This post contains affiliate links but, as you already know, I only post about things I actually buy, use and love!
Hi there! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration with friends and family yesterday.
Let me get right to the reason for this post: Black Friday is kind of THE day to get the bulk of your Christmas shopping done and/or score great deals on items you’ve had your eye on for a while! I know I will be scouring the web to see if any of the items on my Ultimate Toddler Gift Guide For Christmas are on sale, as well as checking out my favorite sites to up my #momstyle game (i.e. Nordstrom, ILY Couture, etc.)!
All day today (Black Friday 2017!!) on the Taylor-made Mama Facebook Page I’ll be sharing the best deals for babies, toddlers AND their moms from the places we LOVE to shop, including (but not limited to!):
3, 2, 1, GO head over to my Facebook Page for all the deals I’m finding in real time today, starting…..NOW! I’ll be posting in the comments every chance I get when I find a deal I think you’ll love:
Let me know if there is something in particular you are looking for and I’ll see what I can find:
Lastly, an admittedly shameless plug for my LipSense Black Friday sale going on in my Facebook Group – Taylor-made Beauty With Ashley.
Try the liquid lip color everyone is talking about! ???
Snag YOUR perfect color for *15% OFF + FREE Shipping through midnight on 11/24/17 plus tons of other fun deals and freebies! THIS LINK will take you straight there!
Happy Shopping!
P.S. If you don’t already have an Amazon Prime membership then today is a great day to become one. Many of the deals I’ll be sharing with you throughout the day on the Taylor-made Mama Facebook Page are Prime Eligible (free 2-day shipping and exclusive deals!). You can get a FREE 30 Day Trial to Amazon Prime HERE, just in time to take advantage of all the Black Friday Deals! You can also check out a full list of ALL the benefits of a Prime membership here.
I was prompted to share this Modern Girl Nursery Reveal post as I have begun to think that, all too soon, I’ll need to transition it into a “Big Girl” room (my eyes tear up even just writing that sentence). I’m just waiting and watching the monitor closely for the day when she attempts to climb out of her crib. Babies just don’t keep, I tell you…
If you’ve been a reader for a while, you already know that I quit my job as a Special Education Administrator to stay home with Taylor a few months ago. Part of that whole cluster-change package was moving to a new home in a new city! Aside from now getting to spend my days with my precious little girl, one of the things I’m finding a lot of joy in these days is decorating our home! My passion for interiors is definitely resurfacing with the blessing of time and headspace. My favorite rooms to design by far have been Taylor’s nursery as well as her playroom; each decision and detail in those rooms is an expression of my love for her. I truly hope you enjoy photos of the finished product! Oh, and I linked everything that I could still find online for you at the bottom of the post!
With a second shot at creating Taylor’s modern nursery space, I used many of the pieces and artwork we had in her room at our previous home but paired things down for an even simpler, clean look. The other main change to her modern girl nursery is that the queen-sized bed (where I slept for several months when she was newborn!) is no longer in her room. This left a lot more space to work with.
The most recent addition, and finishing touch to Taylor’s room, is the beautiful piece shown in the photo above. This piece was gifted to us by one of Sacramento’s local artists, Sarah Phulps, owner of Sarah’s. I told Sarah the verse I wanted over T’s bed (Proverbs 3:15), sent her several pictures of the room, and she created this one of a kind gem! I couldn’t be more pleased with her creation. You have to check out Sarah’s!
It is my daily prayer + mission that Taylor will grow up believing that, because of her heart and the unique being God created her to be, she is indeed more precious than rubies.
All custom framing in Taylor’s modern girl nursery is from Aaron Brothers. Rocking Chair is from Buy Buy Baby but is unfortunately no longer available; linked here is one from Land of Nod that is very similar.
Modern Girl Nursery Organization:
Ya’ll know I can rarely put a post up without some sort of organizational tip or spin, and this one’s no different!
Organization For Outgrown Clothes:
With the rate babies grow (mine in particularly bc girlfriend is already on 2T at 18 months!), it’s important to have a system to keep all the clothes they outgrow organized until you decide what to do with them. Alternatively, you can just have a massive pile of little clothes in the bottom of the closet. Whatever suits you – mom your way ; ) I don’t yet know what we’ll do with Taylor’s baby clothes, but at least they’re neat and tidy for now, right? Maybe I’m secretly hoping we’ll have another girl who can wear it all but I digress… Anyway, here is a visual of what I came up with for storing the clothes/shoes she outgrows by size (the clear bins can be found at Target!):
Changing Station Essentials + Organization:
Although Taylor is a toddler, since she is still in diapers, not much has changed about the configuration of her changing station since her newborn days. Below are a few photos of how I organized her changing station/dresser for convenience as well as a printable shopping list of Changing Table Essentials (PS if you don’t have the Ubbi Diaper Pail – go. get. one. now. It works like a charm and works with the decor of any nursery!)
To access the printable Changing Station Essentials Checklist, click THIS LINK or the image below. If you are a subscriber, this list is now in the Printables Library for you!
I truly hope you enjoyed this Modern Girl Nursery reveal post. If there is anything else in my pictures you would like links to, comment on this post or shoot me an email and I’ll send them directly to you! If you haven’t already, make sure to subscribe so that you don’t miss our upcoming Modern Playroom Reveal post – I seriously CANNOT WAIT to show you what I’ve been working on in there!
