We’ve all been there: You’ve budgeted just enough time to get somewhere with the kids only to find yourself an unpacked diaper bag and dashed hopes of being on time.
By the time you finish rounding up everything you need, you’re ten minutes late and haven’t even left the house yet. You find yourself wondering (for the thousandth time) why does it take SO LONG to get out of the house with kids?!
Happily, there is a simple antidote: a car caddy.
What’s a car caddy?
It’s as simple and straightforward as it sounds—and it’s truly a game-changer when it comes to cutting the time it takes to get on the road with kids. Instead of packing and unpacking a diaper bag every time you leave the house, keep everything you need in your car. That way, when it’s time to go, all you have to worry about loading is the essentials (kids, phone, wallet, keys? check!).
What should I pack in it?
What you pack in your caddy will likely depend on the age of your kids and the season, but here’s a list to help guide you:
-
The caddy itself: This one is great—it comes in two sizes (large and extra large) and it’s water-resistant and washable.
-
Diapers and wipes
-
Pacifiers
-
Baby carrier (Might we suggest the Solly Wrap? It’s so compact—and ideal for every season!)
-
Seasonal items:
-
Summer: Sunscreen, portable fan, sun hat
-
Winter: Beanie
-
Change of clothes (doesn’t need to be fancy! Just something to put them in when spills or blowouts happen)
-
Snacks + drinks: Consider having a sippy cup that you keep in the car for easy refilling on the go
How often should I restock it?
The benefit of a car caddy is that it stays in your vehicle—no packing or unpacking required! At most, you might need to restock it once a week with the basics (diapers/wipes/snacks, etc.), and then you’ll swap clothes and seasonal items once a quarter or so.
Ready to go?
With your car caddy packed up? Yeah you are! Right now! Trust us, once you implement it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Think: Fewer forgotten items, fewer frantic exits, and way more ease when leaving with your little ones in tow. Because anything that helps parents reclaim their calm is a win in our book.
