Back to Organized: Toddler

This is the third installment in a series of four posts designed to help you get Back to Organized, whether you’re expecting your first child, wrangling a toddler or preparing a big kid for school.

Finally, out of the baby stage! That means you no longer have to haul as much stuff, right? Well, sort of. While bottles and binkys may be a thing of the past, there’s still a whole slew of gear you need to haul around to keep your little one happy and entertained when you’re out and about. Here, some tips to help you organize it all while staying stylish.

Back to Organized Tip #1: Toddlers are messy; you need a Wet Bag. We could go on and on about all the messy things you could toss in a Wet Bag: leftover snacks, sippy cups, swim gear, cloth diapers….Instead, let’s put it this way: if it could potentially stain or ruin everything else you carry around, it can (and should) go in the Wet Bag. A water-resistant lining and zipper closure keep your wet/sticky/dirty stuff contained. Just remember to empty the contents when you get home!

Back to Organized Tip #2: You’re a seasoned mom now: pare down your gear for quick trips. By now you know that you don’t need to haul a nursery’s worth of gear for your daily jaunt to Starbucks. Just toss a strategically-filled Diaper Clutch in the car or stroller and you’re good to go. What do we recommend? Two diapers and a travel pack of wipes, a pocket-sized board book and maybe a Matchbox car or other small toy for your little one, and a few bucks, lip balm and keys for you.

Back to Organized Tip #3: Pass it on! You’ve made it through the baby stage—learning how to care for an infant and getting a feel for what you needed, and--maybe more importantly--what you didn’t. Why not pass your expert knowledge on to a new mom-to-be? Pick up a PishPosh Carryall and stock it with the supplies that you loved best when your big boy or girl was just a little thing. There’s nothing a new mom would appreciate more than a little helping hand from someone who’s been there.

Tell us: moms of toddlers, what do you find most exciting, interesting, challenging about having a toddler?

Back to Organized: Baby

This is the second installment in a series of four posts designed to help you get Back to Organized, whether you’re expecting your first child, wrangling a toddler or preparing a big kid for school.

So you’ve got a new baby at home, and life is better and harder than you ever imagined. How can one tiny, adorable little angel throw you so completely? Will you ever be able to get out of the house in 15 minutes or less again? Will you ever be able to get in the car without having to dash back inside for something you inevitably forgot? Yes. Yes you will. It will just take a little practice, a little more planning, plenty of patience and some ‘been there’ advice from your friends at PishPosh Mommy.

Back to Organized Tip #1: Treat yourself to two PishPosh Carryalls—one to drop in your favorite purse and one to keep in your car as a backup. If you ever run out of diapers and wipes while you’re out, it’s only a quick dash to the car for the essentials. PishPosh Carryalls are loaded with pockets inside and out; fill them up with the following:
• An extra outfit for baby and an extra shirt for you – spit up happens
• Burp cloths and bibs
• Pacifiers
• Small toys – play rings, toy keys and teethers are popular picks and don’t take up much space
• Diapers and wipes
• Travel size tube of diaper cream
• A PishPosh Mommy Wet Bag to store bottles after feedings or soiled burp cloths and clothes

Back to Organized Tip #2: Re-stock your Carryalls every Sunday night to get yourself set for a new week ahead. Wash any used burp cloths and soiled clothes that you stashed in the bottom of the bag to deal with later. Sanitize all pacifiers and toys that so often become germ and crumb magnets. Take stock of your diaper and wipe supply and replenish as needed. Clean out spare change that’s weighing you down and donate it to baby’s piggy bank – it’s never too early to start saving!

Back to Organized Tip #3: Pick up a PishPosh Pad to keep in your car Carryall. You’ll be surprised how often you need to do a backseat diaper change; keep your seats protected from baby blowouts. PishPosh Pads are also a great barrier against icky public restroom changing tables.

Tell us: experienced moms, what most helped you get a handle on staying organized after baby?

Back to Organized: Pre-Natal

This is the first installment in a series of four posts designed to help you get Back to Organized, whether you’re expecting your first child, wrangling a toddler or preparing a big kid for school.

It’s true; you can never fully be prepared for a new baby. But there’s a lot you can do to make life as a new mom easier, starting with packing your hospital bag. A super cute bag will distract attention from the dark ones underneath your eyes, and if you pack smart you won’t have to use what little brain power you have left to find what you need in a sleepless haze.

Back to Organized Tip #1: Choose a PishPosh Mommy Carryall to serve as your hospital bag. With pockets galore, you’ll have plenty of room to stash your stuff and, bonus, once you leave the hospital the Carryall will fit into your existing purse—no trading designer style for a diaper bag dud. Pre-hospital, stock your Carryall with these essentials:
• A couple pairs of cheap but comfy underwear – hospital-issue ‘underwear’ is little more than an oversized gauze bandage
• A cute, cozy robe – for when you’re taking those first few tentative steps around your room and up and down the halls post-delivery
• Your favorite snack –hospital food is fine, but post-delivery you might be jonesing for your favorite candy bar. You’ve earned it!

Back to Organized Tip #2: Treat yourself to a matching PishPosh Diaper Clutch. This chic little wristlet will house essential toiletries while you’re at the hospital and works double duty in day-to-day life as a diaper/wipes holder and date night accessory. Toss these staples into your clutch:
• Travel-size bottle of your favorite face wash – you’ll probably skip your makeup routine, so why not indulge with a luxurious clean to make you feel more like yourself again?
• Lip balm – hospitals are notorious for dry air; you’ll be reaching for this time and again
• Deodorant and toothbrush – good hygiene will make you feel human again

Back to Organized Tip #3: Relax and enjoy the ride! The final weeks before baby are one of the most anxious, exciting periods of your life. Savor your final moments of childlessness and look forward to the thrilling journey ahead – you’re on your way to becoming a PishPosh Mommy!

Tell us: experienced moms, what must-have item did you pack in your hospital bag or what did you leave behind that you wish you hadn’t?

“Back to Organized”

Whether or not we have school-age kids, there’s just something about this time of year that makes us want to get organized again. Maybe it’s ingrained in us from childhood, when Mom would take us to the stores for a fresh box of No. 2 pencils and thick stacks of bright white loose-leaf paper. Whatever it is, the end of summer is a perfect time to get organized for the fall and the busy holiday season ahead. Whether you have one child on the way, a couple toddlers running around, or big kids anticipating their first bus ride, this month PishPosh Mommy is bringing you our best tips and strategies to help you get Back to Organized no matter where you are or where you’re headed.
Each week during the month of August we’ll deliver stage-specific (Pre-Natal; Baby; Toddler; Big Kid) advice to help you get organized and stay stylish. And while we think we’ve got some pretty good tips, we’d also love to hear from the pros—YOU! What items and strategies do you find best for getting yourself geared up for a new season and a new routine? Leave a comment here or on our Facebook or Twitter pages and we may include you in an upcoming installment of Back to Organized.

Back to Organized Installments:
August 7 – 13: Pre-Natal
August 14 – 20: Baby
August 21 – 27: Toddler
August 28 – 31: Big Kids