Thank you to Coco & Kiwi for sponsoring this post. As always, all opinions are 100% my own and any affiliate links are to products I actually use and like.
The last time I posted a “what’s in my diaper bag” style post, Taylor was only 7 months old. Time has absolutely flown by….Now that she is 18 months I want to share what’s in our Toddler Diaper Bag. I keep my Toddler Emergency Car Kit and a Toddler Restaurant Kit in the trunk of my car which contain many of the things I would otherwise have to worry about grabbing on the way out the door or lugging around in my already full diaper bag (i.e. bib, utensils, first aid kit, change of clothes, etc.). If you haven’t already, and have or will soon have a toddler, definitely check out those two posts!
I have gotten more compliments on this Coco & Kiwi Provence Diaper Bag since I started carrying/wearing it, mostly from girls at my gym who are non-moms actually! As a Coco Ambassador this season, I had the option to choose my favorite bag; it wasn’t even a question which I’d choose. I adore the classic, chic sandstone stripes paired with the camel colored leather of the Provence Bag. Aside from how cute and stylish it looks, I wanted to share a couple of my favorite features with you – game changers I don’t know how I didn’t look for in a bag sooner:
1) detachable stroller straps, 2) the bag can be carried as a clutch, over the shoulder/messenger style, or as a BACKPACK! If you couldn’t tell by all caps, I’m definitely loving the diaper backpack option these days, running around after my toddler.
3) The ingenious zip-in wet bag. I use mine for opened snacks!
You can check out this and all of the stylish Coco & Kiwi Diaper Bags and accessories here.
What’s In My Toddler Diaper Bag?
FOR TODDLER:
2-3 Diapers – if your toddler still wears them which, at 18 months, Taylor does.
Wipes – I love Water Wipes travel packs because they are all natural, and can be used to clean little ones’ hands and faces as well!
Sanitizing Wipes – the Wet Ones Sensitive Skin canister makes for easy packing as well as pulling out wipes to sanitize shopping carts, restaurant tables, etc. quickly.
Snacks – did you know that when your baby becomes a toddler you then become a snack peddler? I keep a variety on hand at all times because, at this age, T is starting to really exert her independence through making her preferences known!
Comb and hair ties/bows – because, #girlmom.
Changing pad – a burgundy colored changing pad, which matches the lining, comes in the Coco & Kiwi Diaper bags, and it is actually long enough to accommodate a growing toddler bod!
Wet bag – this is another convenient feature of the Coco & Kiwi Diaper bag. The wet bag zips in and out. I personally use it to store opened + unfinished snacks!
Diaper bags + dispenser – I am obsessed with the Munchkin diaper bag dispenser. Okay, maybe not obsessed, but I do own 5!
Kleenex – toddlers tend to need nose wiping every now and again, and it’s nice to have these on hand when a runny nose occurs. These travel packs are the cutest I’ve found – it’s the little things : )
Mini first aid – I only carry bandaids in my diaper bag because I have a mini first aid kit in my fully loaded Toddler Emergency Car Kit (which includes this AWESOME portable potty for you potty training mamas!)
Sunglasses
Water bottle – sometimes I will just bring my adult sized version of this bottle and share with Taylor but, again, these days my toddler likes to have her OWN things!
A small toy that she is reallllllly into – at this moment, Peppa Pig!
FOR MAMA:
LipSense Lip Gloss– I literally do not leave the house without at least one of my LipSense glosses (Matte, Glossy or Bouganvillea), whether I’m wearing the lip color or not.LipSense is a kiss-proof, smudge proof, waterproof lip color that lasts up to 18 hours – talk about a busy mom MUST HAVE! The gloss is the only thing you need to reapply a couple of times throughout the day to keep your lips moisturized and your color it’s staying power. LipSense has been a game changer for me as a new, busy mama: if nothing else, I walk out the door with tinted moisturizer and LipSense on and feel pretty + put together! I loved this stuff so much that I became a distributor myself, at first for the discount but now I have another stream of income for my family because of it! If you’re interested in learning more or placing a LipSense order – check out my Taylor-made Beauty Facebook Group (lots of sales and fun giveaways!), and my In-Stock Album and Order page.
Gum
Feminine products
Phone
Sunglasses & Eyeglasses
Phone Charger – a must since becoming a mama/responsible for someone else besides myself!
Wireless headphones
Lifetime Athletic Gym card – I can’t insert the praise hands emoji through Word Press, or else I would. Adding this element into our toddler and mom weekday schedule has been a game-changer, sanity saver, etc.!
Hand sanitizer
Wallet (I linked the BEST price I’ve seen for this classic LV wallet!)
Protein bar – not pictured because I literally ate it an hour before taking the pictures for this post
Keys
Pen
To access the printable Toddler Diaper Bag Essentials Checklist use this linkor just click on the image below. As a subscriber, you can access and download this and any of the other printables from my website by going to the Printables Library Page and entering the password I emailed to you when you subscribed (if you can’t find it, just email me at ashley@taylor-mademama.com and I’ll re-send!).
What are your toddler diaper bag must-haves?
Other Ta[y]lor-made Mama posts you may be interested in:
Thank you to Fab Fit Fun for gifting me the Fall Box for review.
