Inside ToteSavvy

As a mom, I’ve learned that dining out with kids is a delicate balance between wanting to enjoy a meal and managing the unpredictable nature of little ones. Amidst the anxiety, there’s joy to be found—watching their faces light up when their food arrives or sharing giggles over silly conversations. It’s all part of the adventure, and I’ve realized that preparation acts as my superhero cape in motherhood. With a little prep and a sense of humor, I can focus on enjoying the moment rather than stressing about the “what ifs.” Ultimately, being prepared transforms dining out from a daunting challenge into a fun adventure, allowing me to savor those special family memories. Knowing I have activities and essential supplies on hand helps me prevent potential meltdowns before they start. It’s not just about having the essentials, but also packing them in a way that keeps everything organized and within easy reach. That’s where the ToteSavvy comes in—it’s been a game-changer for us. With its perfectly designed compartments, packing for a quick outing is a breeze, even when we’re rushing out the door. From snacks and wipes to our Babynetic magnetic bibs, everything has its place, so I can grab exactly what we need without digging through a chaotic bag. Check out our family tips and must-haves for dining out:  Parent pro tip: As soon as you sit down, order your kids’ food—or better yet, ask for the bread basket—before the waiter even gets to the "sparkling or still" water question! Keeping the little ones happy with something to nibble on makes all the difference. Activities: Pack a few activities to keep your little ones entertained while you wait for your food. Some of our favorites include Melissa and Doug’s Water Wow for mess-free coloring, Floss and Rock’s fun memory games, and the doodle board tablet for endless creative play! To keep things fresh and engaging, mix in some new or different items that they don’t usually play with. This adds an element of excitement and helps pass the time more pleasantly!  Familiar favorites: You can’t always rely on restaurants to provide kid-friendly cups or utensils, so it’s a great idea to bring some familiar items from home to boost your child’s confidence during mealtime. Pack their favorite water bottle, utensils, and a bib to keep things tidy.  Minimize the mess: Dining out with little ones doesn’t have to be messy! Our go-to solution for staying neat on the go is the Babynetic magnetic bib. The magnetic closure makes it so easy to snap on even the squirmiest toddler, and it’s nearly impossible for them to pull off—no more food flying disasters! Plus, it can easily be wiped clean and put back into your ToteSavvy, keeping everything organized. Another lifesaver? Disposable placemats! Skip the breakable plates and let your little one enjoy their meal directly on the placemat. It’s an easy setup and even easier cleanup when you’re ready to toss it out.   The Usual Suspects: Depending on your child's age, there are the usual items that go with you whenever you leave the house. Dining out is no different so pack up your wipes, diapers and a change of clothes to make sure you’re ready for any surprises that might arise during your meal. So, to all the moms out there: remember that being prepared is your trusty sidekick when it comes to dining out. With a little planning and a lot of positivity, you can tackle any restaurant adventure with confidence. Let’s make those family meals a time to cherish, one bite at a time! Use code TOTESAVVY for 20% off your Babynetic purchase!  Author: Amanda Wiesemann

Are you a new parent or soon-to-be parent? One essential item you'll need is a diaper bag. But what should you pack in it? We've got you covered with our diaper bag checklist to ensure you have everything you need for a successful outing with your little one. Stylish Diaper Bag & ToteSavvy Bag Organizer If you're new to ToteSavvy, let me introduce you to a life-changing product--the ToteSavvy Bag Organizer. When a traditional diaper bag or diaper bag backpack isn't your style, a ToteSavvy Bag Organizer can transform any handbag or tote into a stylish and functional diaper bag. Shown in this post is our Deluxe Bag Organizer with a double-wide cooler pocket. We also offer our ToteSavvy Original and the  ToteSavvy Mini. All are amazing options for organizing your diaper bag--it just depends on the functionality you need and sizing of your bag. Our most requested bag & organizer combination to use for a diaper bag is the ToteSavvy Deluxe and the Marc Jacobs The Tote Bag. It has been a viral bag combo, and we get so excited knowing you love it as much as we do! Diapers It goes without saying that diapers are a must-have in your diaper bag. Pack enough diapers to last for the duration of your outing, plus a few extras, just in case. Remember, it's better to be over-prepared than under-prepared! Wipes Wipes are a lifesaver when it comes to cleaning up messes. Make sure to pack a travel-sized pack of wipes in your diaper bag. They're perfect for quick diaper changes or wiping sticky hands and faces. Changing Pad Don't forget to include a portable changing pad in your diaper bag--the amazing thing is, all ToteSavvy Bag Organizers come with a changing pad! This handy item provides a clean surface for diaper changes, no matter where you are. Diaper Rash Cream Diaper rash can be uncomfortable for your little one. Be prepared by packing a small tube of diaper rash cream in your bag. It will provide instant relief and help prevent further irritation. Hand Sanitizer For after those on-the-go diaper changes you'll want a little hand sanitizer. Grab your favorite and be sure it's always in your bag! Tissues We're suckers for cute slim tissue packs, but boy do they come in handy. Whether your little one has a runny nose, you need to wipe away their tears, or you need a tissue yourself, a small pack always comes in handy. Teethers & Paci Clips Teethers and pacifiers can be a lifesaver when your baby needs soothing. Pack a couple of pacifiers on a paci clip and a teether or two in a Small Clear Pouch to keep them clean in your diaper bag and you'll have a secret weapon packed away when your little one needs calming while on-the-go. Spare Outfit Accidents happen, and it's always a good idea to have a change of clothes on hand. Pack a spare outfit for your baby, including a onesie, pants, socks, and a hat. You'll thank yourself later! We love these onesies from Goumi! Swaddle Blanket Whether you're swaddling your little one or you need a light-weight blanket, we love Harp Angel Swaddle blankets.  Wet Bag There's nothing worse than having a soaked through outfit or oh, gosh, a blow out filled onesie and having no where to put it while you're out. A wet bag comes in handy with those stinky outfits or even a swimsuit if you're headed to the pool or beach. Simply throw the wet/soiled clothes in the wet bag, and the wet bag will protect everything else from getting dirty/wet until you get home! Bottles & Formula If you're bottle-feeding your baby, don't forget to pack bottles and formula/breastmilk in your diaper bag. The ToteSavvy Deluxe has a double-wide cooler pocket that works wonders when transporting formula or breastmilk. We suggest popping in a small ice pack to keep your formula or breastmilk chilled. Snacks If your baby has started eating solid foods, pack some age-appropriate snacks in your diaper bag. This way, you'll always have a healthy option on hand when hunger strikes. Don't forget about a drink and a snack for yourself, too! First Aid Kit & Pill Container No matter how short the outing, an accident can always happen. Keep a travel first aid kit filled with band aids and first aid cream and pill container with extra medicines for yourself in your diaper bag. Key Fob Cover & Card Holder A key fob cover isn't an essential, but it sure does make your keys cute! What is an essential though is a card holder. Slim down your wallet and utilize a stylish card holder. It clips perfectly to the key clasp on a ToteSavvy Bag Organizer so there's no searching for your keys at the bottom of your bag. If you find yourself heading out without your little one, you can grab your keys and card holder and head out the door! Pin Me For Later! Shop the Post! ToteSavvy Deluxe | ToteSavvy Original | ToteSavvy Mini | ToteSavvy Clear Pouch Trio Set | Marc Jacobs The Tote Bag Large | Moonlight Teether Clip Set | Moonlight Paci Clip | Blush Rainbow Swaddle | Abby & Finn Trial Diapers | EllaOla Diaper Rash Cream | Avent Bottle | Pacifiers | Slim Tissue Packs | Goumi Onesie | Travel First Aid Kit | Pill Container | Touchland Hand Sanitizer | Hair Scrunchies | Wet Bag | Key Fob Cover | Card Holder We hope this checklist helps as you're planning to pack your diaper bag! Be sure to follow us on Instagram for daily packing inspiration.

