From One Arizona Mama of Two Under Two to Another
As a mama juggling two under two in the Arizona heat, I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way!) what truly needs to be in that summer bag. Whether it’s splash pad playdates, zoo visits, or quick park outings, these essentials keep us cool, clean, fed, and functional—and they all fit beautifully in one organized Bogg Bag.
If you loved my Ultimate Guide to Summer Outings with Babies & Toddlers, this is the practical follow-up that will help you prep like a pro before you even leave the driveway.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase through the links below. I only recommend what I truly use and love as a fellow mama of two under two!
1. The Bogg Bag – Your Summer MVP
Lightweight, waterproof, and practically indestructible—my Bogg Bag goes everywhere with us. The best part? It’s completely customizable with clever accessories like:
- Snack trays and dividers (perfect for separating each child’s essentials!)
- Water bottle and phone holders
- Key clips and organizing inserts
Everything has a place, and it’s super easy to clean or rinse out after sandy, wet adventures.
2. Thin, Highly Absorbent Towels
Instead of bulky beach towels, I bring fast-drying towels. They’re lightweight, don’t hog space, and work great for drying off, makeshift nursing covers, or even doubling as a quick picnic blanket.
Pro Tip: I also keep a foldable Costco picnic blanket in the car—it’s compact and ideal for grassy rest spots or shady snack breaks.
3. Multiple Wet Bags
I cannot stress this enough: wet bags are game changers.
We use them for:
- Wet swimsuits
- Dirty clothes
- Cloth diapers & wipes
- Messy towels
- Even soggy baby books or teething toys
I always bring at least two—one for dirty, one for clean backups.
4. Reusable Swim Diapers
These are a total win for families with little ones.
No guessing sizes and no waste. Just toss in the wet bag after water play. I use ours all summer long!
5. Washable Changing Pad
Compact, soft, and easy to clean. I love mine because it rolls right up and fits easily in the bag.
If it gets dirty? Straight into the wash.
(We do keep a wipeable pad in the car, but this washable one is my go-to for outings.)
6. Snacks That Won’t Melt
Heat-safe snacks are a must. I pack:
- Freeze-dried fruits
- Puffs or melts
- Shelf-stable organic fruit snacks
- Granola bars that don’t melt easily
Having snacks packed in separate snack bags avoids mess and makes handing out food on-the-go a breeze.
7. Water Bottles for Everyone
Hydration is everything in Arizona. I bring a water bottle for each child and myself.
This water bottle carrier is a lifesaver—it holds my drink, keys, and phone so I can be hands-free when pushing a stroller or baby-wearing.
Mama Hack: Starbucks will happily top off your water bottles with ice water when you swing by for coffee!
8. Keep It Compact and Organized
With two under two, anything that makes life easier is a win. Here’s how I keep everything streamlined:
- Use dividers and inserts in your Bogg Bag
- Keep each kid’s essentials in their own labeled pouch
- Clip keys and phone where you can easily grab them
- Pack towels on top for quick access after splash pad stops
If it’s not washable, compact, or dual-purpose… it usually doesn’t make the cut.
Final Thoughts
Packing a summer bag with two littles doesn’t have to be chaotic. With the right tools and a little planning, you can leave the house confident, cool, and clutter-free.
If you’re prepping for summer adventures, don’t miss my full Ultimate Guide to Summer Outings for more ideas and must-haves!
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