The Fall 2017 Fab Fit Fun box has arrived and once again I’m super excited to share what’s inside with you! Fall is pretty much my favorite season, plus my (34th?!?!) birthday is in October, so this box was perfectly timed.
So far, as a #fabfitfunpartner, I’ve received the Spring, Summer, and now Fall 2017 Fab Fit Fun boxes and each time I have honestly been wowed with the VALUE; Â I seriously think to myself, “how do they get away with including this much quality product for THAT price??”.
What’s So Great About Fab Fit Fun Subscription Boxes?
If you aren’t yet familiar with Fab Fit Fun, how it works, and why you’ll love it too, allow me to break it down : )
Each box costs $49.99 Â for over $300 worth of product (but read on for a code to get $10 off that price + free shipping!)
Boxes ship out seasonally and are chock full of full-sized fashion, health, beauty and fitness goodies – the latest and greatest for that season.
 Not only do you get a box filled with awesome goodies but, as a subscriber, you also get access to FabFitFun TV! Fab Fit Fun TV is a free service (for subscribers) through which you get full access to on-demand videos from the top fitness trainers in the world. Hello, workouts during naptime!
Fab Fit Fun is ranked #1 in subscription boxes. I’m sure you can already see why! I honestly have not found this kind of value in any other subscription box I have had the chance to review.
I don’t want to be a complete spoiler alert, so here are just a few of my favorite items from this season’s Fab Fit Fun box (+ their retail value which alone total $246.50 – whoah!!)
Deco Cuticle Oil (retail value:$12.50) – I use this before my DIY shellac manicures. It smells super fresh, and the packaging is just too cute : )
B-Low The Belt (retail value $55) – the camel color matches these quintessential fall boots I scored during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale PERFECTLY.
Living Coxet Wire Heart Ceramic Jewelry Holder(retail value $33)
Mer Sea Cozy Wrap(retail value: $98) – it’s still hot here in Sacramento, but I wore this around the house for about 5 minutes and it’s super luxurious, soft and cozy.
Whish Renewing Mud Mask(retail value:$48)
Great stuff, right??
Ready to get your own Fab Fit Fun Fall 2017 Box? Click HERE and don’t forget to use discount code: TAYLORMADE to snag a box for only $39.99 (and free shipping!).
Travel with a toddler doesn’t have to be stressful, but it does take a lot of thought and planning to make sure you get everything your family needs packed and stay (at least somewhat) organized once you arrive at your destination. Vacation is meant to be relaxing and rejuvenating.
Of course, it won’t be the same care-free time as it was pre-baby, but it does not have to be stressful.
We just survived got back from our first family vacation since Taylor officially entered Toddler-dom. Although we took several trips with T when she was under 1 year, flying across the country and spending two weeks in several different locations with our Energizer Bunny was an entirely different ball game.
As usual, I spent a lot of time brainstorming beforehand and reflecting afterward on ways to make my/your #momlife easier and take some of that mental load off of you, mama (because I don’t know of many dads responsible for packing for both himself and the kiddos, am I right?).Â
To that end, I want to share a few things you can expect when traveling/vacationing with a toddler, a total Mom Must Have for packing and keeping ALL the things organized, free printable packing lists for you + your toddler, as well as a few family photos from our vacation.
This post is part of the Packed to Perfection Series. Each post (including one of my most popular – “What To Pack In A Carry-On To Entertain A Toddler On An Airplaneâ€Â) includes tips for what to pack and printable checklists to make sure you don’t forget anything. It’s hard enough remembering what to pack for yourself, right?! I like to print my checklists, laminate them and keep them in my bags/suitcases so that they are right on hand when it comes time to pack for a trip. I hope you find the vacation packing checklists for both Toddlers and Mamas from this post useful the next time you are getting ready to travel with your tot.
If you are traveling by plane, make sure you check out THIS POST and printable checklist to make sure you have everything you need to pack in a carry on bag to keep your toddler entertained during the flight! If you are going on a vacation where the pool or beach will be involved, make sure to check out THIS POST and printable checklist as well!
Without further ado…
4 Things You Can Expect On Vacation With A Toddler
Sleep and nap schedules can and will go out the window… and your little one will be just fine.Time change + jet lag (especially if you’ve made a long journey), excitement, new faces + environments, general overstimulation and even F.O.M.O. can all be cause for your little one to miss naps, stay up late, wake up earlier than normal, and just generally be off schedule. I learned that this isn’t the end of the world, and worrying about it only serves to increase your stress and decrease the vacation vibes.Your tot WILL get back on schedule when you get home and back to your regularly scheduled programming, I promise.
Reframe your mindset from taking a vacation to taking a trip. A trip, which is what you’ll be on, is definitely a memory-filled experience, but it may not include laying out in the sun for 3 hour stretches with your beverage of choice, pausing to take and post one of those obnoxious bottom halves of your legs in the foreground + ocean in the background pics ( #guilty). If you are pining for the duty-free vacation days of old, you’ll feel disappointed and like you need a vacation after the vacation, so it’s best to get in the mindset of making it a memorable trip with the fam. Unless of course, you have # 3 going for you.
