Toddlers are at a special age wherein they love to discover and explore. Thus it is important for parents to prepare their kids’ bags filled with essentials they need when their out at school, in a class field trip, or at playdates with friends.
Mothers, a preschool teacher, and other child-rearing experts share the things they put in their children’s bags.
Snacks and water
Toddlers’ appetite knows no limits; they tend to get hungry every now and then.
“I make sure I have something available that is on-the-go and not messy to keep my son’s energy up. I also make sure he is always well hydrated,” shares mompreneur Christine Li of Wandermom.ph.
First aid kit
Bumps, booboos, and wounds are part of kids’ growing up years. Hence, Li makes sure to pack her kid a first aid kit. “My staple first aid is a travel-sized ointment for multipurpose use in case of situations like rashes, dryness, itchiness, or insect bites.”
The first aid kit should also contain band-aids for quick fix on wounds they get from playing, as well as a card with the contact details of parents in case of emergency.
Playtime kit
After hours of playtime and exposure to pollution, it is important that kids can easily freshen up.
“To get rid of dirty pollutants, my kids’ bags always have a hand sanitizer or alcohol. Bringing an extra shirt in case playtime gets intense and sweaty will be useful, along with powder and a roll of tissue for messy moments, so that their bodies can cool down and stay fresh,” shares blogger mom, Lanie Lluch of Mommy Bloggers Philippines.
Oral care kit
Chesca Kramer, oral healthcare advocate for Hapee Kiddie, shares she makes sure her three kids, Gavin, Scarlett, and Kendra, have their oral care kits in their kiddie bags wherever they go. This contains a colorful toothbrush and a tube of their favorite Hapee Kiddie anti-cavity toothpaste.
“When all the kids were still in traditional school, I made sure they bring an oral care kit with them always. By doing this, we teach them the importance of taking care of their teeth so that they can smile and interact confidently,” shares Kramer.
Hapee Kiddie toothpaste, which comes in different fruity flavors, contains kid-safe levels of fluoride which can help fight off dental cavities.
Bonus: Opt for mobile bags
Lift the burden off kids’ shoulders by giving them a stroller bag instead of a backpack. This would help keep their posture straight and their back pain-free from all the heavy books and school materials they bring to school.
“Get one with their favorite characters so that they would be encouraged to go to school and study,” says Celine Dy Buenaventura, former pre-school teacher and now proud mother of five. She recommends an upright stroller bag over the horizontal one for easier maneuvering, especially during dismissal time when fetchers flock the gates.