Caring for children of any age brings a variety of unexpected moments and situations. And we all know that kids love to be on the move, especially in the summer.
Hearing the words “I’m bored” from your kid’s mouth is a struggle any full-time or part-time summer nanny (like me!) knows all too well. To prevent this unintentional insult to your nannying skills, you should always pack a bag with things that not only keep your kids moving but also keep you going throughout the day.
Using the curated list of items below, you’ll become Super Nanny in no time!
Durable tote bag, backpack, or diaper bag
Having a durable bag of some sort acts as the foundation of your nannying carry list. It’s the crucial element to make sure the kids you are nannying have a good day.
It holds all of the items that can keep them fed, keep them entertained, and maybe even save them from throwing a fit…if you’re lucky.
These items will vary depending on how many children you are caring for and how old they are. For example, if you’re caring for a 7-year-old and a 9-year-old, you probably don’t need to carry diapers or baby bottles in your bag with you.
Reusable water bottles
On a hot, sunny day, there’s nothing more refreshing than a nice, cold sip of water. While plastic water bottles are better than having no water, nothing compares to that first sip from an insulated water bottle full of ice.
Staying hydrated is not only refreshing but also necessary for maintaining body health. It is crucial to stay hydrated, as doing so regulates body temperature, maintains physical and cognitive performance, and helps prevent the risk of dehydration or even fainting.
Carrying water bottles for the kids you are nannying and yourself ensures everyone is hydrated throughout the hot summer.
Sunscreen
This is an absolute MUST to carry with you as a summer nanny. Summertime often brings warmer weather…and sometimes scorching hot temperatures and dangerously high UVs.
It’s crucial to keep your children safe from the sun. You may not always remember to put sunscreen on your skin when you go outside, but you should apply some sort of sunblock on your kids’ skin.
Applying sunscreen to their exposed skin can help prevent sunburns and reduce the long-term damaging effects of too much sun exposure, such as skin damage or skin cancer.
First aid kit
This is an item that you may not initially remember to carry with you, or is easily forgettable. However, it’s also an item that, if needed, could help you in an emergency.
You may be confident that your children won’t get an injury that’s bad enough that they’ll need a First Aid Kit. While this confidence can help put your anxious mind at ease, it’s always best to plan for the worst.
Children are notorious for getting cuts, bumps, and scrapes. However, when their scabs could benefit from a little extra care, this can be provided with a First Aid Kit and your patience.
Fun activities
Kids LOVE activities! You may also love activities once you realize that carrying games and activities in your bag can help pass the time.
There are countless activities and games that you can bring along with you or create on a whim. It’s always a good idea to bring “pre-made” games in your nannying bag. These games and activities can vary, but some may include: coloring items, reading books, board games, etc.
Keeping your kids entertained with the help of a game can help pass the time, but in a way that everyone has fun while doing so!
Diapers and a change of clothes
If the kids you’re caring for are not potty-trained, it’s likely that they will have an accident.This is why carrying diapers and even a change of clothes is highly recommended.
It’s important that you ensure your child’s comfort, and having these two items with you can truly make a difference in the child’s mood and overall day.
Wet wipes and hand sanitizer
These items can work with the previous items listed above, such as a change of clothes and diapers.
Kids are messy, and oftentimes, you’re on the receiving end of that mess. Whether it be sticky hands or a chocolate milk mustache, having wet wipes and hand sanitizer with you can help turn something messy into something spotless.
These antibacterial items don’t just have to be applied to potty messes. They can be used to clean any sort of mess that the kids make. Children can also use hand sanitizer to help prevent unwanted bacteria and illnesses. Having a sick kid isn’t fun, but these cleaning items can be a small step towards preventing disease and mess.
Any emergency items
These emergency items will vary and be completely personalized to the children in your care. That’s why learning the preferences that make each child unique can help.
For example, if you’re caring for a child who has an allergy, you must carry any required medications and a detailed emergency plan with you. A common item to have in these scenarios is an EpiPen. Not all children will have one, so it’s vital that you know the exact things to have to prevent an allergic reaction from worsening.
These items don’t have to be health-related. They can include comfort items, such as a child’s special teddy bear or blanket.
Personal items (for YOU)
While your primary responsibility as a nanny is the health and wellness of the children in your care, it’s also important to consider your own health and wellness.
Packing items for yourself is essential in maintaining your mood and wellness throughout a long day. Some examples of recommended items to bring for yourself include, but are not limited to: personal snacks, phone charger, a reading book, chapstick, hygiene products, etc.
Like the kids in your care, you also have needs that arise throughout the day. Having something as simple as Chapstick with you can help put your mind and emotions at ease during a busy day.
Being a nanny requires a lot of work, regardless of the season, the ages of the children, or the number of children.
As a nanny, it can seem like you can never catch a break. While your job can be gratifying, you’re bound to experience feeling overwhelmed, overworked, and frustrated.
These are totally normal and valid emotions. What’s important is that you come prepared for any given day so that you and your kids have everything you need to aim for a successful day.
