Get ready for summer! In the BENADRYL® Canada's Most Prepared Mom Contest blog series, moms will share insight, tips, and tricks to help you be prepared for everything from road trips to an unexpected case of poison ivy. Being prepared gives us peace of mind during the busy summer months and allows us to focus on our families. Share stories with other moms, avoid common pitfalls and discover how you can be prepared for the unexpected this summer thanks to the makers of BENADRYL® - The Preparedness Experts.
Be Prepared. It's the simplest of maxims and yet so very important. It's true for every stage of life, from Girl Guides to the work world to motherhood. But it's perhaps most important for us moms. When we first welcome those tiny people into our lives, we realize that we are now responsible for their every want and need. At first, that means packing enough diapers, wipes and changes of clothing. Soon, we need to add snacks and toys to the list of things we bring with us whenever we head out with our children. As they get older, it seems they never outgrow the need for snacks, but where you once packed squeaky toys and teethers, now you will be checking for iPods and DVDs, then cellphones and allowance money not too much later. The bottom line is this: no matter how old your children are, it always pays to be prepared.
Being prepared means knowing your children's likes and dislikes - there's no point packing a snack they'll turn their nose up at, and woe betide the mom who forgets to bring along a favoured stuffy or blankie. But it also means thinking of things that don't necessarily pop to mind right away. Because not having what you need, when you need it can lead to a lot of inconvenience, expense and maybe even tears. The world is full of the unexpected, and that's frankly why we like to venture out. We are explorers at heart, and seeking out new and exciting experiences for our kids and families is one of the most fulfilling and enjoyable parts of parenthood. Making sure we're ready to face the unexpected allows us to head out with worry-free confidence, ready to enjoy whatever new adventure life throws our way.
As moms, we know that one of the best ways to learn is through the wisdom and experience of other moms. Just as we tell our kids every day, sharing is important, and sharing stories is very important to mothers. Some of the best tricks I learned for being prepared as a mother have come from my mom friends - like bringing along BENADRYL® when visiting friends at the cottage, especially during bug bite season. When bites start to make them look like they're having round two of the chicken pox, using an antihistamine can really save the weekend. See? Now you have a great idea for your own "be prepared" toolkit!
Now it's time to enter the contest! First, submit your story here demonstrating your "preparedness" and share why you are "The BENADRYL®: Canada's Most Prepared Mom" for your chance to win a $10,000 family vacation. Entries should be up to 250 words. Next, answer this question in the comments below...what's the best thing in your toolkit? Good luck!
Submission to the contest closes at 12:00 pm, on Monday, July 9, 2012.
Click here for Contest Rules and Regulations.
UrbanMoms.ca members are eligible to win so don't forget to sign-in. Not a member yet? Click here to join.
Be Prepared. It's the simplest of maxims and yet so very important. It's true for every stage of life, from Girl Guides to the work world to motherhood. But it's perhaps most important for us moms. When we first welcome those tiny people into our lives, we realize that we are now responsible for their every want and need. At first, that means packing enough diapers, wipes and changes of clothing. Soon, we need to add snacks and toys to the list of things we bring with us whenever we head out with our children. As they get older, it seems they never outgrow the need for snacks, but where you once packed squeaky toys and teethers, now you will be checking for iPods and DVDs, then cellphones and allowance money not too much later. The bottom line is this: no matter how old your children are, it always pays to be prepared.
Being prepared means knowing your children's likes and dislikes - there's no point packing a snack they'll turn their nose up at, and woe betide the mom who forgets to bring along a favoured stuffy or blankie. But it also means thinking of things that don't necessarily pop to mind right away. Because not having what you need, when you need it can lead to a lot of inconvenience, expense and maybe even tears. The world is full of the unexpected, and that's frankly why we like to venture out. We are explorers at heart, and seeking out new and exciting experiences for our kids and families is one of the most fulfilling and enjoyable parts of parenthood. Making sure we're ready to face the unexpected allows us to head out with worry-free confidence, ready to enjoy whatever new adventure life throws our way.As moms, we know that one of the best ways to learn is through the wisdom and experience of other moms. Just as we tell our kids every day, sharing is important, and sharing stories is very important to mothers. Some of the best tricks I learned for being prepared as a mother have come from my mom friends - like bringing along BENADRYL® when visiting friends at the cottage, especially during bug bite season. When bites start to make them look like they're having round two of the chicken pox, using an antihistamine can really save the weekend. See? Now you have a great idea for your own "be prepared" toolkit!
