The One-Bag Coffee Shop Pack: Everything You Need

You've seen those parents who arrive at coffee shops with three bags, a buggy basket stuffed with supplies, and the organizational skills of a military operation. And then there are the ones with literally nothing who end up asking strangers for wipes. Neither is ideal.

After years of trial and error (mostly error), most experienced parents land on the one-bag system. One compact bag with exactly what you need, nothing you don't. No more forgetting crucial items. No more hauling unnecessary weight.

The essentials: Two nappies (one for the outing, one for Murphy's Law), a small pack of wipes, one changing mat if the venue's changing facilities are questionable, and a muslins or two for literally everything—spills, dribbles, shade, entertainment. Add your wallet, phone, keys. That's your base layer. Everything else builds from here.

The extras that earn their space: A small snack pot with something your child actually likes (Cheerios never fail). One favorite small toy or book—emphasis on small; you don't need the entire toy box. A spare dummy if you're using one. A small bottle or sippy cup of water. That's it. If your bag weighs more than 3kg, you're overthinking it.

What you absolutely don't need: Twelve outfit changes (venues have heating, your child isn't rolling in mud). The entire nappy packet (two is plenty for a coffee, not a camping trip). Every toy they own. Three books. Your laptop (you won't use it, trust me). Those "just in case" items that you've carried for months but never touched.

Here's the reality check: most family-friendly cafés have backup wipes at the changing station. Your partner or friend can hold the baby while you sort something. Disasters are rare, and when they happen, nearby shops sell nappies. You really don't need a Mary Poppins bag of infinite supplies for a 90-minute coffee.

Pack your one bag tonight with these essentials. Tomorrow's café trip will feel miraculously lighter.

TotSpot shows which venues have well-stocked changing facilities, so you know when you can pack even lighter.