream
- Waterproof or a rain cover for the buggy
- Blanket for the ground or the pushchair
- Keeping the peace
- One small toy
- A book
- Stickers
- Something new, kept in the bag unopened
- For you
- Phone, charged, and a power bank
- Keys, card, tissues
- Your own water and snackThe most commonly forgotten item on the entire list.
- Plasters
- Restock the bag when you get home, not when you leave
Makes your own editable copy. No account needed.
Questions people ask
- What should you never leave without?
- Snacks, water, a complete change of clothes and wipes. Most difficult afternoons are hunger, thirst, or wet clothes in disguise.
- How do you keep the bag light?
- Pack for four hours, not for every scenario. Nappies and snacks scale with the day; toys do not — one small new thing beats five familiar ones.