My oldest two girls are almost a year apart and were both born in Germany. I went to be induced with our second born โ€” and she came on Halloween! I was excited, but I had huge mom guilt because I knew there was a chance I'd still be in the hospital on my oldest's first birthday. That's exactly what happened โ€” but I was released the morning of her birthday around 10 am! ๐ŸŽ‰

Our neighbors watched our oldest while my husband came to get me โ€” and the car broke down on the way home. It started slowing down, we pulled over, and it shut off. In Germany, by September it's already cold โ€” so you can imagine what November felt like stranded on the side of the road with a newborn.

By the grace of God a tow truck was passing by and pulled over. But at that moment I realized โ€” I didn't have any extra blankets in the car besides the ones I'd packed for the hospital. We had nothing to keep the baby or ourselves warm. That experience changed how I pack forever.

"The fall and winter months can be very dangerous โ€” so now I keep a second baby bag in my car at all times. Let my story be your lesson!"

What I Pack in My Baby Bag & Car

With that story in mind, here is everything I personally pack โ€” both in my baby bag and in the car โ€” whenever we're heading out during the colder months:

๐Ÿ‘œ

Baby bag essentials

  • Change of clothes for all kids (including socks!)
  • Diapers
  • Wipes
  • Lotion
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Snacks
  • Juices
  • Toys
๐Ÿš—

Car bag essentials

  • Pack of juice and water
  • Extra blankets ๐Ÿงฃ
  • A bag for mama with extra clothes & toiletries
  • Extra diapers
  • A foldable potty
  • Trash bags and wipes
  • Hand and body warmers โ„๏ธ

๐Ÿ’ก Tiffany's pro tip

I keep a fully stocked second baby bag in my car at all times โ€” not just for winter, but all year round. You just never know when you'll need it. After that experience in Germany I made it a non-negotiable. Prepare for the unexpected and you'll never be caught off guard!

๐Ÿ›๏ธ โ†’

Have questions or topic ideas? ๐Ÿ’Œ

Feel free to reach out โ€” I love hearing from you!

Email me at nestingmamathedoula@gmail.com


Ready to book a consultation? Click here โ†’

๐ŸŒธ

Tiffany James

Certified Labor Doula ยท Nesting Mama

Certified labor doula and mama of 3, serving families in Greensboro, High Point, and Winston-Salem, NC. I learned the hard way to always be prepared โ€” and now I want to make sure you never have to! ๐Ÿ’›

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