As we're heading into summer, organization is key, especially for Moms. We're sharing three products that will help make your life easier, keep you and your little one(s) organized, and allow you to enjoy more time with your littles. ToteSavvy Mini The ToteSavvy Mini is the perfect way to organize your everyday essentials, and your littles one's, too! There's various sized pockets to pack diapers, wipes, a bottle or sippy cup, and more. Simply place your packed ToteSavvy Mini in your favorite handbag, tote, or backpack, and you're ready to go! Crossbody Change Kit For all of your summertime adventures with your little one, this hands free micro diaper bag allows you to pack the essentials without having to lug around your heavy baby bag! You can pack diapers and wipes that have an easy-access window, a changing pad is included, add in a snack or two, your card holder and keys, and don't forget the hand sanitizer. The Crossbody Change Kit is ideal for park play dates, walks in the park, quick trips to Target, you know, "running errands", and even baseball games or sporting events. Clear Pouch Trio Set From baby essentials packed in your tote to toiletries for travel or even a car kit filled with entertainment for your toddler, the Clear Pouches will be a go-to organization essential. Whether you use all three together or a couple individually, you'll be reaching to use one every day.  They're great for packing snacks, the Small is a great on-the-go makeup bag or even paci clips, teethers, and utensils, and the Large is perfect for spare clothing! Be sure to follow us on Instagram to see daily packing inspiration using all of our ToteSavvy products.

As a new parent, having a well-packed diaper bag is crucial for any outing with your newborn. Being prepared with all the essentials will ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for both you and your baby. YOUR PACKING LIST • Diapers (1 per hour away) • Wet wipes • Diaper cream • Feeding supplies (Essentials for nursing or bottles and formula) • Burp cloths   • Spare Clothing (Pack a few extra sets and don't forget socks, hats, or booties!) *We partnered with Goumi to offer you 15% off your order. Details below!* • Swaddle blanket • Pacifier (and other comfort items) • Hand sanitizer • First aid items (like nail clippers, nasal aspirator, medications, and antiseptic wipes) Remember to periodically check and restock your diaper bag to ensure you always have the necessary supplies. With a well-packed diaper bag, you can confidently venture out with your newborn, knowing that you're prepared for whatever comes your way.

As a Mama of 3 little ones, Adrienne Neufield (@adrienneneufield) understands how important it is to keep herself organized, especially when she's on-the-go. She spills all of her essentials! I love my big mom bags, but I’m forever digging around in trying to find what I need. Totesavvy is the perfect pair for my big bag - it’s like peanut butter to chocolate or grilled cheese to tomato soup. ToteSavvy makes any bag organized and easy to navigate. For whatever reason, an organized bag makes my scattered mom brain feel a little less scattered.  What I'm Carrying:  Diapers  Wipes Bum cream Gathre mat Portable white noise machine Laid back snacks (love the cracked pepper pistachios) and granola bars Swaddle blanket Back up onsie Soother Chew toy  Bonnet Breast pump  And sometimes I throw in my studio noos change pad as well Follow along at @adrienneneufield! 

