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Mom life can be hectic sometimes, and it feels like between gymnastics, soccer camp, visiting our favorite museums, and just hanging out at the park, we are always on the go. Even though I’ve never been much of a purse girl, our on-the-go lifestyle has made it so I pretty much have to have a bag on me at all times. And that’s where our “go-bag” comes in– our essentials are all in one spot, and that definitely helps. There are some things I always have on hand.

 

First, as a mom, we need to start with a cute bag we’re willing to carry. In our house, it’s the bear. Mostly, the bear because it holds plenty, it’s easier to juggle than a purse, and it’s comfortable for either Zach or me to carry. 

When it comes to mom essentials, there are a few that I always keep. First, our passes to get into museums around the city. You see, I cannot tell you how many times we’ve started on our drive only to realize we’d forgotten our passes, or planned to go to one museum for the day and decided we had time for a second partway through the day… now, all of our passes go wherever we do.

Another must? Mascara. I stopped wearing makeup very often when my son was born, but I’ve been through enough nights on very little sleep to realize mascara makes me look awake every day, even when I’m not. I’m a huge fan of keeping mascara in our go bag just because I know that it perks me up when I haven’t quite had enough coffee.

Finally, some basic first-aid. Cute bandages, antibacterial infection-fighters (inside the tin!), and pain relief are on-hand always, but seriously, moms, don’t forget the antacid, too. You can’t tell me you haven’t had a day after your child was born that you went “Ooh! I wish I’d had that with me.” Seriously, better to just pack it.

Other bag must-haves include some items that Zach definitely needs– snacks for on-the-go (we also usually pack whatever fresh fruit is in season in a baggie in our go-bag before we leave the house) and some toys. Both are pretty essential when it comes to a long wait, especially an unexpected one. I can’t tell you how many times some snacks and a toy car have made the time at the bank or even the line to the museum just a little bit more manageable.

And then, of course, there’s the one item that’s an essential for both of us– a smartphone with a data plan.

A smartphone is essential when you’re out and about with your little one. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve pulled out my phone to double-check the directions to the new museum we’re checking out, or to price-check a must-have toy to see if it’s cheaper elsewhere. And don’t forget sharing cute photos of my little guy playing at the park! Plus, a good smartphone can be loaded with great apps and videos for kids, making it dual-purpose. It seems like I’m always checking the web or uploading photos, but at the same time, I don’t want to have to pay a ton for my phone plan. I am really picky about my prepaid plans, though, because so often, prepaid has slow data, a spotty network, and smaller selection of phones. Luckily, this is changing– introducing Simply Prepaid™ from T-Mobile!

I love that for just $40 a month at Walmart, I can get 4G LTE data with unlimited talk and text. That’s the great thing about T-Mobile– whether I’m using a GPS app to make sure we’re headed the right way to our museum or uploading a slide selfie, I know I can do it easily because I’ll have great service on T-Mobile’s Nationwide 4G LTE Network. Plus, there are no overages, credit checks, or annual service contracts required with the new Simply Prepaid™ plan. When getting somewhere is important, or when sharing a great photo is a must, I want to make sure I’m not settling for second-rate prepaid wireless. I’ve been a T-mobile customer since my parents got me a phone in high school, but now, I’m able to stick with the best in wireless, now in prepaid form.

In fact, on the rare occasion we’re out and about without our go bag, well, we always have the cell phone. It’s great because it really does help us stay connected.

You can find out more about how T-Mobile is #ChangingPrepaid as they introduce Simply Prepaid™, allowing you great prepaid options at an affordable price.

As a mom, there are just some things that I have to keep with me all the time– from pain relief to a prepaid phone, I know that I’ve got everything I need every time we grab The Bear and walk out the door.

So, I want to know– what’s your must-have item in your on-the-go bag as a mom? What does your child insist you bring along? Let me know in the comments below!