Traveling with Grandparents, friends, and family can make vacation with a toddler feel like an actual vacation. If you can plan a trip with friends and family included, I would highly recommend it. It takes a village, right? I cannot explain how wonderful it was to have my parents and some of our closest relatives around to A) spend time with, and B) help to entertain/care for Taylor. If it weren’t for the help of family, I know I wouldn’t have come home feeling as relaxed as I did. Taylor pretty much played with her cousins from sunup to sundown, which was so sweet to watch. Thanks to the generosity of my parents, AJ and I were even able to sneak where to buy Provigil away for a date night in Charleston while she enjoyed some special time with them. You could even plan a trip with other couples with little ones and trade off on nights in/date nights!
Your tot is going to have a blast! No matter where you are, what you do, or even what you forget to pack, YOU are providing an amazing experience for your little one that they are going to love. Enjoy every precious, energy-filled moment.
Pack For Vacation With A Toddler Made Easy!
The EZPacking cubes made packing for and then accessing ALL the toddler things upon arrival at your destination so, well, EZ! I purchased the Starter Set (one cube in each of the four sizes) a year ago, and was gifted another set for this trip – Thanks, EZPacking! How do I love thee? Let me count the ways… I could go on about EZPacking all day long, but I’ll just give you the top 4 reasons why you MUST have these packing cubes for your next vacation (Plus, you get a 15% discount with code TAYLORMADEMAMA!):
EZPacking Starter Set in gray.2 weeks worth of toddler gear -easily packed!
Transparency. I love that the EZPacking cubes are clear. I can easily see the outfits, accessories, diaper cream, etc. that I am looking to find for myself or Taylor.
If you are going to be traveling between several different places, the packing cubes make it so easy to get comfortable and organized quickly. Even if we’re only staying somewhere for a couple of nights, putting things away and getting my suitcase out of sight just makes me feel more relaxed and at home. Throw the cubes into the bedroom or bathroom drawers and you are all set; everything is still in the same place it was at your last stop.
The cubes can be packed to utilize the entire height of the suitcase so, no wasted space!Â
EZPacking cubes come in several different colors (black,green, pink, blue and gray – orange is currently sold out), which is perfect for mamas packing for more than one child and sharing a suitcase. You could even have older children pack their own color cubes. I used a black set for myself, and a gray one for Taylor:
What To Pack For Vacation With A Toddler:
These are the vacation packing lists I use to pack for Taylor and I. I tried to include all the essentials a toddler and their mama would need. Other lines are under almost every category within the checklists so that you can add any additional, specific items you need to pack. Please let me know in the comments if there are any glaringly obvious things I left off! Clickhere or just click on the pictures below to access, download and print copies of the Mama and Toddler packing checklists:
Travel Sized Downy Wrinkle Release Spray – I roll when I pack in EZPacking cubes because it saves more space, and this spray helps in a pinch when I don’t have access to or time for ironing!s
J by Jeep Umbrella Stroller – this lightweight stroller is super easy to travel with and handles surprisingly well, even on the cobblestone streets in Charleston!
Portable Crib – although we borrowed a crib from my cousin this trip, we typically travel with our Baby Bjorn portable crib unless we are staying at a hotel which guarantees access to a crib (just make sure to bring your own sheet!).
Boxed organic milk – no refrigeration required. You can buy a 12 pack on Amazon and take a few with you for car or airplane travel when refrigeration isn’t convenient or possible.
Wet Dry bag – I pack all of Taylor’s suits and sandals in the wet dry bag, and then use it for pool/beach trips if we are going on that sort of vacation. I can’t get enough of these Skip Hop wet/dry bags.
Portable Snacks – Taylor’s fav snacks (that include protein) are these Sprout Power Pouches.
I hope you find the things I did to plan for, used during and learned along the way on vacation with a toddler help make your next vacation an enjoyable experience for your whole family – including YOU!
 EZPacking has kindly extended a discount for my readers. Enter code: TAYLORMADEMAMA15 at checkout for a 15% discount!
P.S. A few of our fav family vacation photos (July 2017)
(Charlotte, North Carolina + Litchfield Beach and Charleston, South Carolina)
The thought of flying with a toddler with an attention span as short as they are cute for the first time (or anytime) can be downright intimidating. Taylor had flown with us before, but not since she became mobile and A LOT more active/aware. In preparation for our family vacation to South Carolina, I spent a lot of time tapping the brains of all my been-there-done-that mama friends, “researching” on Pinterest, and brainstorming ideas to compile the perfect carry on bag to keep my toddler entertained and happy on a cross country flight. Guess what? Our 4.5+ hour flight with a 15-month-old went off with far less stress than I envisioned – sans iPad/electronics or spending a ton of money – so I want to share what we packed, how we packed it and tips for a successful travel day with a toddler based on this experience.
Bonus – the in-flight kit I created has served as a both a car and restaurant entertainment kit while we’ve been on vacation as well! I hope you find this post useful when packing a carry on bag to keep your toddler AND you entertained and happy during your travels. If you have an infant, check out this post to see how we packed for one of Taylor’s first flights/vacations featuring our absolute, must have packing cubes by EZPacking.
If you’re packing for an upcoming vacation, you NEED to snag some of these.
Make sure to download and print the FREE printable checklist at the end of this post (or click the photo below)!
Let’s start with the bag:
I snagged this mesh tote at Target for $9.99 (!!!) and think it’s a perfect carry on because A) they have it in 8 colors, B) it’s durable but mesh, so you can easily see and grab for anything you might need in-flight, C) it can be used as a beach bag upon arrival if you’re taking a beach vacay, and D) did I mention it was only $9.99!?