With a toddler and a baby on the way, Nicole Mickles finds staying organized is what keeps her days running smoothly. We took a look inside Nicole's beautiful bag to see what she's currently carrying in her ToteSavvy Deluxe for her 3 year old daughter and what she plans on adding once baby boy arrives! Since becoming a mom, staying organized has been a life saver. We recently started using the Totesavvy Deluxe organizer and it has helped us incredibly. Life with a toddler can get hectic and having this bag organizer to keep everything in place and easy to reach makes it a whole lot easier. I do try to keep things very minimal, yet functional, so I try to pack only what I need (unless my toddler sneaks in extra toys). We are always on-the-go and I appreciate being worry free about what I need to bring with me.   The ToteSavvy organizer holds everything I need while running errands, visiting family, or going on simple walks with our daughter. It’s lightweight and has a variety of different sized pockets, which can hold all sorts of goodies. I especially love the cooler pocket for keeping sippy cups cold (this will also come in handy for baby boy's milk). If I had to pick my top two favorite parts of the organizer, it would be how easy it is to clean and how much it can hold. As far as what I like to put inside, I always make sure to pack extra snacks, diapers, books, sunscreen, and toys for her. For me, I also bring my wallet, keys, and silicone straw for those on the go coffees. It’s essential that I keep things to keep her busy, especially while we are out and about. Since I’m expecting, this organizer will also hold all of baby boy’s essentials when he’s here, including extra diapers, wipes, bottles, swaddles, pacifiers, extra outfits, and anything else he should need. It’ll truly make the perfect organizer for two kiddos under 3, and since it is so versatile, we can always switch it out and use it in our diaper bag. I couldn’t haven’t asked for a better organizer to fit my mommy lifestyle. Things I Pack Now: Diapers/Wipes Toys Book Wallet Baby Sunscreen Snacks Hairbrush/comb Table Mat (for dining out) Silicone Straw Car Keys Things I Plan on Adding for Baby: Extra Diapers/Diapers Bottles Pacifiers/Clips Wireless Sound Machine Thermometer  Swaddles

Summer is here, so we asked our ToteSavvy Community to share what essentials they're carrying with them. From sunscreen to lip balms, we have a list of the go-to items from some of our most in-the-know moms! Lauren Roscof  Sunscreen - Supergoop Defense Refresh Lip Product - Le Laneige lip mask in vanilla, Too Faced plumping lip gloss in 'Wifey for Lifey', or Tarte lipstick in Salt Lyfe Hand Sanitizer - Ingredients (it smells like heaven and is all clean ingredients as the name suggests) Portable phone charger Air pods or noise canceling headphones Sunnies - Krewe   Natalia Trimnell For Me Lipgloss and Balm - Buxum  Hair ties -  Gimme Beauty Laptop - Apple Wallet - Louis Vuitton Essential Oil Roller Balls - Doterra For Baby Diapers and Wipes - Pampers Diaper Paste - Sweet Cheeks Baby Blanket - Goumi Everything Lotion - WileyBaby Bottles - Nano Bebe Baby Sunscreen - Supergoop   Olivia Jeanette Energy Bar - Sakara Snack for the kids - Rx Bar Lip gloss - Bobbi Brown Sunglasses -  Le Specs Baby wipes - WaterWipes   Sophie Collins Wash Cloth - One Wednesday Onesies - Luna Cay Teether - Giving Sundays Bento Box -Lunch Bots Formula - Hipp Pacifier holder -Lou Lou Lollipop Notebook, Stil Lip Gloss - Denise Elliott Sunscreen, Neutrogena Toddler Undies, Mini Cycle Diapers, Huggies Wipes, Huggies

If you're feeling lost trying to find your style post-baby, know that you aren't alone. We tapped wardrobe and soul stylist, Jenny Greenstein of Your Soul Style for her tips on navigating your personal style after having a baby. You often speak to the emotional benefits of getting dressed. Can you expand on this?   Absolutely! A strong sense of personal style occurs when we are living in alignment with all parts of our being. When we are able to harness the symbiotic relationship between inner and outer, authentic representation emerges and we become the best version of ourselves. That said,  when there’s a disconnect and we are unable to integrate, it leads to challenges with self esteem, confidence and an empowered sense of self. Just like any wellness practice, paying attention to what we wear is an act of self-care and there are incredible emotional benefits that happen when doing the transformative work. The term “mind, body and soul” encompasses personal style and while some may find clothes to be trivial, getting dressed is a vital tool for communicating who we are. Style is a medium of self expression.  At ToteSavvy, we celebrate women keeping their personal style after becoming a mom, but we also recognize there are a lot of competing priorities. Do you have go-to tips for moms who want to look and feel put together but don't require a ton of effort? There are absolutely a lot of competing priorities, not to mention the huge pivot from pre-baby life. As we mama’s know, a financial, emotional, physical and mental shift occurs when you become a mother and yes - of course, time is one of the biggest compromises we have no choice but to make. A few tips I give my mama clients are the following:  UNIFORM: Keep it simple and find your uniform. Once you establish a head-to-toe look that is both functional and authentically yours, create an interchangeable capsule of these pieces so you have your own “collection”. Getting dressed in motherhood, especially early motherhood needs to be a no-brainer but you may need to spend time upfront to establish what works and then from there you can be on autopilot.  PLAN: Always choose your look the night before. All you need is an extra 5-minutes before bed, and pulling your look together ahead of time eases the morning hustle in a big bad way. Pro tip: Try on your chosen outfit during this time so you know it works well and don’t need to reinvent the wheel at 7am.  INVEST: Invest in a few pieces that can easily elevate your look, even if you’re wearing sweats or leggings. A few I recommend are hats, handbags, fashionable footwear, a great piece of outerwear, and a structured blazer.  Let's chat postpartum. What style suggestions do you have for women who aren't back in their pre-baby clothes, don't want to live in leggings and don't want to spend a fortune on a temporary wardrobe? The first thing women need to do is go through their closet and pull together the pieces that work. Move aside anything that doesn’t fit or doesn’t serve your current lifestyle and know it will be revisited at a later date. Once you have this capsule pulled together, which is something I work with my clients on, figure out what pieces can be integrated to help make it a fully functioning wardrobe that you will feel good about. This does require spending a little bit of money, but you don’t have to break the bank. That said, I recommend setting aside a budget for purchasing a few temporary pieces to get you through this transitional time. Women shouldn’t have to struggle every morning with a wardrobe that doesn’t serve them. Additionally, there are amazing companies where you can rent clothes like Rent The Runway or Nuuley which are low commitment and sustainable. Two other good options are The Real Real and Thread Up which sell gently worn merchandise. If you were going to put together a new mom capsule wardrobe, what would be your must-haves?  Utility suits because they are one-piece dressing and give you easy access to breastfeed (if you choose to do so), 2 pairs of denim that fit current shape, items with forgiving waistlines such as joggers or loose fitting dresses, a structured blazer to elevate the most basic to formal look, well-fitting undergarments (from undies to bras to shapewear), functional and fashion-forward sneakers, hats or hair accessories for quick hair fixes and a “mom” bag that fits all of your essentials, organized with Totesavvy.  Can you share some of your list of go-to designers and why you love them?  To name a few, Mara Hoffman because of both her styling and sustainable business model. She just launched full circle which is a space on her site where you can buy pre-owned Mara and sell yours back. It’s beyond brilliant. I’m very into ACNE for it’s edginess and street style sensibility, Raey for it’s relaxed, oversized, simple yet elevated pieces, LoveShackFancy because in the summer all I really want to wear is whimsical dresses and Ulla Johnson because of her endless romantic vibes. I’m also always on the hunt for my next epic faux fur vintage coat.  Jenny Greenstein is a Wardrobe and Soul Stylist and founder of Your Soul Style, an integrative method which combines style with mindfulness. Jenny’s approach emphasizes authenticity and personal transformation, and through Style Coaching, Closet Cleanses and Shopping/Styling sessions, she supports women and mothers on the ever-evolving path towards living in alignment from the inside out. Jenny’s work can be seen in digital publications such as Motherly, Betches and Pure Wow, and she is currently featured on the May 2021 cover of New York Family magazine. She is based in NYC with her wife Dina and two daughters, Vida and Bloom. Learn more about Jenny via www.yoursoulstyle.com or on IG @yoursoulstyle.

