three toddlers sitting on a toki mats picnic blanket
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What To Pack For A Picnic With A Baby & Toddler

June 5, 2023

Summertime is just around the corner, and that means it’s the season for picnics! Picnics are a charming way to spend a warm weekend outside with your family, and they’re enjoyable for people of all ages. Not only is a park picnic a chance for toddlers to freely roam and play, being outside also provides a rich sensory experience for babies who are learning about the world and their place in it. When you have two or more little ones, even just getting everyone ready to leave the house can feel like a full day’s work, but being outdoors is great for everything from motor development and sensory skills to improved health and mood. So, the next time you have a free weekend, head out to your local park with your littles in tow and enjoy lunchtime on the grass with these picnic essentials:

baby with sunglasses and a sun hat sitting on a toki mats picnic blanket

EATING

  • Toki Mats Picnic Blanket: This extra large picnic blanket is made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton and treated with a water-repellent coating to minimize mess.
  • hiccapop Omniboost Travel Booster Seat: This handy travel booster provides a stable seat and a tray for babies to eat on the go.
  • ALLCAMP OUTDOOR GEAR Insulated Picnic Basket: Large and insulated, this picnic basket keeps food and drinks cold in hot weather.
  • Baby utensils/plates/bowls: Bring kid-safe utensils and plates that won’t break.
  • Water bottle/straw cup: Keep little ones hydrated in the summer and eliminate the need for plastic cups.
  • Finger foods: Finger foods are easy to eat and don’t require cutting up.
  • Food pouches: Grab your baby’s favorite food pouches for convenience and less mess.
  • Grab-and-go snacks: The key to happy kids? Plenty of snacks.

CLEAN UP

  • Baby wipes: Wipe sticky hands and faces clean.
  • Paper towels: Although the Toki picnic blanket will repel spilled liquids, paper towels make cleanup quick and easy.
  • Trash bag: Although there are trash cans at the park, bringing your own bag makes it easier to dump your trash on the way back to the car.
  • Extra clothes: No one wants to head home in wet, sticky clothes. Bring outfit changes for your little ones for inevitable spills.

HEALTH & SAFETY

  • Babymoov Anti-UV Marine Tent: This UV-blocking tent creates safe shade for babies too young for sunscreen and prevents overheating.
  • Sunscreen: Remember to reapply sunscreen as needed to prevent sunburn.
  • Sun hat: Keep little ones cool and safe from strong rays with UPF 50+ sun hats.
  • Sunglasses: Young children’s eyes are particularly susceptible to UV ray damage, so sunglasses are a necessity.
  • First aid kit: In case of scrapes or cuts, a small first aid kit is handy to clean and bandage minor wounds.

DIAPERING

  • Diaper bag: Pack all your diapering essentials, like diapers, wipes, rash cream, etc.
  • Portable changing pad: No one wants to change dirty diapers in the same spot that food goes, so a changing pad is a must-have.
  • OXO-Tot 2-in-1 Go Potty: This travel potty with a disposable bag for waste is super handy for potty-trained kids and eliminates the stress of finding a bathroom, especially if you're solo parenting.

PLAY

  • Portable speaker: A portable speaker and a playlist of all your kiddos’ favorite songs can amp up the fun.
  • Bubbles: Babies and kids of all ages love bubbles, and it’s an easy way to keep little ones happy and entertained.
  • Kite: If it’s a breezy or windy day, flying a kite is a fun way for littles to connect with nature.
toddlers carrying toki mats picnic blankets
What To Pack For A Picnic With A Baby & Toddler

About the Author: Alice

Alice Mendoza is a copywriter and blog writer based in Los Angeles. She began writing for a baby brand while on maternity leave, and realized she had found her niche. Today, she writes exclusively within the baby space, using her BFA in Creative Writing and her own experience as a mother to guide her. When she’s not working, you can find her chasing down her toddler, going on walks around the neighborhood, or watching reality TV.

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