What’s In The Bag (and how it all fit!):
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In-Flight Entertainment Kit – I included a section below with all the details on what’s inside this cosmetics case turned toddler entertainment kit. I use this same bag (in this floral pattern) for my Baby/Toddler Restaurant Kit as well because it’s a perfect size and has tons of storage space! EDIT:The case I use has been sold out FOREVER – boooo – BUT I found this black one that would work just as well!!!
Tote Savvy Mini Insert – Stocked with 4 diapers, pack of wipe, disposable diaper bags/dispenser, changing pad, hand sanitizer, lip gloss, wallet, keys, etc. I pop this in and out of pretty much all my bags so that we always have the essentials on hand and organized. Check out this post for exactly what and how I’m packing my Tote Savvy for a toddler diaper bag these days.
A zippered pouch (this one from Target is only $4.99) to carry a copy of your little one’s birth certificate (most airlines require proof that your toddler is under 2 years old to qualify as a “lap infant”) and headphones for if and when your toddler naps. I stored this pouch in the front pocket of the mesh tote bag for easy access during our travels. I love my beautiful rose-gold, wireless headphones from Sudio – you can snag a pair for 15% offhere using the discount code TAYLORMADEMAMA.
Puffs (AKA toddler crack). I keep these on hand pretty much at all times. We only buy the Happy Baby organic brand.
Empty water bottles for mama and tot Fill them up once you’ve cleared security. I store the water bottles in the outer pockets on either side of the tote bag.
A novel toy set like this one with a wooden fire engine theme. Check Target’s Dollar Section – I swear, they have the most amazing toys/activities for travel purposes on the super cheap! After I already had everything together for this trip I found mini felt board sets which would be PERFECT for the kit! There is a set of 3 felt story boards on Amazon right now that I’m considering ordering to our beach house for the return flight (another Amazon Prime membership perk!). This magnetic block set would also be a great option.
Packing tape to tape up a box for your car seat if you’re bringing it with you. We had a short wardrobe box as that was the only box that would fit the dimension of our beloved car seat (Maxi Cosi 70 Convertible – on sale for only $199 right now on Amazon!!). We also brought a roll of bubble wrap to line it with. You can also check it in one of these nifty car seat backpack style bags – either way, the goal is to prevent damage. We ended up making a game time decision to put our car seat in our travel stroller bag and forego the box altogether!
Number 11!!!! Although she LOVES to color, I can’t freely give Taylor crayons or other drawing instruments because, at 15 months old, she cannot be trusted not to try them out for flavor… so, introducing this off-brand etch a sketch during the flight was a total win-win. There are more expensive versions with lap pads and sound features that would be great for car travel, but this one fit the bill for function, size and the quiet factor. Taylor played with this for nearly an hour of the flight (cumulative), so I would say the $19 price tag was well worth it. As I was writing this post I noticed that right now it’s on sale for Amazon Prime members for only $10.65! Don’t have a Prime Membership yet? Get a FREE 30 Day Trial here ( I PROMISE it’s worth it – most things on this list are Amazon Prime eligible!). There is also a cute set of two miniature drawing pads like this if you’re packing for more than one little. One of my besties recently showed me her kids’ LCD Writing Tablet like this one which is only $29.99 on Amazon.com for Prime members and an even better option than the traditional etch a sketch.
What’s In The In-Flight Entertainment Kit (# 1):
This cosmetics case is the PERFECT in-flight entertainment kit bag.
Left side = snacks, utensils, wipes, box of organic milk, bib, etc.
The Left Side:
When all else fails, snacks (and a big variety of them!) will be your tantrum tamers on a flight. In the left side of the in-flight kit I packed a ton of snacks I knew she would love: Annie’s organic gummy bunnies, fruit roll ups and cheddar bunnies, fruit + veggie pouches, a variety or bars, 2 milk boxes, a travel set of utensils (LOVE these by OXO!), a Green Sprouts wipe-off bib with a pouch (the best, and so easy to fold up!_, and individual hand and surface sanitizing wipes by Babyganics.
Right side = toys, art supplies, flashcards, etc.
The Right Side:
Basically, I raided our local party supply store and the Target dollar bins to stock up on a ton of fun little toys, stickers, flashcards and other packable items that I knew Taylor would be interested in. I brought them out one by one, or let her pick, whenever she began to lose interest. I actually had WAY more than I needed, so I’m happy we’ll still have some novel entertainment for the return flight and/or restaurant trips on vacation! I’ve heard of parents also wrapping individual toys and letting their kiddo open them up one by one to add to the time/excitement.
A Speech Pathologists I worked with recommended these Busy Baby cards to work on language development. Taylor loves looking at the cute little images and hearing me talk about what she is seeing (i.e “this baby is holding a cat and wearing a hat!”). I definitely recommend any toddler mama to pick up a pack.
What I’ll Pack Next Time:
Although our trip went smoothly, of course, I’m already thinking about how to make our mom lives even less stressful. Here are a couple things I didn’t bring with us this time, but likely will for the next trip based on our experience:
A portable, foldable high chair like this one that I almost bought on Prime Day this year! It could easily fit in a carry-on. Fortunately, we were visiting family who let us borrow us their daughter’s old Pack and Play and high chair for this trip, but in the future, we will want to bring those ourselves. The portable crib we have, use and love is this one by Baby Bjorn.