As an entrepreneur and boy-mama of two, DeNeitra Burnett is always on the move. She shares what she keeps with her on her busy days.  Going into the world as an entrepreneur momma, during a global pandemic presents some very unique challenges. As the owner of Savvy Events, an experiential events + gifting agency I'm always on the go. ToteSavvy has been such a huge lifesaver by helping me to eliminate the stress of fitting everything into my diaper bag in an orderly and efficient manner. I have been known to lose things in my massive bag, but using ToteSavvy allows me to be much more organized and to keep everything in its proper place.  So, what's in my diaper bag today as me and my little man head off to my warehouse? Well, I'm glad you asked. . .  Baby Teether Pacifier  Boiron Camilla Teething drops  Honest baby lotion Diapers Wipes 2 onesies  Bibs Swaddle blanket Happy Tots Super Foods pouch Portable sound machine Lip balm Ipad Airpods  #allthethings!  And you guys, that's not even including the disposable masks and hand sanitizer I usually have in the bag.  What I love about the ToteSavvy Deluxe: 1. It's super functional. There are so many compartments which make it a breeze to fit everything.  2. It's easy to clean - with a 7-month-old, things can get messy. It's super easy to wipe down. 3. I love the color! It's super feminine and totally my style. 4. It fits my laptop and/or my Ipad perfectly. I'm completely in love with my ToteSavvy and recommend it to all of my mommy friends! Follow along on my business owner + mommy journey on my Instagram @savvyeventsllc. Shop ToteSavvy Organizers

A specially curated list of most-wanted essentials   For every expectant mama out there, there’s a supportive village surrounding her wondering what to gift her in preparation for the next phase of her life. Such is the goal of a baby shower or baby registry--prepping new parents with the tools and essentials they need to usher in their beautifully chaotic next chapter. But beyond the diaper delivery service and the luxurious smart sleepers that are inevitably on their registries, what about mom?  We did the heavy lifting so that you can get your mom-to-be what she really wants.  The 4th Trimester Nesting Bundle by Hatch Life postpartum has a different ring to it. There’s beauty, there’s chaos, and there are also clothes that might not quite fit like they used to. Hatch took that all into account with their 4th Trimester Nesting Bundle, an absolute essential for the hospital and life-after. Bonus: mom will look cuter than she probably feels. Sakara Life Meal Subscription  Sakara Life has perfected organic health and wellness, making their meal subscription a no-brainer. Gifting a healthy meal delivery service to a loved one is so much more than creating ease in a time of new routines. You’ll also be nourishing her with nutrients to fortify every new moment--especially sleepless nights.  Melissa Wood Health Streaming  Self-care may be a line that’s so overused we feel fatigued from it--especially in times like these--but being mindfully methodical about carving time for ourselves shouldn’t be something we take lightly. Nothing could be more true for new moms. A health streaming service such as the one Melissa Wood offers is an amazing way moms can reconnect with themselves and their bodies from the comfort of home.  Artipoppe Baby Carrier For the mom that values style, say no more. The Artipoppe Baby Carrier is, perhaps, the most luxe baby carrier out there. Not only will its sleek designs have every fashion mama swooning, but she’ll feel further comforted with its thoughtful design that checks off all comfort needs--for both herself and, most importantly, for baby.  ToteSavvy One of the biggest challenges about motherhood--and perhaps especially new motherhood--is maintaining organization. For new, first-time moms, there’s so much to keep up with that they weren’t accustomed to pre-baby. So to keep everything from diapers, bottles, pacifiers, wipes, swaddles, not to mention her own belongings, in perfect working order, get her the gift of organization. There’s a ToteSavvy for everything, PLUS, she gets to keep her favorite tote (and her sense of self, too). 

