What's in My Nanny Bag? Basically Everything.

Aug 31

4 min read

At times my bag definitely feels like it doesn't have a bottom. It reminds me of the grandma's purse in Halloween Town (if you don't get that reference, don't tell me because it will make me feel old).

But it's really just because I like to be prepared and have absolutely everything I could possibly need! So I figured I'd share some of my go tos that can get you through the day, or at the very least, through dinner.

This is more of my Little Wrangler Nannies event bag setup, specifically what I take to smaller events. It's a little different from what I would carry in my everyday nanny bag with my nanny kids.

I want to start off with what bag I use because it is my absolute favorite. I not only use it for my everyday nanny bag, but I also use it as my travel bag. It is the Montana West × Wrangler Tote Bag. When I tell you I love this bag, I mean it. I love this bag. So much that I'm actually considering ordering a new one because they came out with some new designs!

I love how sturdy it is. It doesn't feel like it's going to fall apart just because I stuffed it full of everything I need. It also has plenty of pockets, which is a must for me, and of course, I had to get the cow print design. If I'm going to carry a nanny bag everywhere, it might as well be a little western! You can literally fit anything you need in this bag. By the end of this, you'll see exactly what I mean!

The Basics

I'll start with the basics that I think every parent (and nanny) should have with them just because kids are kids, and kids get dirty so easily.

1. Hand sanitizer

Pretty self explanatory, but you never know when you're going to need it!

2. A Tide stick

Because somehow kids can get a stain on their clothes in the five minutes you weren't looking.

3. Baby wipes

No matter how old the kid is, there is definitely a chance you will need these.

4. A small first aid kit

Nothing crazy, just some basic things you might need if your kid gets a scrape.

Keeping Little Wranglers Busy

Those were the basics. Now let's get into how I keep them busy and entertained when they need to sit still for a little while. I'm really big on being screen free at the table, and especially at events when a tablet wouldn't be appropriate to have out and would be a bigger distraction than what is needed. So these are a few of my tricks.

1. Magnetic Tiles

These come in a small traveling tin with 20 pieces, so it's not a huge mess and they can sit there, build, and have fun. Depending on how many kids I’m with I’ll have either one or two.

2. LCD Doodle & Drawing Tablet

For the kids who are artistic and want to draw but without the mess! They're also super flat, so they're really easy to tuck into your bag. I usually have about two in my bag at all times.

3. Paint by Sticker Book

This one is a newer find and I absolutely love it. The kid is just matching stickers to the corresponding spot on the page, and when they're done, it shows a beautiful picture! The two I have at the moment are a dinosaur and unicorn booklet.

4. A Book or Two

Usually, I have a book or two in there as well!

All of these are great for those moments when the kids need something to keep them busy and entertained.

The Busy Bag

A few items I wanted to include that I have on me when I'm working an event are what I call a busy bag. However many kids I'm watching, I'll have one per kid. These work when I need the kid to be exactly what I said, busy!

It really is just a cute gift bag with western themed kid items to keep them entertained.

Each busy bag gets:

• A little notebook

• Crayons

• Stickers

• Slime (always check with the parents first on that one!)

• Slap bracelet

• Hand stamp

• A squishy or some sort of fidget toy because if you have kids, you know that's all they care about now!

The Things I Keep for Me

And somewhere in between all the things for the kids, I somehow manage to fit a few things for myself too!

Lip gloss, AirPods, a charger for my phone, and a folder with all my important papers for the event. I usually have a laptop and a water bottle in there as well!

Like I said, this bag is never ending and somehow manages to fit just about everything I need!

Hopefully this gave you guys a few ideas for things you can toss in your own bag. You never know what you're going to need when you're wrangling little wranglers, but it's always nice to have it when you do!

Until next time, Kristin 🩷