I realized that after you have kids, you will never be on time to an event again.

Yesterday, we were supposed to be at my in-law’s place by 1:30 pm. Didn’t get there until 2 pm. Then later that evening, we were supposed to be at my aunt’s place by 5 pm, but didn’t arrive until nearly 6pm.

I don’t know about you, but it seems as if packing your diaper bag takes an hour! And just as you’re about to head out the door, the baby starts to poop. Great, you think. Late again.

You rush him to wash his little tooshie, put on a fresh pair of diapers, sprinkle on some J&J’s Baby Fresh Scent Powder, pull up his pants, and rush out the door. On your way to your car, you realize that you hadn’t packed the formula. So you rush back into the house.

Isn’t taking the baby out terribly inconvenient? Packing his diaper bag alone discourages me from leaving the house. But when and if you do take him out, and you need to pack a few things, here is what I realized are the essentials for a small day’s trip:

1. Enough formula for two feedings
2. 2 or 3 diapers
3. Wipes
4. One pair of extra clothes
5. A wash cloth or burp cloth
6. Socks
7. Bib
8. Small toy

Anything else, you can probably do without. You really don’t need to pack more than you need. If you have them packed in advanced and not 10 minutes prior to your anticipated departure time, you might actually be on time one day.