Travel to far off places can't come soon enough. For now, we'll live vicariously through our friends. Check out how Britny Pittman packs her ToteSavvy Mini for a quick (and safe!) weekend away.    When I was pregnant with Peri (now 3), I purchased a ToteSavvy Mini to go in my LV Sperone backpack. I knew we’d be traveling a lot and I wanted to be able to be as hands free as possible. At the time, I needed it for all the baby essentials- diapers, wipes, bottles (it has an awesome insulated pocket), etc. After a pretty stationary 2020, I was thrilled to hop on a plane and head to Cabo last weekend. I still use my bag organizer even without kids and it really is a lifesaver. Aside from my usual travel essentials, I’ve now had to add things like sanitizer and extra masks.  Just when I think I can’t fit anything else, my ToteSavvy manages to stretch a little more. I have since bought the ToteSavvy Original size and was recently gifted the Deluxe. Not only do they keep me organized, they’re so beautiful to look at-unlike many others I’ve seen online. I cannot say enough good things about ToteSavvy.  What’s in my bag: Travel Edition Water Hand Sanitizer Sanitizer wipes Extra masks Ibuprofen  Lip mask Undereye masks Chapstick Face lotion A book Comb Extra hair tie Wallet Phone charger Portable charger Ear buds Passport Plane tickets

From the running errands to playing in the park, Tatiana Pujol of @weshopinheels is a busy mom who is constantly on the go. We wanted to know what essentials this mom of (almost) two packs in her ToteSavvy Change Kit.   I have been trying to keep my mom life as efficient and neat as possible to minimize the hassle. When it comes to carrying things in my bag, I’m a minimalist. I try to clean it to get rid of clutter at least once a week. For me, it’s necessary to have a practical and functional diaper bag that allows me to carry all of the essentials, both for baby and myself, without having to dig to find what I need.  Sometimes I just need to pack a few essentials for quick outings with my family, strolls around our neighborhood, quick supermarket errands, or a park trip with my toddler. The ToteSavvy Change Kit has been a life saver. It's a crossbody bag with an adjustable strap that features quick access to baby wipes for unexpected messes, a changing mat in case of a quick diaper change, and accessible pockets to keep all my woman essentials. This statement bag is versatile and has a sporty-chic look that can easily be transformed into a more dressy look.  < What’s currently in my ToteSavvy Change Kit: For my toddler: Baby wipes  Diaper cream  Changing mat Fruit Bars  For myself: Hands sanitizer  Sunglasses  Lipstick Credit card case Cellphone  Keys    Leaving home has never been easier with the convenience of the Change Kit. It’s been so practical for my crazy mom days, or just woman days to carry my essentials without missing out on any of our necessities. 

Ruth Gordon-Martin is a Postpartum Doula and founder of natural and organic postpartum care products CODDLE. She is on a mission to promote the importance of self-care for mothers post-delivery. We chatted with this mama of two about the importance of not only preparing for the birth of a baby, but also preparing for the birth of a mother.  Transitioning from doula to product developer is a big leap - how did you decide to launch your line of postpartum products? As I visited and talked to moms I found that most were clueless about their recovery and weren't aware of the products and tools that can help speed up their healing. Most of the women I spoke with during my doula visits transitioned from hospital to home and waited out their recovery until the pain subsided. For me, I had my aunt, mom and MIL waiting for me when I got home. They introduced me to remedies and recovery techniques that they used that are a part of our Jamaican postpartum tradition. My MIL constantly made sure I was drinking lots of broth, and as soon as I was able to take a bath (I had a c section) my aunt made a homemade sitz bath with healing herbs. From calendula flower to marshmallow root, CODDLE’s organic formulations are both soothing and healing for new moms. How did you discover the medicinal properties of some of these more esoteric ingredients? It started with my grandmother – all the credit goes to her. When I was growing up in Jamaica, my sisters and I came down with the measles. If you know anything about the measles, you know it leaves you itchy. To help us recover, my grandmother prepared soothing baths for my sisters and I using tamarind leaves boiled in water. After days of multiple steams and soaks, we were no longer itching and were healed. It was this specific experience, along with many others that led me to discover the power of plants and herbs. I also spoke openly with my mom and aunts about postpartum. We talked about traditional herbal remedies and their benefits, which ultimately led me to doing a lot of research on how to apply this today's line of products.  There is so much information about prenatal care, but very little information about postpartum recovery? Why do you think this is?  The entire industry is built around baby and newborn life. So, it’s natural for moms to gravitate toward and be totally overwhelmed with everything baby. Plus, pregnancy brings on so many body and hormonal changes - you’re more inclined to totally be absorbed with all these shifts. Another reason is the consumerism of the baby industry – it's a $1 billion dollar and it's focused on baby gear and the needs of the child. The only time you hear about mom is as it relates to the child, i.e. breastfeeding, because obviously your breasts only exist to feed the baby. Postpartum is an afterthought – it’s something that’s not seen. It’s in the shadows, so no one knows what’s happening or what to expect. And the celebrities add to that culture. What are 3 pieces of postpartum advice you would give to an expecting or new mom? 1. Prepare for postpartum – read a few books, follow a few accounts like CODDLE  and others focused on postpartum. She should mentally prepare and educate herself with books that give you a perspective on what postpartum life is like. 2. Prepare to breastfeed – most moms think about and want to breastfeed. It’s a natural thing but it doesn’t come naturally. Take a breastfeeding class, attend a La Leche meet-up. And in the age of social media – follow a few accounts to hear stories of moms. Talk with your mom, aunt, mother-in-law – what was their breastfeeding experience like? This sets the tone for your breastfeeding experience and expectation. 3. Get help - recruit people ahead of time. Society has led us to believe we can do it all on our own and that’s absolutely false. It can be a close female friend, a doula if they can afford one, your mom, mother-in-law, aunt or a cousin.  The first preference would be someone who has been through it before and knows what it entails. Help should not only just be there to ‘help’ but should be able to provide practical knowledge that’s not in any book. Gentle education, validation and reassurance that you’re doing it right, there’s no wrong way and that. like everything else, you will eventually get it. Pivoting to work/life balance - what are your go-to strategies for managing your business, your family while also finding some time for yourself? COVID has basically thrown the work/life balance out the window. Pre-COVID I tried to do as much as possible while my kids were in school and the rest after they are in bed. I try as much as possible to stick to a 8pm bedtime. The rest of the night is dedicated to CODDLE and time with my husband. Also, we try to go away for mini breaks as much as possible to unwind. The rest of the time is dinner with friends. After pregnancy I now have to manage sciatica pain, so a big plus is more massages – twice per month. On any given day - what can we find in your ToteSavvy?  In my ToteSavvy you can find most things from my make-up bag. There’s no need to have more than one bag so you’ll definitely find my make-up powder, lipstick if I’m wearing one that day and wipes. As a mom, you always need wipes and now with COVID even more so along with lots of hand sanitizer. I have a toddler who is obsessed with cars so you’ll find a few of those in there as well, along with my water bottle.

