Top 5 Things Moms Should Keep in the Family Minivan

Now that spring sports have started, my kids and I spend a lot of time in our family minivan traveling from one activity to another.

My minivan has become a home away from home of sorts. I have learned that I must keep it well stocked so that everyone will remain happy.

The Top 5 things I must have in my Minivan are:

  1. Food
    Snacks, snacks, and more snacks
    Because – full kids are happy kids. (One good choice is Cheerios Snack Mix – a healthier alternative than some of the other grab and go snacks)
  2. Drinks
    Water, juice, and Gatorade
    Because – hydrated kids are healthy kids.
  3. Clean Up Stuff
    Wet wipes, paper towels, anti-bacterial hand cleaner, and several empty plastic grocery bags for garbage
    Because – clean kids and cars make for happy mommies.
  4. Sweatshirts and extra t-shirts
    Because – warm and dry kids tend not to complain as much.
  5. Stroller
    Because – preschoolers don’t always want to walk or stay put.

This Top 5 post has been submitted to the Top 5 – Group Writing Project at Problogger.net.
Thank you, Darren, for running the project – what a wonderful opportunity to network with other bloggers!

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{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }

Ginene May 8, 2007 at 11:07 am

I saw from your profile. We are both a mom of 4. I agree with the things you should keep in the minivan. I also keep a blanket in the winter time just in case the car breaks down.

Neena May 8, 2007 at 3:17 pm

Good idea. I should do that, too. I can’t tell you how many times we have been at some sporting event with no place to sit. A blanket would solve that problem.

Kate May 9, 2007 at 7:40 am

I only have two kids, so we can still make do with a car, but space is limited. Thanks for keeping your list down to the essentials that I can manage and still make life easier.

Neena May 9, 2007 at 10:29 am

Kate,
You are welcome. I get frustrated if I am out on the road, the kids need something, – and it’s just not there. (Like when we are in my husband’s car!) I thought the list would be helpful.

James May 9, 2007 at 12:47 pm

Funny, we have no kids and my wife seems to bring most of that stuff whenever she goes anywhere with me. At least she does not think I need a stroller.

Neena May 9, 2007 at 1:46 pm

Your wife is a smart lady – and I am glad you don’t need a stroller.

TheOzz May 9, 2007 at 2:05 pm

This is so true. I do my far share of minivan driving with our two kids (both under 5).

I found you via ProBlogger’s Top 5. I will add you to my Top[?] picks from Darren’s Top 5 list after I get done sifting through all of them.

Your title is what caught my eye. I do not have time to review all the Top 5′s of the day, but instead I am only reviewing the ones whose titles catch my attention.

Neena May 9, 2007 at 2:50 pm

Thanks for your feedback, it is helpful to know what it was about my post that caught your eye. I appreciate it.

Mirko May 9, 2007 at 8:24 pm

Full kids are happy kids and… happy kids are fat kids…

Neena May 9, 2007 at 10:33 pm

That, Mirko, would depend on what you feed them.

Kathy May 10, 2007 at 2:38 am

One small thing I always keep in the back of my car is a small tool kit…because it never fails, I’m broken down on the side of the road, someone wants to help, and the first thing they ask is “Do you have a screwdriver?” (Or jumper cables. Jumper cables are good.)

Neena May 10, 2007 at 2:49 am

Kathy,
Very practical advice. Thanks.

Susan Denham May 10, 2007 at 5:03 am

The wipes come in handy lots of times. Since I have 2 still hooked on Pacifiers, I try to have one or two extra in the car, in case one gets thrown out a window or left somewhere. This is a good list. I found you via the top 5 as well.

Neena May 10, 2007 at 12:05 pm

Oh yes, I remember the days of pacifiers – don’t leave home without it!

Kristen (Quirky) May 10, 2007 at 1:45 pm

well I’m only a mommy of 1 and no mini van but the car has all that! :) :) And more normally! Maybe I need to upgrade to the minivan so I still fit! :) Great post!

Neena May 10, 2007 at 1:50 pm

Thanks, Kristen – but you might want to stick with the car, in my experience – the more space I have, the more space I need!

Karen May 11, 2007 at 2:24 am

What a great list! And so true- all of those are definately necessities.

Neena May 11, 2007 at 10:33 pm

Thanks, Karen.

Sherri Caldwell - The Rebel Housewife May 16, 2007 at 3:02 pm

Neena, I love your Top 5 List! I’m Mom to 3 kids and 1 dog, all a little older, so no stroller required anymore (thank goodness!). Now I keep a well-stocked first aid kit in the SUV, and for summer: sunscreen and the swim bag with swimsuits/towels. I will try to keep in touch, fellow Mom Blogger!

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