Now it's time to enter the contest! First, submit your story here demonstrating your "preparedness" and share why you are "The BENADRYL®: Canada's Most Prepared Mom" for your chance to win a $10,000 family vacation. Entries should be up to 250 words. Next, answer this question in the comments below...what's the best thing in your toolkit? Good luck!
Click here for Contest Rules and Regulations.
UrbanMoms.ca members are eligible to win so don't forget to sign-in. Not a member yet? Click here to join.
-thumb-130x130-44441.jpg)
even tho' my girls are 9 and 6 i never leave home without my homemade receiving blankets...one for each kid. they're about 3x the size of store bought ones and can be used for everything...keeping the sun off shoulders, picnics, towels, umbrellas, snot...the idea is from hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy...NEVER leave home without a towel! :-)
Bandaids and kleenex because if I have them, I won't need them ;)
My sister introduced me to the Benadryl Itch Relief spray a few years ago and I never go anywhere in the summer without it. It's quick, effective and doesn't sting or smell bad like the bite relief from my childhood. Another thing you will always find in my traveling medicine bag is Polysporin Drops for Pink Eye. You never know when you're going to need them...
Fortunately mine are old enough to take and usually carry their own backpacks on most outings from weekend errands to overnight stays. They know part of their responsibility is packing a change of clothes for any spills or accidents. As well as packing activities like books, games, toys. I usually make sure to throw in a snack and a water bottle. It's a lot I know but its heaven when someone spills a cup of juice down their front to know there's a spare t-shirt at hand.
I don't know if this works but my mom doesn't often come pepared [but I do]. Right now I have in my purse; a fan, an e-reader, deck of cards, a bunch of pens, Benadryl Itch Stick, medication for alot of ailments, a sweater, Polysporin spray, wet wipes, sticky notes, dog treats, granola bars, candys, gum, tea bags, straws and cutlery. And thats not all, thats just whats coming to mind. My mom used to carry it all [maybe not the straws], but when I got old enough I became the keeper of the stuff
Bandaids and sterile cleansers. I also keep benadryl allergy pills on hand for any visitors with allergies.
Whenever we are out and about we keep a benadryl itch stich on hand, along with sunscreen, bandaids and mosquito repellent. Also water container and snacks, because with kids you never know when they need something. If you have all that, no worries.
some of the best things in my toolkit are handy-wipes,band-aids and polysporin!i find i can maintain long enough to get back home with these items,oh,and my febreeze!
Whenever we go on a summer outing camping, theme parks, or to the zoo I always make sure we have a mini first aid pack in my pouch that is packed full of band aids, CPR equipment, alcohol swabs, sunscreen and a bunch of other little goodies. It may seem funny, but with kids you never know what kind of situation you are going to run into. I always make sure we arrange a meeting place to go to in case somebody gets lost and that comes in handy more than you can imagine!
I can certainly say that even if I am not the number one most prepared Canadian mom I am certainly a runner up. All my friends and family say that I am the most organized person that they know. We recently went a 8 week trip to Peru with myself, my husband, my 3 year old and my 4 year old special needs child. I needed to get all documents including passports, vaccinations, packing a first aid kit that included even an epi pen that none of us needed,but, just in case. That is how I pack and organize: everything is done just in case. I bought sound proof earphones for my son just in case and my husband ended up using them:) We even got our yellow fever vaccinations just in case we went to the amazon.
Baby wipes! But most importantly, I never leave home without my sense of humour. It's been essential to my survival as a mother really.