Now, onto my top 10 tips for traveling & flying with a toddler…
You can bring your own milk or juice in a cooler like this one,  but you may have to go through a full on TSA check. One option is to wait until you get through security and buy a milk box from Starbucks (these do not require refrigeration). Some airplanes will have milk depending on the airline and time of day, but if you care for it to be organic, you’re likely out of luck. I think the best option is to bring no refrigeration needed, easily portable milk boxes with you. When we arrived at our beach house, I ordered another 12 pack of organic whole milk boxes for the rest of our travel as we will not always have easy access to a fridge/milk.
3. Put your little one (if not already potty trained) in overnight diapers for the flight initially so that they don’t need to be changed as soon as they would in a regular diaper. Leaky diapers are fun for no one. Make sure they are in comfy clothes with shoes that are easy to slip on and off; we opted for Natives and they worked like a charm – definitely our new fav toddler shoe!
4. I know it isn’t always possible with logistics, but try to plan your flight time around your toddler’s nap if possible. We booked a SUPER early flight which was painful at 4:30 in the morning but worth it to coincide with Taylor’s daily nap. We enjoyed watching the movie Lionwhile she snoozed.
5. I know screen time isn’t for everyone, and to each their own, but if you allow it this suggestion is for you. Download shows from Netflix, Xfinity, etc. and age appropriate apps onto your iPad or laptop. This will, hopefully, occupy your little one and buy you and your fellow passengers some quiet time. We had technical difficulties and weren’t able to utilize this option on this flight. Luckily, Taylor slept for nearly 2 hours of the flight but if she hadn’t we really would have missed out on having this entertainment option.
6. Bring empty water bottles in your carry on and fill them up at the airport once you’ve cleared security.
7. Invest in a travel/umbrella stroller and umbrella stroller bag. Previously, we traveled with our Baby Jogger City Select, but it was just too big and cumbersome with all the other luggage we needed to bring with us. This J by Jeep umbrella stroller is easy to fold open and closed and really compact. It also has a UV. You can check the stroller at the gate right before you board, but make sure to ask the desk attendant at your gate for a tag asap.
8. Walk the aisles if you sense that the native/s are getting restless and it is permitted by the captain. Generally, other passengers are going to want to see that cute little toddler’s happy face when they get to get up and move around the cabin. The walk will give them a chance to check out this new environment and distract them from being confined to a seat. If anyone has a problem with it (or your toddler crying for that matter) then that is their own issue – but truth be told, #momshaming can be real on flights!
9. Arrive to check in for your flight early, call ahead, or both to ask for an extra seat if possible. Generally, airlines will go ahead and reserve a seat when a “lap infant” is flagged on the manifest and keep it if the flight is not full. The extra seat makes diaper changes, and the whole flying experience, a lot easier! By the way, this article by USA today does a great job of breaking down how to deal with how to change a diaper during a flight!
10. My last, but number one piece of advice would be to prepare and pack as well as you can beforehand, but then try your best to relax and go with the flow because, as we all know, toddlers certainly cannot be predicted!
I truly hope there is at least one piece you can use to make your #momlife less stressful when planning and packing for your next family vacation!
Now, click here or just click on the picture below to access, download and print a copy of the packing checklist:
Be sure to check out the other posts in my Packed to Perfection Series I’ll be including free downloadable packing lists for each! Print, laminate (this laminating machine is $19.97 on Amazon.com, woo hoo!), stick the list in your bag to reference, and stop worrying about forgetting something every time you head out the door!
What other posts would you love to see in this series?
Other Taylor-made Mama posts you may be interested in:
Make sure to download and print the FREE printable Toddler Pool Bag checklist at the end of this post!
Now, let’s dive into (pun intended) what to pack for a day at the pool with a toddler:
It used to be as easy as grabbing a towel, sunnies and a suit, sunblock, an issue of InStyle, water bottle, flip flops, then off to the pool for the day. Now that you have a baby or toddler in tow, there is a whole new element to planning and packing for a successful, fun, safe day at the pool.Â
I want to show you what and how I pack for a Mommy and Me Pool Day with my toddler. If you’re a first-time mom in the same boat as I was OR a been-there-done-that pro mama, I hope this post will give you some good ideas for things to pack (and what to pack them in!) for a great day at the pool with your toddler.
Swimsuit with built in swim diaper by i play.
Now that we have access to a pool right down the road in our new community, pool days are a part of our weekly routine. Taylor lovingly refers to this special place as the poooo, which I find pretty darn funny, but I digress…
Before we moved, I had never taken Taylor to a pool and I wasn’t quite sure what to pack to bring with us that first day. Flash forward a couple weeks and I feel like we have rounded up everything we need with the caveat that, at some point, we’ll probably start bringing some pool toys. Right now, at 15 months old, Taylor is happy to just people watch from her float or splash/walk around in the baby pool. The first few times at the pool for her were about introducing her and helping her become accustomed to the water and new environment.
What to pack for a day at the pool with a toddler:
Tote Bag – obviously, this is a must! The bag shown in the photo above is one I got at our local grocery market because I loved the design, fun color scheme and the size worked perfectly. Here are a few similar and the black mesh tote I am using for a carry on/beach bag for our upcoming vacation (it comes in several colors and is under $10!):
1.Babyganics sunscreen stick SPF 50 (for the face bc my fingers on her face is, apparently, torture) and sunscreen in a gallon Ziplock bag – I usually put my own sunscreen on at home and if I need to reapply, I will just use Taylor’s.