Remember those quizzes we used to take in old-school, authentic, glossy paper magazines that would tell us what kind of guy we were meant to be with, or what kind of career woman we would be? This post is a little bit like that--without the cheesy questions.  We all have a type--a mode of cooking, a ritual for bathing, a driving style. But what kind of mom are we? Each of us gravitates towards a certain type of style of parenting. In a way, it’s an extension of our past life, and the way we bring our interests that preceded having children into motherhood. And the best way to accommodate our lifestyle lies in finding the perfect bag--and bag organizer--that keeps it all together. Find your perfect fit for your lifestyle with the bags and organizers that seamlessly align with your parenting style. Full breakdown below!    photo credit @thatgirlgick Designer handbags are an investment, and one you likely don't want to shelve just because you're a mom. Your beautiful bag also deserves to be beautifully organized.  Pair ToteSavvy Deluxe or Original with the luxury handbag or your choosing. A few favorites include Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Dior.  (Designer tip: not only are they the perfect fit, they keep your bag lining looking untouched and totally pristine.)     photo credit: @jeneaeng From the beach to the park, and everywhere in between, we have the active mom covered. Adventure bags require max organization for the nuts, snack bars, and water bottles that need quick and easy grabbing. Fun fact: our mini organizer fits seamlessly into smaller bags and backpacks, too.  Pair a sporty backpack with ToteSavvy Mini. We love the Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack in size small or medium.      City dwelling requires major inventiveness and creativity when it comes to motherhood. Life is not just almost always on-the-go, it's almost always exclusively on foot. This lifestyle demands a special type of organization, and the ability to grab whatever you need in a New York minute. Our Original Organizer fits perfectly into an oversized tote so that whether over your shoulder or riding in your stroller, you can really grab-and-go.  Pair ToteSavvy Original with the MZ Wallace Metro Deluxe large tote. It's the perfect lightweight on-the-go bag for city dwellers.     The working mom needs a bag that does double-duty--something that works overtime to accommodate office life and mom life in equal balance. And though the juggle is real, the things in your bag don't need to be up in the air. Keep your life in perfect working order with the Deluxe Organizer, our interpretation of max organization that gives structure to even the craziest of days.  Pair ToteSavvy Deluxe with a sleek and stylish boss bag like the Rebecca Minkoff ‘Megan’ tote.       

Eli Yonas came up with the idea for her much-loved Toki Mats while on maternity leave with her second baby. Now as a mom of (almost) three, she manages her family, a full-time career in tech and her own business. We caught up with Eli to learn more about Toki Mats and gain some insights into how she does it all.  First, tell us a bit about how the business got started.  I came up with the idea on maternity leave with my daughter in the summer of 2016, and spent my leave doing all the research, product testing, and business foundation. After returning back to my day job, I slowly continued to work on Toki during nights and weekends. We finally launched our site on Small Business Saturday in November 2017 Do you ever think about focusing on Toki full-time? In addition to Toki, I currently work full-time in Partnerships at Facebook. I'm actually planning on using this upcoming maternity leave to launch our newest collection! While sometimes I wish I could work on Toki full time, I'm grateful for a job I like that allows me to invest back into the company to grow it and reach more families. It's also a great exercise in focusing on what will really make a difference with our product and customers since my time is so limited. Toki Mat designs always stand out! Do you design the patterns? Where do you find inspiration? Thank you! For all our patterns since we launched, I source the designs from fabric makers across the U.S. I go to fabric shows (usually with a baby in tow!) and have partnerships with fabric factories nationwide. It's fun to "shop" for fabric designs to use, and I always make sure to pick a diverse selection that will still be appealing for the modern and style-focused mom. For our newest collection (14 designs launching in July!), I am doing something completely new! I collaborated with artists and graphic designers to make exclusive Toki prints. I'm SO excited about them! Each artist's collection is true to their style and talent, while remaining on-brand for Toki to provide modern and beautiful play mat designs. Thee new collection has been nearly a year in the making, and we are so close to launching! We love that the company uses all non-toxic materials in making the mats. How important is sustainability to your overall mission? Super, super important. I spent the first year just doing research on sustainable materials and practices. Ultimately, I ended up using materials that have never been used in the play mat space, but are taking off in the adult mattress industry. From a values perspective, if I was going to be adding a new product to people's homes, it couldn't be anything less than 100% non-toxic and safe. We know first-hard how difficult it is to juggle running a business and family life. Can you share your tips for how to best manage it all? First, admitting that I don't do it perfectly. It would just be impossible. Second, is recognizing that that's OK. Lowering my expectations of myself in all areas (work, family, etc) allows me to be more forgiving when things aren't perfect (and they never are!). My motto has been to just take it one step forward every day, big or small, and that's what's gotten Toki to the place it is now. On any given day, what do you pack in your ToteSavvy? Now that I'm expecting baby #3 (right around the corner!) I'm so happy to have a ToteSavvy already packed in my hospital bag to be fully prepared. I have diapers and wipes of course, pacifiers (multiple to make sure the babe takes one!), my nursing must-haves especially for the newborn phase, a change of clothes (or two) for those inevitable blowouts, my baby wrap that I can't live without, and a swaddle. that gets thrown in my purse where I have my own essentials, and I'm all set!