I always carry with me hand-wipes, Kleenex, and a blankie for my 9 months old baby :)
i always carry wet wipes and plastic bags
The best thing a prepared Mom carries with her is Ziplock bags! Honestly, these are great! Use them to carry a bottle in, and if the bottle leaks, it doesn't spill outside of the bag, so nothing gets all wet! Use them to put your kids bathing suits in, after a swim, and keep the wet clothes separate from the dry clothes. Use them to carry snacks, such as healthy nuts and raisins. Use them to diaper wipes, so the wipes stay nice and moist. If your kids take of their little shoes, pop the shoes into a bag, and all the dirt from the shoes won't get into other things. Use them to carry things like bug spray or sunscreen when you're on a picnic, and if either of these bottles leaks, it won't contaminate anything else in your diaper bag. Another great use is to put your camera in one of these bags, if it starts to rain - I've been surprised by rain more than once, and my camera (and great family photos!) would have been ruined by the rain, if I hadn't had a Ziplock to pop my camera into to keep it dry.
The reason Ziplocks are so great is that they are so versatile! They have hundreds of uses for a busy Mom!
Both my vehicles have first aid kits and extra clothing in the winter....they also have an old cell phone. It's fully charged, powered off and disconnected. BUT a disconnected cell phone will still connect to 911 if dialed. Therefore in an emergency, I know, in my car, I have a link to help and it will always be there and will always be fully charged cause the phone is disconnected. Most people have cell phones...but what happens if that one time you need it, it's dead....or if your in a car accident and your phone either gets smashed, or gets thrown out. In my dash is an old phone that will be waiting.
I never leave home without my advil or tylenol, benadryl anti itch lotion, kleenex, water bottles and granola bars a mini sketch book and mini markers to keep everyone busy.
My 11 year old daughter is allergic to mosquito bites. Poor thing has to hid from them, so I NEVER leave home without Benadryl itch Relief Spray, Benadryl Allergy Pills, and the Benadryl Stick....they are always in my purse!!!!!!!
Things we take on vacation to make it enjoyable for us all...sunscreen, bug spray, allergy medication, books, toys, bubbles, colouring books and crayons, favourite teddy bear, children's music cd's, fishing gear, life jackets, proper clothing for all types of weather. We also play games in the car when taking longer trips like, roadside bingo, find the coloured car. Our daughter loves to hear stories of when we were little so that helps to pass the time also and I love seeing the smile on her face.
My kids are grown but I have a backpack with me when grandkids are around and also when just some adults go for walks or drives too. In the backpack it's like a first aid kit with all sorts of things in it, including BENADRYL® products, bottled water, snacks, etc...so if we are ever in a situation that we are delayed from supplies I have it to at least help us out in many ways. I took a first aid course and have loads of things in the car just in case something should happen as an emergency.
My children both like go camping and even not camping, our family still like being outdoor. First, lots of water to quench thrist, loads of food they like, kleenex, hand sanitizer, Benadryl is a must bring, will comes in handy.
Our family also like bringing cards and board games too. Lots of laugh and good memories.
Hi Well I carried The Most Complete Diaper bag, for sure, In fact I have helped alot of other Moms out,The contents are as follows....Wash Cloth in a zip lock bag, Baby Wipes, diapers, of course,sanitizing wipes to wipe the change table in public washrooms, & a few blankets to cover entirely the change table,diaper creams....Toys the ones that came in Happy meals are best because They are small,also a container of Cookies,also a couple changes of clothes just in case, Benadryl, My Daughter has allergies,Seasonal ones, Funny enough Not to Kitties...Thank Goodnes,..Benadryl cream as well,Since My Daughter gets bloody noses, Lots of kleenex & polysporin(For after) also I would always carry plastic wrap, for the Shopping cart handle, My Daughter when We would be shopping & She was old enough to sit in the cart I didnt want Her to be touching the dirty handle bar so I would wipe it First & Then wrap the plastic wrap on it & when We were done I would remove the plastic & put it in the recycle bin @ the store ( They usually have for plastic bags) I also carry some things for Myself like I always have a nail file,Lip gloss, cuticle clippers...just in case of a hang nail....Sunscreen, a pen, paper, a brag book that has pics of My Daughter & Our Kitties & puppy,Hand sanitizer,sunglass Cleaner & The lint free cloth, They give You @ The optical place, On My Keychain I have a tool that is Great for just about anything especially the Soft Top On Our Jeep, (The Screw to put the top down/up, can be difficult sometimes) & Always on My purse strap a couple hair clips, Well Thats @ least a idea of some of the stuff I carry in My ever evolving ""Tool kit""& Yes It is Heavy, But worth it to Be prepared!!!!!♥♥♥♥Kiki♥♥♥♥
With a 4 year old and a 3 year old I always leave home with plenty of patience and a good sense of humour... and a pack of wet wipes never hurts either.