2. Skip Hop wet/dry bag with the following inside the dry pouch: the Wet Brush and a change of clothes for a toddler. When we are ready to leave, we rinse off and then I change her into a diaper, put the pool cover up back on her and throw the wet suit into this bag. I can’t tell you how many things I use these bags for or how many we own!
5. Skip Hop cooler for water bottles (I also used this in my Pumping Bag) – Camel Back bottles: mom version, toddler version. If you’re looking to pack snacks that need to be refrigerated I HIGHLY recommend this Freezable Tote by PackIt; you stick it in the freezer and, once frozen, it stays cold for up to 10 hours – no ice packs needed!
6. Floaties – the ones linked are super easy to blow up, well rated, Amazon Prime eligible (as are most items linked in this post) and under $10! If you aren’t yet an Amazon Prime member, you can sign up for a free 30 day trial HERE.
7. Swim Suit Cover Up for mama – I have two pool cover ups I’m LOVING right now. The first is this simple, classy one.The second (shown in the photo above) is by Michael Stars. I got that one as part of the summer Fab Fit Fun box. I’m kind of obsessed with these boxes. Most of the individual items in the box (like the cover up) are worth more than the cost of the ENTIRE box. Use the code TAYLORMADE to save $10, and get your box for only $39.99!
9. Towels – I bring one for myself and one for Taylor, but you could probably get by with just one and save bag space.
Tote Savvy Insert = Mom Must Have!
10. ToteSavvy Mini Insert – I use this ToteSavvy insert interchangeably in all my bags these days be it a purse, diaper bag, carry on for a flight or pool day bag;Â I love it because I always know where to look for the essentials. To me, this insert is an absolute mom must-have! These days I carry the following inside it’s pouches: Bandaids, mini Evian facial spray (this keeps both toddler and mama cool on a hot day!), a couple small toys, Babyganics Alcohol-Free individually packed hand,face and mouth sanitizing wipes, 2 diapers, pack of wipes, several snacks, keys, wallet and one of the most popular items purchased through Amazon via links on my site – the Munchkin Arm & Hammer diaper bag dispenser and bags:
On Toddler:
Swimsuit – I bought a couple of these suits with built in swim diapers by I play on Amazon Prime Day 2017, and we’re loving them so far.
Swim diaper to wear underneath a suit if it doesn’t have a built-in. We have been using these disposable swim pants by Babyganics, but there are also tons of non-disposable versions as well.
Diaper for over the swim suit in the car ride to the pool because swim diapers tend to leak (or maybe I’m using them wrong?). When we get to the pool we just take off this extra safety precaution.
Cooler or freezable picnic tote for water bottles, milk and snacks that need refrigerating. For me, this is just too much to carry – I can only manage a baby, tote bag and float when it’s just T and I.
Now you tell me, what are your pool day bag must haves? I’m on the lookout for some water shoes like these from Carter’s for Taylor, but are there some you like better?
Click here or just click on the picture below to access, download and print a copy of the checklist:
Stay in the shade whenever possible, and limit sun exposure during the peak intensity hours – between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Wear a hat with a three-inch brim or a bill facing forward, sunglasses (look for sunglasses that provide 97% -100% protection against both UVA and UVB rays), and clothing with a tight weave.
On both sunny and cloudy days use a sunscreen with an SPF 15 or greater that protects against UVA and UVB rays.
Reapply sunscreen every two hours, and after swimming or sweating.
This post contains affiliate links but, as you already know, I only promote things I am actually into (like anything Amazon.com)!
If you don’t already have an Amazon Prime membership then today is, definitely, definitely the day to become one. If you already have one, are you ready for Prime Day 2017??
You can get a FREE 30 Day Trial to Amazon Prime HERE, just in time to take advantage of all the deals for Prime members only beginning on July 10 at 6pm PT / 9pm ET and runs all day Prime Day July 11.
Why So Awesome, Amazon Prime?
As a side note, my Prime membership easily pays for itself within a few weeks. I consider Alexa a bestie (btw, you can get $10 credit on Prime Day for ordering through Alexa). I save hundreds per year by shopping for everything from the comfort of my home, car (as a passenger, of course), waiting in lines, etc. Groceries, baby stuff, home decor, electronics, clothing, music, movies…is there anything Amazon Prime doesn’t get you access to + free 1-2 Day Shipping/returns on these days ?? Truth be told, I went completely a little crazy on Prime Day last year because deals were just. that. Good. The onslaught of boxes 2 days later totally freaked my husband out, but, #worthit. So what are you waiting for? Sign up for a Free 30 Day Prime Trial HERE and get to shoppin’.
For a full list of ALL the benefits of a Prime membership check out this link.
Okay, so onto some of the deals I have my eye on for toddlers and their mamas. Head over to my Facebook Page for all the deals I’m finding starting…..NOW! I’ll be posting every chance I get when I find a deal for you:
Let me know if there is something in particular you are looking for and I’ll see what I can find!
