10+ Lifesavers Every Parent Needs in Their Car this Summer

With summertime just on the horizon, I’ve been thinking about what every parent needs in their car this summer.

Why?  Because I forget things for my kids…all the time! During the summer, this is especially dangerous because we can stop by the beach, go out for a hike, or make a quick trip to the playground any time we want (oh, how I love summer…), but if I’ve forgotten to grab something that the kids or I need, the fun is over. That’s why I’m thrilled to partner with Banana Boat®, a Happily Ever Mom sponsor, because they’ve inspired me to write up this list that every parent needs in their car this summer so you’ll always have them on hand when you’re out and about having fun with the kids.

Psst…don’t forget #2!

10+ Lifesavers Every Parent Needs in Their Car

Diapers/extra underwear and wipes.

Toilet paper and tissues because ‘nature potty’ and runny noses happen when we least expect it…am I right?!

Sunscreen (we use Banana Boat® available at Walmart).  I JUST learned that sun protection requires 1 oz. every 2 hours to ensure family fun in all conditions, so you need to have plenty of sunscreen on hand. Plus, it’s great to have extra for when you meet up with friends.  I’m always thankful for my Mom friends who have extra sunscreen in their trunk for my kids, too!

Cheap flip flops for the kids – how many times have you left the house and forgot the kid’s shoes?!  Since my second has been born, this is starting to become a regular occurrence…

Small toys – just in case your stuck somewhere for a while!

Snacks and a sealed bottle of water.  There’s nothing worse than hungry kids who need something to drink.  In summer, that extra bottle of water can be a lifesaver!

Ziploc bags…for soiled or wet clothes, wet swimsuits, trash, or even to hold snacks for kids to eat in the car.

Hats and jackets.  Hats because, well, you need them in the summertime.  But, light jackets are important too because when the sun goes down it can get chilly quickly.  Plus, if you’re near the beach, fog is always possible!

First aid supplies.  We should all have them already, right?  Summer is a great time to restock and add aloe vera for sunburns!

Towel or big blanket. So you can always stop for a picnic or to dry off from getting wet.

Keep all these essentials in a plastic drawer in your trunk, so that you can get to them easily.

And, like my parents always told me in the summertime, don’t forget your sunscreen!  Your kids will thank you years from now…

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Banana Boat® . The opinions and text are all mine. #BBBestSummerEver

More Posts from Happily Ever Mom