Benedryl has always been a staple in my medicine cabinet. Recently I had to have a cast replaced on my leg. After being home for a few hours I noticed that I was having an allergic reaction to something in the new cast. Consulted with the Dr and was advised the best thing to use was Benadryl. Was able to take a tablet and within 20 minutes the relief was a life saver! Benadryl to the rescue once again.
Wet Wipes and those small tube like containers of allergy, cold and nausea medicines and always in our car.
When even day trekking, we take the following always:
1) Pottette (mini foldable potty for emergencies for ANY family member)
2)Changes of clothing for the kids from feeling carsick or falling into the pond
3)Benedryl & advil
4)Polysporin (spray so no touching ouchies) and bandaids
5)Water thermal mugs for cool water always handy
6)Mini packet of tissues
Keeping that little package handy has spared us bailing on the most fun spontaneous adventures we've ever had.
I have a little baggie in my purse that keeps me ready for anything with my two kids aged 4 & 7. Inside the baggie there is a hot wheels car, a strawberry shortcake figurine, a small box of crayons, a mini package of wipes and a small container of fishy crackers. It keeps us ready for anything.
I always have poly to go spray band aids and wipes in my purse. Never know when you or someone will need them
Hi I am a 34 yr old mom of 4 and one on the way!!! My husband has been away since January in training for his career.. I am planning a home birth as I don't think my husband will be able to be home in time for the delivery and I have no family that is close enough to help with the birth so I am depending on my lovely amazing kids to help... So I have had to get myself and the kids prepared for this very special and memorable arrival of our baby girl...I have a home birth suitcase which is packed and prepared with everything in individual packages and labeled with whats in it and what to do with it...ex: one is ready for a water birth there is a blow up pool soaker pads a slip pad ect, another one for the bed if thats where I chose to have the baby. The kids all have there parts to play in helping with setting things up like making the bed and setting up the pools to setting up candles and massages to the 3 year olds job of counting the fingers and toes...I also have prepared some fast easy meals so when that day comes we are prepared for a couple weeks meals we just pop it in the oven or a pot heat and eat.. I have emergency bags packed for all the kids and myself and baby incase I do have to go the hospital..My husband will be home in early -mid July and we have also prepared for his welcome home celebration then we have to move as that is a part of his new career...so I am partially packed and ready for that part also as much as I can be till the day we move.. Now when it comes to being prepared for allergy, stings, rash, ect season I am also prepared I always have the benaryl spray on hand and adult and children medication on hand`\
My friends always made fun of me because even after my now 3year old was out of diapers I still carried a diaper bag for her. inside I always have a water proof cosmetics bag that carries her inhalers,tylenol, hand Sanitizer,Kleenex,and in the summer I add sun block, bug spray and benadryl after bite treatment. it also has a little bag that holds diapers, wipes, bum cream, hand Sanitizer and a natural stain remover stick all rolled up into a change pad for our 10 month old. I keep a spare set of clothes,and blankies for both kids and a spare shirt for me because if my kids find anything sticky or dirty when I want to stay clean, you can bet my clothes find it too!!
