Meet my Nanny-Pack.
After a few years of lugging around a traditional diaper bag, I had an epiphany…..”Aaa-a-AAAA” like the Little Mermaid sings as her fins turn into human legs. Now I know that I am not the first to use a backpack as a diaper bag – there are in fact very pricey ones for purchase – but it just hit me, why am I not being more functional!?
Let me just add here that this summer has marked a new phase in my adventure with the triplet boys. They were 2.5 years old and starting to outgrow the “Choo-Choo” (3 seated wagon). I knew that we were months away from starting pre-school and needed to learn to hold hands. Now since I couldn’t grown another limb, I figured I had to get as functional as I could with the 2 that I have. So each day, I would load up my backpack with their essentials for our field trip. No walking while leaning to one side so that the bag wouldn’t fall. No bag slipping down, obstructing my grip. Oh, the backpack and I became great friends very quickly.So now I share with you one of the simplest things, that has been revolutionary in my daily workday. If you work with multiples or more than one young child, join my Nanny-pack Club!
High5 – Characteristics of My “Nanny-Pack”
Knowing that my personal bag was not “the one” for work, I went on search of a THE backpack. Here are some things that took priority in my choice.
5. Easy to Clean
When working with kids, especially boys, I knew that I needed something I could hose down. Seriously! Juices spill, lollipops come unwrapped, and sticky hands touch. So I choose a mostly NYLON bag, that I could literally empty and spray with a hose. I also choose black, not just because I love the color, but because it does not show dirt. I plan on making this bag last many years.
4. Comfortable
While the name brand is a more expensive bag, when I tried it on it was comfortable and light. Just like a good pair of gym shoes, I knew it would last because it would wear well. The back of the bag and straps are thickly padded, ready for a long day at the zoo or theme park.
3. Accessible
I wanted a bag that had easy access, and I could leave certain things in certain places, to take time off the search. With 3 little ones you have to be quick and precise. No extra time to lose! So I wanted a water bottle pocket on the side. I also wanted a front pocket that was accessible without a zipper, where I could put things that were going to come back out – like ride tickets. I knew I could use the other side pocket for tissues – which becomes a got-to item [times 3] during sniffle season.
In the front, top, zipper pocket I keep my work wallet. I choose a simple, thin, mesh zipper pouch that is the length of money and can also hold papers or certificates that we may be taking with us on a field trip. Rather than carry all location passes, I choose the ones we will need for
the day, and return it to the family’s wallet when we are back at home. I save all receipts and petty cash in here, separate from my personal ones. [I do keep my own wallet in the car, so that I always have my license, money, ins. cards, etc.]
2. Organized
Within the sections of the backpack itself, I have a little more organization of the supplies. Anything that will save me time! If it’s snack time, I pull the snack pouch. If I need to change a diaper, I pull the diaper pouch. I found these pouches in the make-up department at a local grocery store and they are all nylon and thin as well. If there is a juice spill or something, it is so much easier to clean out. Usually not everything has gotten sticky or messy, just the outsides of the pouches.
One thing I am never without are Pampers “Clean’ngo” wipes! These are the best multi-purpose wipes! They are think and strong, then don’t reek of baby smells, and they preserve well in the container. An essential carry along in my Nanny-pack, they have their very own pocket!
1. Functional
The most important thing about my bag is that it works for me. Each nanny or mother may have different methods to their Mayhem, just as each women’s purse will be different, your pack should fit your style, your day, your budget, and your children. Take some time to think about how you work and what will help your day with the kids you care for.
Developing an Easy-to-clean, Comfortable, Accessible, Organized, and Functional Nanny-pack may just make your day a little easier. Aren’t we all for that?
Great, helpful article! I like the idea of the different pouches – very practical.
Super Idea!
Love it!! This is a perfect article for all my “multiples specialist” friends. Thanks for posting this Greta! I’m even going to take a few pointers for myself. 🙂
May I make a suggestion? Maybe thisis just me, and always being the nanny of girls, but bandaids, no “hurt” spray (I believe bandaid brand makes this), and some sort of “it’s ok” prize (ie stickers) have saved me many more times than I care to count!