What’s in My Mom Bag: Restaurant Edition

We’ve all seen the dreading looks when our bustling kids take the table next to a childless one. All I can say is, try actually sitting at the kids table- ammiiright? Effectively keeping them in a seat and at a respectful level of volume throughout dinner is a feat nothing less impressive than a doctorate degree.

Yes, a dinner out with your children might appear daunting. But the answer is really very simple. Load them up on Benadryl and give them an iPad.

Okay obviously I’m like 85% kidding. That is not my official advice. Flying? Maybe. A restaurant for 90 minutes though? With the right tools in your mom bag- You got this.

Restaurant Mom Bag Musts

For Mom

Us first. Obviously.

Clarins Water Lip Stain

This is about to be my new signature color. Not only do I love it, I can’t get it off! I ate dinner, drank a warm cup of tea, brushed my teeth, and went to bed for the evening- and my lips still had color. If that isn’t passing the restaurant test I don’t know what is! Available in 4 fun shades.

Lancome Juicy Tubes

I don’t care how many plant based-serum-hydrating-shea butter-elixirs a lip stain has… any stain that’s actually worth it’s salt is going to feel a little dry. I pack a clear gloss to layer for that touch of shine and hydration I need post lip stain.

Tangle Teezer

Compacts are the perfect tool to doublecheck you’re not rocking a leafy accessory in your teeth. This one come with a brush for a quick hair touch up! My only issue with this compact is that all of my kids are utterly fascinated with it and I cannot get them to stop removing it from my purse for anything.

Power Bank

I try to get through a meal without screens. And often I’m successful. But there are other times when it’s them or it’s me, and if I really want that 3rd glass of pinot grigio, you better believe I am getting it and that I deserve it. To avoid my phone’s battery being totally depleted in an urgent matter of need, a Power Bank is a smart to have on hand at a restaurant.

For Toddlers & Little Kids

Triangular Crayons

Picking up rolling crayons from under the restaurant table every two minutes must be one of Dante’s circles of hell. Triangular crayons, possibly the singular greatest invention of our time, puts an end to this.

Coloring Books

Coloring books are not all created equal. For the little guys- go for the characters they are interested in. Whether that’s Spidey & Spin or Peppa (iykyk), it will hold their interest longer. Older kids may need more engagement, so check out age specific coloring books for boys and girls, or color by numbers books.

Water Wow! Books

If you haven’t found these yet you should. They are mess free and you can do them again and again and again- all you need is water (which believe it or not, they do have at restaurants). I always have a few in tow for my kids. Check out the deluxe version for older kids if these are a little junior for your child!

Metal Straws

Am I super environmentally friendly? I try, but don’t give me too much credit. I pack these because my toddlers mutate paper straws within about 30 seconds of getting their drinks. Rather than asking for 75 paper straws to get us through the meal, I keep a few destroy-proof straws in my bag.

Toddler backpacks

Not technically in MY bag, but as soon as you can, make them carry their own weight. I keep a backpack for each toddler packed in their closets with crayons, a coloring book, a water wow book, and a picture book. It takes the weight out of my own bag, and having it packed and ready to go makes getting out the door so much less daunting.

Any backpack small enough for them to carry and tuck under a table works, but Cat & Jack has some adorable affordable ones!

For Babies

Mobi Zippee

Admittedly this isn’t the most compact baby toy out there, but this toy’s greatness earns it a corner in my mom bag. Colorful, textured, and super teething friendly makes this toy a top favorite baseline, but the long ropes makes it a restaurant mom bag must. It is easy for even young babies to grab and hold onto, meaning they are not constantly dropping it for you to pick-up.

Kiinde Kozii Voyager Travel Bottle Warmer

Many babies are particular about their bottles being warm, and doing it on the go can be a challenge. This simple bottle warmer requires no electricity - just hot water you can bring with you. It is so effective we even started using it as our regular warmer at home!

Formula/Snack Dispenser

There is nothing worse than food that is taking a while and the baby is starting to fuss. Until those french fries arrive to occupy your little one, a few snacks on the table will be your savior. These dispensers are marketed for formula (which I use for as well), but they are also perfect for baby snacks like puffs and cheerios. I find them handier than the toddler directed snack cups, where snacks can go stale if you’re not refreshing on the regular.

It is important to us to eat out with our kids. We need to be able to leave the house, and not only for necessities, kids activities, or with the cost of a babysitter attached. There is also only one way for them to learn how to act in public, and it’s not by telling them bedtime stories about the big world out there. So, we go out. Armed and ready.