I always keep a small first kid with me in my purse, a small umbrella just in case and in my car there are always blankets, jackets, water, snacks and some kind of entertainment so that if we need anything it is always there. :)
For me its better to be prepared before then regret it later on. :)
I always carry disinfecting wipes, kleenex, and sunscreen.
When going to my daughters sporting events I always have sanitizer and kleenex in my bag - never know when you (or the kids) have to use the porta potties, sunscreen and bug spray too!
When attending my daughter's sporting events I always have hand sanitizer and kleenex in my bag - never know when one of the kids will have to visit the porta pottie. Also have sunscreen and bug spray too!
My children (all teens and older) often tease me about the size of my purse and how it is sooo big and heavy. I just tell them it's because I have to have on hand, everything that they could possibly need. I have the regular pens, kleenex, wipes, but also carry batteries, bandaids, tylenol, spare keys, medical information, map (if traveling), snacks, emergency money, just about anything you can think of.
My oldest daughter always says I am going to break her arm if I ask her to bring me my purse because it is so heavy and that is why my back is always going out. LOL her purse is just big enough for a wallet and keys. But she is always shoving stuff into my purse when we are going out.
Band-aids and after-bite are permanently in the glove box. My kids are now 14 and 10 but they still need a little love now and then. I always take a little survival kit of first aid stuff and medicines for that just in case kind of happening when we go away. Kids laugh at me because I always have a big purse - but with all that a mom has to carry - who can go small?!?!
I am the worlds most prepared Mom because I am a worrier and I don't like surprises, so, I think of everything possible that could happen and prepare for it! Needless to say by the time I get around to doing whatever it is I am exhausted!!!
Always take your wallet, you can buy whatever you need.
I always have allergy medicine on my as my kids and i all suffer from allergies.I always have polysporin for cuts and tissue for nose bleeds lol I carry hand sanitizer for when they touch something gross and I have a little fold us multi tool thing that has scissors and a little knife etc.And the best thing is to always have a flashlight, I have needed that more than anything
In our family, I am always the last one out of the door. As the Mom, CEO, First-aider and problem solver extraordinaire, it is my task to ensure we are prepared appropriately for every possible situation. Thus, it is a big task for every adventure.
Always have some cash with you. Plastic is good, but cash works everwhere.
You name it first aide stuff, Benadryl for hives and bug bites, pain and inflammation medication, hand sanitizer, bus spray , sunscreen - I bring it all in a lion king soft sided bag that has traveled thousands of miles over the past 21 years. I should have been a boy scout because BE PREPARED is my motto when it comes to travel with kids even when mine are almost grow up - 14 to 21! My how time flies.
I would have to say that the best thing I carry is the kit itself. I have two boys (one of which is special needs) and you just never know what will happen! In my kit (and I use an old diaper wipes container lol) I have : baby wipes, a hand towel, bandaids, spray-on foaming antiseptic (so no touching booboos!), sunblock, bug spray, benadryl, advil, pepto, tums, after bite stick, tide to go stick, febreze, hand sanitizer, lint roller, static gard, a few hot wheels, a few crayons, a notepad and water. These are all mini and travel size to fit but you just never know! My kit has been a life saver more than once!!!
I only have one child, but whether I pack to travel for one day or one month, I pack as though I have 10 kids! From baby wipes, hand sanitizer, kleenex, extra clothes, shoes, bug spray, sunscreen, picnic blanket, toys, sports equipment, snacks, water, bandaids, disinfectant, pain relief meds, I have it all! All the time!
You just never know when you'll need something, so why not always be prepared! (I was a Girl Guide many years ago)
The best item in my toolkit is toilet tissue. It can wipe away blood, sweat, and tears. The uses are endless.
Well our first aid kit is mostly for adults! For me the most important thing is Benadryl & Band Aids, I am allergic to all antibiotics so there is 2 I can use for a few days if I take Benadryl first, I am also allergic to wasp and hornet stings so I have epi pens and Benadryl on hand always! Antiseptic, gauze, band aids and Benadryl are a must in our first aid kit. We go through at least 10 bottles with the 50 tablets in it within a year.