Call me ignorant, but I did not realize just how much CRAP is put into a lot of the products out there on the market for babies and toddlers. Mainstream baby products contain numerous toxic ingredients that will enter your baby’s body if used or actually ingested, not to mention toddlers who are putting stuff in their mouths ALL. THE. TIME. I feel like I’ve  been cognizant of trying my best to avoid buying things for Taylor that might be toxic, artificial, and generally not healthy for human beings, let alone little ones, but honestly I haven’t really had the time to do my due diligence on each and every product I’ve purchased… #momguilt
Now That I Know Better
Thankfully, I discovered a company whose purpose is to make it easier for busy moms (aren’t we all!) and moms-to-be to give themselves and their family the healthiest products, at really good prices, while doing all the vetting and research for us on the back end! 21 Bundles is a personalized subscription box service that delivers baby/toddler products that are sustainable, ethical, and most of all HEALTHY while still remaining super cute, relevant and fun. I LOVE mail like this! The best part is that you can rest assured no product 21 Bundles delivers will contain any of this junk:
source: www.healthiest.io
How 21 Bundles Works
Tell 21 Bundles your stage (or baby’s age)
Each Bundle is taylored (had to!) to your baby or toddlers age with all natural products. Each and every product in the bundles must meet or exceed these stringent regulations before being considered for and curated as “the healthiest” of products out there for little ones.
Every bundle (4-7 full-sized products along with stickers, samples, and coupons) is delivered in an eco-friendly box packed with safe and chemical free goodies! For example, the cute little owl stroller toy Taylor received in her 14-month-old bundle is made from fair trade certifiably organic Egyptian cotton and chemical free dyes!
Our first bundle was truly loaded with goodies relevant to Taylor’s and stage! Her favorite from the get was definitely the Rainbow Sensory Ball; much to my dismay her delight it has a very, shall we say, distinctive squeak to it; it’s a go-to toy for her now, but at least I don’t have to worry when she mouths it! Personally, I am anxious to use the Monkey Mat (as seen on Shark Tank!) for backyard and park picnics/concerts this summer, and I’m definitely stashing the non-toxic surface sanitizer in my Toddler Restaurant Essentials Kit.
You can learn more about any product sent to you in your own bundle, or order other healthy family and baby products by visiting the parent site to 21bundles, www.healthiest.io. From here on out, I’m definitely saving myself the trouble of researching on my own and using this site as a resource.
What do you think of this concept? Pretty awesome, right? Would you try something like this out for your own babe or as a gift? Right now, you can get 20% off your first bundle using code TAYLORMADEMAMA at check out!
Hope you love your experience with 21 Bundles it as much as we did!
Thanks to 21 Bundles for sponsoring today’s post. Please know that I only recommend products and resources I truly believe in.
Other Taylor-made Mama posts you may be interested in:
This post is sponsored by Carter’s; however, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Although they are little, babies sure can create BIG change in our lives.
From the day Taylor was born until today SO much has changed for us. If you follow us on Instagram you probably already know that we moved to our new home/city last weekend and that in about a month I will be leaving a 10+ year, successful career to stay home with Taylor. If interested, you can read more about that decision HERE. The reason for mass amounts of change in a relatively short timeframe? An itty, bitty newborn baby who has grown way too quickly into an {almost} full blown toddler.
Our move represents the incredible way that a baby can change your internal + external priorities and reality…
Before and even during pregnancy, I thought I wantedto be a working mom of 1 child only, and my hubby and I had our life planned accordingly. We certainly didn’t think that, within a year of T’s birth, that we would reorganize our financial and physical life in order to allow me to stay at home with her. Nor did we imagine we would search for a home that would be able to (hopefully, someday, no I’m not pregnant) accommodate anotherbaby! But, as I am sure you have experienced in your own way, a baby can be quite the catalyst for change.
As we packed up the home we spent our first year as a family in I couldn’t stop thinking of all the memories we made in those rooms and how much growing we all did in different ways. However, I’m super excited for this new chapter in our lives. It will be one with undoubtedly less “me time,” but filled with so much more “us” time and for that, I’m incredibly grateful.
Luckily, through all of the change, Carter’s has us covered. Taylor has grown up in their zip-up playsuits (hello, easy diaper changes!) and I may or may not have spent WAY too much money during their Memorial Day sale on tons of the cutest swimsuits and outfits for Taylor’s summer. Carter’s has compiled some of their most classic, tried & true styles (including the zip-up playsuits) to comprise the Little Baby Basics Collection.
Little Baby Basics baby clothes are sized newborn through 24 months. As your baby – and you – go through all the changes (and growth spurts) involved in the first 1+ year of their life this is a line of baby boy clothes and baby girl clothes that you can count on for consistent quality, affordable prices, comfort and – very importantly – cuteness! I mean, look at the elephant detail…those pant ruffles… *sigh*
The Original Body Suits from the Little Baby Basics Collection, like the ones Taylor is shown wearing throughout this post, are must-haves in any baby wardrobe. They are sold (for incredibly reasonable prices) in packs of 5 coordinating patterns + designs which also makes them an adorable baby shower gift.
Carter’s has offered a generous coupon to my readers, available now through July 4th, 2017. With this coupon, you’ll receive 20% off their already great prices if you spend $40 or more, in store or online. Stock up for now, later or even a future baby shower gift:
Not sure where your local Carter’s store is? You can find the nearest store by clicking here.
Happy Shopping and remember to savor each and every moment with your little one/s – it flies by too quickly not to!
Other Ta[y]lor-made Mama posts you may be interested in:
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high chair like this one
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