Fashion has always been important to Charmaine Dulak (@charmainedulak), which is why when she became a mom, keeping her personal style was a non-negotiable. Find out what this mama of one keeps in her bag on any given day.  Motherhood has really taught me a lot, especially to always be prepared. My diaper bag is super important to me and it's always jam packed with all the goods we could possibly need. Even if we're just out for a shopping trip, I tend to pack as though we could get stranded somewhere for a day or two. (That's normal right? No? Just me? haha okay.) To help organize my bag, I use the Totesavvy organizer. I've been using Totesavvy for two years now and no regrets here! I absolutely love how everything has its own place. It makes things easy to find, I mean who wants to be digging in their bag when in a rush, right? Also, I love the fact that I can easily switch my bags with Totesavvy. Simply slip the organizer out and put in a different bag, and boom, you have a new diaper bag! What's in my diaper bag? - Diapers + Wipes - Emergency Kit - Boogie Wipes - WetOnes - Tissue - Extra Outfit - Wet bag - Sippy cup with water - Juice box + Granola bar - Reusable silicone straw - Cetaphil lotion - Hello Bello Hand sanitizer - Baby Aquaphor - Babyganics sunscreen - Wallet + Keys + Hairtie See how satisfying that looks? So organized and the blush color totally matches the interior of my bag. Totesavvy organizers are available in a variety of beautiful colors and sizes so you can easily match it with your bags. Also comes with a changing pad that's slim (doesn't take up much room at all in your bag) and is super easy to clean! Featured is my Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM with the Totesavvy organizer in the original size. I highly recommend this organizer to anybody. Remember, mom, but make it fashion.

Hillary Folkvord (@hillaryfolkvord) has been using ToteSavvy since her first born was an infant. As her daughter grew, so did the contents of her bag. Her family recently went from three to four and her use for ToteSavvy has changed yet again. Read on to see how this mama of two under two packs her bag.  Since becoming a mom of two this year, my organization skills have gone to the next level. Before having children, I never fully understood the need for a dedicated diaper bag. I would see mothers hauling around oversized bags, and wonder what could be in there. But after becoming a mother, I now understand babies do need a lot of stuff. The Totesavvy original actually was one of my first purchases, with the hope to organize my tote, but to also save the interior of my bag with all the mess that comes along with babies. I’ve also realized, in order to get out of the house on time, my diaper bag must always have the essentials. My two-year-old is finally out of diapers (halleluiah), however we are back in the diaper phase with our newborn. I also like to take the minimalist approach to packing for two. FOR OUR NEWBORN Diapers Travel Wipes Disposable Changing Pads Sanitizing Wipes Hand Sanitizer Lip & Cheek Balm 5 in 1 Cover Swaddle Pacifier Baggie for dirty clothes Back up onesie FOR OUR 2 YEAR OLD Snack / water bottle Colorless Markers Amazon Kindle Fire I aim to have at least one diaper for every 1.5 hours and a couple of extras…things happen. Babyganics makes a 40-count wipes package, the perfect size and not too heavy. I love the Babyganics sanitizer wipes  Perfect for wiping hands, faces, and other surfaces you know your kids will touch. Disposable changing pads are key. How gross the changing pad surfaces can be. Hand sanitizer, this is must with a newborn. I love this brand, it’s a clean hand sanitizer version. Lip balm, I love the brand Erbaviva  It’s my go to for both kids. I like this 5 in 1 cover. We put it over our son’s infant car seat, and I use it to nurse in public. Swaddles  these come in so handy. They are lightweight, not bulky, and great to layer on baby. Pacifier, yes I am a binky mom, love this brand. Extra baggie for soiled clothes. We all know blowouts will happen, and extra baggie is great for these situations. Back up clothes always! For our toddler, she is definitely getting easy to go out with. Snacks are everything! I carry Puffs  Bars, and a banana. We also love this water bottle. She loves to color and I love the colorless markers. No mess. And for emergencies, I carry our Amazon fire kindle. There are a few movies downloaded and the Disney Color game she loves. 

Every must-have you never want to leave home without.  Perfecting your diaper bag packing list is an ongoing game of trial and error, and one that every mother is constantly scrutinizing. And not only is the reason that the list is long--like, crazy long--but more so that, as your baby grows, that list starts to evolve. And evolve. And evolve a little more, until you reach a point where things become vaguely familiar and a little bit comfortable. In a surprise to probably no one, it then evolves again. Between picky eaters, tantrum soothers, loveys they can’t live without, and every essential in between, we jam-packed our top must-haves into this top 10 list of diaper bag musts. Read it all here:      1. Nose Frida Don’t knock it ‘til you try it. This bad boy will save the day better than any nasal aspirator we’ve tried. And when your sick little babe can’t find any other form of relief, we’ll bet you’ll try anything you can to fix it too. (Hint: we never leave home without this one.)  2. The Medibuddy First-Aid Kit A first-aid kit might seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised at how hard they can be to fit into a diaper bag--until now. The Medibuddy First-Aid Kit packs everything you need into one easy, grab-and-go case that fits into even the tiniest of spaces--but that fits particularly well into a ToteSavvy pocket.  3. Dr. Bronner’s Organic Hand Sanitizer Spray  When you become a new mom, you discover pretty quickly that hand sanitizer is crucial to keeping your hands clean. And in spray form, Dr. Bronner’s made it easy (plus, the calming lavender scent makes every chaotic moment seem just a little bit easier to handle).  4. Organic Applesauce Pouches  Fruit pouches have fast become a mother’s best friend. And let it be known that applesauce in a pouch is absolutely no exception--especially these tasty and easy to grab-and-go options from Prince and Spring.  5. Muslin Swaddles A lightweight muslin swaddle is the greatest asset to any brand-new mom. Easy to roll up and stash into any bag, they serve as the perfect feeding time cover-up, lightweight blanket or swaddle for any chill, and a burp cloth or rag for any messes (and these ones get bonus points for getting softer with every wash).   6. Rags Onesie Ready to roll--literally--the Rags Henley Romper is an easy option for smartly bundling into your ToteSavvy (and available in sizes 3-6 months all the way up to 5-6 years).   7. Soft Hat  When the sun’s out, and shade is hard to find, a simple, soft, foldable hat that easily tucks away--but is just as easy to grab--is one essential we always like to have on our bag.  8. Solly Baby Wrap Solly Baby + Babylist just did the collaboration of our dreams: a lightweight, easy to fold up and go baby wrap that’s made from soft, sustainable fabric--and it’s never not in our bags. 9. Energy Super Bar In a world of many a sleepless night and days jam-packed with the tireless game that is motherhood, we’ll take the energy where we can get it. This Sakara Life energy bar just happens to be plant-based and particularly delicious (which we like to call a win, win).  10. Cutie Pat Flat Pacifier  Gaining mass recognition rather quickly, this pacifier was made for babies with and without teeth, meaning that it grows with them from infancy to toddler life. Plus, you won’t lose it because it fits into your ToteSavvy pockets like a charm. 