I was out and about doing errands and while I was driving statred to get an allergic reaction. Drove to the nearest drugstore and picked some BENYDRYL and took one on the spot. So now i'm prepared as I have some in my purse, in my car and at the house.
Paper towels, Pepto Bismol, Benadryl and Tylenol. And let's not forget even if it's just a day trip definitely a change of clothes. :)
Wow, I can not believe all the stuff that "we" as mom carry each and everyday. We do it in the name of love for our children to make sure that they are cared for. I carry alot of the same things most moms have noted.
Hugs to all the caring and loving moms that pack things "JUST IN CASE"
When we go on outing I take wipes,polysporin,bandaids,a storybook,coloring book and markers,and some fruit snacks.I also keep in the vehicle a blanket,pillow and a candle(for winter driving in case we have a break down.
I THINK THE BEST THING I HAVE IN MY "TOOL KIT" WOULD HAVE TO BE SNACK BARS...OFTEN TIMES THINGS TAKE LONGER THAN EXPECTED. SO WITH A FUSSY BABY, DIET SENSTIVE 4 YR OLD AND 2 MORE CRANKY KIDS...SNACKS DO WONDERS! :)
Though my girls are now teens, I was always prepared when going on outings with them when they were little. My essentials in my bag were band-aids, wipes, and hand sanitizer. Of course, now that they are much older, the essentials have changed and they carry the items in their own bag or purse. It is important that they always have their phone ( fully charged) and money. No matter what age they are, it is always essential to be prepared.
I carry a first aid it in every vehicle we own. it includes items for easy first aid needs, like cuts and scrapes as well as slings in the event of a broken bone. My son plays soccer and we have used the kits every summer, luckily not on my own son but on many of the other players. Their families are very thankful. I also include a couple of quarters in the kit, in the event a telephone call needs to be made and we are out of cell range.
Being a nurse, I always felt that I was required to be prepared. It only took one new need and the next time I was better prepared. A medicine bag that I kept updated and varied supplies kept in the car trunk.
The best thing to always have with you? Patience and a sense of humour. Without either, being a mother would be an impossible task. With both, it's the most wonderful job on the planet.
I have raised my own two kids who have seasonal allergies as well as allergies to certain bug bites. I have also had the privielge to raise quite a number of foster children over the past 17 years. Every year we head to our 'camp' in northern Ontario and packing can be daunting with a houseful of kids. I have them make their own lists of what to bring beginning with what they do the minute they wake up on any general day. They go through their daily routines and make the list. I then make my 'emergency kit'. Antiseptic wipes, first aid kits, sewing kit, car blankets, favourite pillows, car fire extinguisher, and most importantly Benadryl. We rarely need the big emergency items, but EVERY year someone is in need of relief from reactions to bug bites or seasonal allergies. The lists are helpful when it comes time to pack up and head home- nothing is left behind:)
Last year we traveled through B.C. and then down to Seattle.We were tenting,with 5 adults,2 teenagers and 7 little ones.It was a fun filled week with the exception of the one day that the young ones came across a nest of yellow jackets.We thanked God that we had packed a first aide kit and Benadryl.We plan on taking the kids camping again this year and intend to be well prepared for any problems.
The kids may need your care and loving touch after a sting, but so do the adults in your life. Benadryl can take an uncomfortable encounter with a wasp and reduce the itching and swelling so that fun can be had. On a trip to Haida Gwaii my husbands foot puffed up after being stung. I had Benadryl which stopped the mind crazy itching and eventually the swelling came down. Catastrophe averted because Mom was prepared with Benadryl.
I always have bug spray in the vehicle...even in the winter; our mosquitos can be hardy.
I have a 4 year old boy and I never leave home without a new, old toy. I dig to the bottom of the toy box and find a toy he hasn't seen for ages and put it in my purse. When he is getting antsy I pull it out and boy is he surprised. It's like having a new toy everytime!