Since becoming a mom, I’ve learned that I need to be prepared for anything. Which is why I put together this baby car kit. It took me maybe 10 minutes to put the kit together.
While I always travel with a well stocked diaper bag whenever I take Owen, out and about, I wanted to be able to have some items in my car just in case.
I keep the car kit basket in the back of my car by my emergency road assistance kit and jumper cables. In case you couldn’t tell, I like to be prepared when it comes to my car.
One thing that I keep in the car kit is a change of clothes for me, which includes yoga pants and a shirt, because you never know when a blow out or massive spit up attack will happen. I’ve always kept a change of clothes in my car because of my day job as an in-home early intervention developmental therapist. There’s been a couple times that I’ve had to change my clothes in between therapy appointments. I won’t go into details but I’m sure you can imagine the crazy things that happen with toddlers.
Another item I keep my in my car kit for me is nursing pads. Recently, on the way to run errands, I realized I didn’t have my nursing pads in. I found myself digging in the glovebox of my car for fast food napkins to use as stand ins. Desperate times call for desperate measures, my friends. So I made sure to include a couple disposable nursing pads in the kit so I never have to repeat that experience. I also threw some extra pads in my purse cosmetic bag.
And one thing I always keep in my car is a car window breaker with seat belt cutter. While I hope to never have to use it, I take comfort in knowing it’s in the center console of my car should I ever get stuck in the car with Owen. It can also be used to break someone else’s window. Like if they accidentally lock themselves out of their car with the kid(s) or pet(s) inside. Or if someone leaves a child or pet unattended in a car on a hot day. If you purchase a car window breaker, be sure to watch some videos showing how to use it.
Baby Car Kit Essentials:
basket (similar found here)
diaper changing pad clutch (we have this one and another like this one)
change of clothes for me
baby wipes
antibacterial wipes
baby blanket (I LOVE these)
change of clothes for baby (one piece outfit, socks, hat)
disposable nursing pads (I use these)
pacifiers
Once he gets older, I’ll add a couple car toys.
The diaper changing pad clutch comes with a pocket to store diapers and wipes, so I keep a couple diapers and a handful of wipes stored in there.
Since we’re heading into winter, and Midwest winters can be brutal, I plan to put a couple blankets, bottled water, some snacks (for me), and hand warmers in my baby car kit just case I should get stranded with my little one.
When it comes to putting together a baby or kid car kit in your car, use what works best for your kiddo and family. Just think about the things you would want to have on hand should you forget something or if your kiddo has an accident. And you don’t have to be fancy with what you put the stuff in. I used a basket I had laying around but you could use any sort of container.
I recreated my baby registry HERE if you’d like to check it out!
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ColleenM says
Chelsea,
I remember racing to church the day of my son’s baptism and half way there I remembered I didn’t have any nursing pads in…UGH! Fortunately, my husband carries everything but the kitchen sink in his truck so he had a roll of paper towels that I could use. I’m still not organized with the car stuff but at least I’m beyond the nursing pad days, my son will be 20 next week! Thanks for all the fun tips anyway. Love your blog and Owen is adorable:)
LINDSAY M says
not only are you super organized, but my gosh I wish my car was 1/2 as clean as yours and I don’t have any kids!!! go girl!
Lauren @ Sew You Think You Can Cook says
Great idea!! I need to do this. ASAP. Thanks!
Natalie @ Being Mrs. Olson says
This is a FANTASTIC idea. I am not yet a mom, but I will definitely keep this in mind. This way, you are always covered!
katie says
Totally appreciate the kit but want to provide a heed of warning. If, by some very unfortunate chance, you were to get into an accident, all of thosr items will become flying objects! I wouldn’t have thought twice about it before…. maybe a closed container you can tie down or a secret storage compartment? 🙂
Shari Koski says
I was in an accident everything Flew even the items wedged under the back seat came to the front the kids were not with me thankfully because the un-tethered car seat from the back hatch fell into the back seat. I was going a whooping 12 miles per hour but did not see a post. tether it all! belts, carabiners, and industrial velcro help organize your belongings.
Brittany @ The Domestic Geek says
Here I thought I was super prepared for storing a couple diapers in the glove department. 😉 My husband is definitely terrible at restocking anything so emergency diapers in the car were needed.
stephanie says
Just a note being in New England mid winter currently, baby wipes freeze. I learned this the hard way. The yoga pants and shirt are a great idea which I am going to steal!
Kristina says
Thanks for the tip Stephanie, I’m in NE also this is definitely good to know as we are expecting our first:)
Lorelei says
I usually keep a “Get Home” kit (in case a SHTF scenario) with survival equipment, since we both work 45 minutes out from home, but with 2 under 2, this will be on my to do list this month (as soon as daddy cleans out both vehicles!)! I’m also going to include items for them as a 72 hour kit: formula, powdered milk, cloth diapers, etc. Things we have in our kits at home, but one just for car.
jill says
when my son was born i had a car kit similar to this in a back pack. i liked to keep a flat of bottled water in the back of my car, also in my kit i had baby formula packets, teether toys, burp cloth/cloth diaper, a spare baby bottle, and teething snacks like puffs or those teether crackers. im in the process of putting together a new car kit for the little one on the way and big brother.
Lyn Fleming says
Such a great idea! I remember running out of diapers in our diaper bag while we were out on a day trip. We had to stop everything and go find a store before being able to meet up with the rest of our family for dinner. What. A. Pain! I will be putting one of these together for sure!
Kim says
What do you do in the winter with the wipes? Don’t they freeze? I live in Canada and our winters get quite cold, I would be afraid that the wipes would freeze and then be ruined.Great idea though…I don’t have a change of clothes for myself and I really should. I generally have everything else with me…but normally in my purse. I should really make a car bin to make my purse lighter!
Katrina says
You could have some face washers and just use the water from bottles?
Kassi Chapman says
Such a good idea! My daughter had a massive pool explosion in the car about a year ago and I was recently reminded about it so, after seeing your post, I’ve decided to pack my own car kit. I’m actually writing a post and linking it back to your site. 🙂 Check it out!
Dana says
Can you link where you got your diaper changing pad clutch? By the way, pregnant as a first time mom here and all your posts are so helpful!! I’ve pinned a lot of them to look back at and implement 🙂 Thank you so much!
Paula Gregory says
Using this for my “grandma” car kit. Baby #2 is coming next week and I have baby duty with #1 – including daycare pick up. This list was really helpful!
Stephanie, One Caring Mom says
Such a great list! I’ve been without nursing pads way too many times for comfort. I’d never thought of a change of clothes for ME…what a great idea.