Tag Archives: bag

I’m All About the Fanny Pack, Baby!

fanny pack

I am now a proud, fanny pack wearing Mom. Yes, I said FANNY PACK! The term, product, item, etc… known as a “fanny pack” has certainly been the butt (no pun intended) of jokes, an 80’s iconic fashion statement and sort of like a NON-desireable accessory, but you know what, I LOVE MINE, and I’ll tell you why…

In my busy life as an on the go Mom, it is inevitable that I am always running, literally. No matter how much extra time I give myself or pre-planning I do, the clock is always ticking when we are headed out or going somewhere, and it is beyond helpful to have my personal essentials within arms reach.

It can also be said that what would be the ultimate help as a parent are extra, arms, hands, shoulders…and eyeballs…BUT since I am only one person, using a fanny pack frees up my hands, arms, entire upper body really, to help shoulder all the items having 2 kids begs you to tote around.

I’ve gone from throwing my wallet into the diaper bag, graduated to tossing the same wallet into a child backpack – that I inevitably end up carrying, to sometimes using my big tote bag, but end up filling that with all kinds of kids items and it is HEAVY! And when you think about having your personal purse/bag, a child backpack and perhaps carrying the child on your person at one time, it can truly weigh you down. Not to mention maybe also finding a free limb, finger or whatever to hang onto another child, jacket or sippy cup! SIGH if you feel me! 🙂

fannypack1

So now that I’ve started wearing a fanny pack. Also known as a belt bag or waist pack for “fanny pack” rejecters…I truly see and feel a difference. I can put some cash, cards, keys, phone and even some snacks in my pack. It doesn’t weigh down my shoulders. Once I have it attached to my body I don’t even have to remove it when I buckle up in the car, it stays on me. Easy access when running errands, no twisting turning or contortionist moves, while rummaging through a shoulder bag to find what you need. And, since I keep it on, I don’t have to worry about leaving it behind or forgetting it somewhere.

The one I have now is pretty casual, but I am seriously thinking about stepping up my fanny pack fashion game and getting a more “designer” style bag too. I mean, even VOGUE is talking about how the belted accessory was sighted on Paris runways recently! SO maybe I’m onto something and just doing my part to re-ignite this former faux pas trend. Now don’t get me wrong, I still am using my shoulders and body to carry bags and babies, but I’m all about that fanny pack, baby!

 

Hospital Bag Checklist for New Moms-To-Be

hospital
The countdown has begun, and you can’t wait to meet your new baby. To help you prepare for the big day and the trip to the hospital, here’s a handy checklist of necessities and nice-to-haves. Be sure you have your bag packed and ready to go at least a couple of weeks before your due date, as babies sometimes arrive earlier than expected… I found this great Hospital Bag Checklist on the Pampers website…and added a few comments from my own experience! 😉For Mom-to-Be

Two bed pillows with favorite cases | Hospital pillows are flat and not so comfy
Lotion or massage oil
Warm socks | You’ll probably be provided with some, but it’s nice to have your own
Lollipops for a dry mouth | Not sure if all hospitals allow this, I only was able to have ice chips once I got hooked up (i.e. pitocin and IV)
Paper fan
Soothing picture for focal point
Wooden back massager
Nightgown(s) that opens in the front for nursing | A robe works well too
Robe and slippers | Flip flops for shower as well
Shawl or sweater to put over hospital gown for nursing
Panties and nursing bras | Esp. for cesarean you need BIG BRIEFS, total, high-waisted underwear, think super “granny”
Sanitary pads
Comfortable clothes to wear home
Toiletries such as toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo and body wash
Bag for taking extra items home

For Your Doting Partner

Insurance information
Snacks for labor
Cell phone and charger
Reference handouts from childbirth class
Change of clothing
Toiletries, including razor (no scratchy cheeks, Dad!)

For Celebrating the Big Day

Music and music playing device (phone, computer, tablet, or CD player) for labor, birth, and nursing the baby
Camera and film/phone /digital camera / camcorder for birth and baby photos and video
Batteries and chargers

For Your Baby on the Way Home

Going home clothes, including a hat and receiving blanket | photographers also make the rounds doing newborn photos, so maybe a cute newborn hat or two!
Car seat already installed in the back seat of the car
Spare diapers and wipes

For Preparing Your Home for Baby Visitors

Extra toilet paper, paper towels, and tissues
Hand soap and hand sanitizer (clean hands required for holding the baby!)

For Your Baby (and You) at Home

Diapers and wipes
Gentle clothes detergent
A toy or other welcoming nursery decor
Pre-made meals in freezer (or takeout/delivery menus from restaurants) for hungry parents
Lots of love and cuddles!