In 2018, Betsy Fore, alongside co-founder Sofia Laurell launched Tiny Organics, a nutrient-rich, organic baby food company designed to build adventurous eaters from a young age. Inspired by her son Sebastian, Betsy has set out to build the most sustainable, whole and diverse food program for toddlers on the market. We chatted about everything from picky eaters and kale to balance and organization.  We love the innovative flavors you incorporate into your recipes. How do you come up with the ideas for your meals? We collaborate with the Food and Nutrition Innovation Council at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University and are informed from their nutritional scientists around what and when to introduce a variety of foods to baby. We also partner with our Neonatal Nutritionist to ensure we are developing the recipes based on baby’s milestones. Our chef Maria has so much fun incorporating our “First 100 Flavors” approach by introducing children to foods from around the world with our recipes. My son’s personal favorites are Coconut Curry, Valencian Paella and The Perks of Being a Cauliflower.  Can babies actually like kale?!  Yes, our customers are obsessed with one of our best sellers “Kale & Quinoa Bowl” and we adults love eating it too!  What is your advice for parents with picky eaters? Is there anything that can be done? We love picky eaters and have been able to introduce our 100 flavors successfully by offering them multiple times. Babies and toddlers will not necessarily have a love at first taste with any new foods, so it is important to keep introducing and keep trying, sometimes up to 10 times or more until your child is accustomed to the flavor profile and can actually begin to prefer it.  What are some of your favorite kitchen staples you think parents of young children should have on-hand at all times?  We are building out Tiny heirloom products and I personally love our classic silver “Tiny” spoon. My mom still has my silver spoon from when I was a baby, and it’s so special to cherish these first momentos. I’ve recently become obsessed with different drying racks as it seems like as a new mom, you are constantly washing bottles, this one is so good. When I’m looking to unwind, I love to enjoy Otherland candles - they are such a welcome relief from a long day of trying to juggle it all. As soon as I put Sebi down for bed, I light one up. And they are especially nice paired with a french red wine!  As a mother, wife and co-founder, what does "balance" mean for you? Being present, if I’m with my team at Tiny, I am throwing myself into my work and am totally engaged. If I’m with Sebi, I’m not focussing on anything else but reading to him, cuddling him, listening to him and making lots and lots of eye contact. My partner and I are trying to get better at balancing date nights or any time alone, but we have begun planning couples trips for 2020, and those are great to look forward to!   Staying organized is the name of our game. We'd love to know how you stay organized on a daily basis. As it seems I’m always on the go, I currently cannot leave the house without my ToteSavvy, it organizes Sebi’s little life so well and the changing mat is a lifesaver for all my airport changes. For my personal life, I love to tap into my Calm app daily and set aside just 10 minutes before my commute to work every morning. I’m also training for a marathon right now and have been surprised at how organized I’ve managed to be just using Apple notes to track my miles! I recently downloaded Streaks, the app that helps you form good habits with a to do list, and I’m really excited as I’ve heard such great things!  Interested in raising an adventurous eater? Check out Tiny Organics online and on instagram to learn more!

It's not news that traveling with kids is hard. We tapped into Portland-based mama Whitney Goodman @wmgoods, to see how she plans to pack her ToteSavvy Deluxe  for her Thanksgiving trip with the family.  I try to stay as organized as possible between running my brand strategy and marketing consulting business and running around after our 9 month old daughter, Inez. Because we’re in the holiday season, things are particularly hectic, including quite a few family trips. When we first had Inez, we used a full-on, enormous diaper bag, but as she’s gotten older I’ve been trying to streamline our whole system and paring it back to just the essentials. I recently started using ToteSavvy’s Deluxe in Merlot and am taking it with us on our trip to San Francisco this Thanksgiving. This allows me to just throw it into my bag, pack one check-in bag with all of our stuff, and be done with it. Plus it keeps things my bag organized (always a struggle for me), safe from leaky bottles or spills, and I can swap it into other bags super easily. Here’s what I’m bringing with us: My laptop and charger Sunglasses Airpods A change of clothes & light sweater for Inez Antibacterial wipes for the plane All natural cleansing wipes Water Wipes 4 Diapers A teether and two small toys That's it! Luckily the flight is short, so I have the ability to keep it a bit more paired down. I'll keep you posted on how it goes! Follow Whitney's adventures on her instagram @wmgoods and her blog, wmgoods.me.