Pain On The Go
Make sure you pack what YOU need to manage your pain in that diaper bag!
As an amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases
〰️
As an amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases 〰️
When you have a little one, you have no choice, it’s go go go. Often, that is not any easy task for people with chronic pain.
How I’ve navigated this is always being prepared for the worst and giving myself extra time to get from point A to B. Anticipating things that might occur saves my bacon!
I avoid the pain flares and am able to indulge more in the beauty within the chaos of being a parent.
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional advising to do any of the below for your pain management or health concerns. I do not guarantee these items will relieve your pain. Please seek a medical professional like your family doctor for clarity and guidance.
Here are some products that have supported me to keep up with life and parenthood demands.
Heated vest: I cannot rave about these enough! You can leave it on, do whatever activities you need to and with the push of a button turn it on or off with different heat settings! So think of any other heated device like gloves, leggings, etc that might help your specific pain situation. I linked the one I use above, but there are so many options to fit:
Your lifestyle: battery length & fabric type
Your charging needs: charge in 3 different ways on the go
Design desires: color, fashion appeal, or neutral to blend in at work
Body shape: sizing for men & women, adjustment options, plus sizes available
Target specific pain areas: your back but also include chest & abdomen, only abdomen, upper shoulder, or neck.
Neck TENS machine (CAN):It’s so hard to put the standard TENS machine stickies on your back, but I find a neck TENS machine helps distract my mind off from the pain so I can focus on the task. Its’ portable and discreet. This is not the exact one I have, but keep your eye on the market and I’ll include updates of new product advancements I find!
Balls: lacrosse, tennis ball or spiky ball. It’s easy to find a hard surface anywhere, the ground or a wall to loosen up a knot or muscle that’s bugging you. Plus they can be a toy for your kid!
Essential Oils: My therapist often use this Japanese Mint Oil. However, SAGE (CAN) has some amazing products tailored for various types of pain, and in cute travel kit as roll-ons! So remember to reflect on what is causing your pain and try different options-(headache, migraines, stress, etc).
Medications: Travel sized Tylenol, Advil or Aleve. Canadian product fact: Tylenol is a USA brand name, but majority of the Tylenol sold in Canada is made in Canada. Advil on the otherhand, is a USA brand name and made in USA, although the Canadian Advil does not contain a certain red dye. Consider buying generic acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) from Life brand- Canada’s largest pharmacy.
Medication storage: Don’t forget to secure your medications in something other than a ziploc bag! Children safety is #1! Be aware of bougie options! This option that is certified as child resistant, is slender, and you can pass out to all your loved ones-a great idea to get everyone in your circle of trust on the same page with child safety. Our statistics have greatly improved with legislation. So don’t curb those statistics again by using trendy containers for over-the-counter medications that don’t meet these requirements.
Water bottle: Invest in a water bottle that works! Fun ones with sayings, time goals, flavours, etc are always a bonus! I like this one for color variety, straw & cap, wrist band, measured increments with motivational words, and fairly durable! These electrolytes, Hydralyte single packages (CAN) and LMNT variety pack, are great to reduce cognitive fatigue related to all the methodological planning on the go you do when out and about compared to the average person not in pain.
Purse/ backpack: Use something makes sense, don’t do the over the shoulder one and stuff it, and don’t carry a wallet that’s bursting at the seams. Try a fanny pack, cute backpack, athletic bag, or professional side bag. Accessorize & utilize baby! Check out this webpage for elements to consider when getting a backpack to not aggravate your back pain.
Healthy grab & go snacks: Costco is my go to. I always have the individual humus packs, nut mixes, or fruit cups ready to go. Even something that is low prep for the week like bags of veggies, energy balls, or personal trail mixes. This makes it easier to stick to an anti-inflammatory diet or fuel your body with nutritious choices instead of fast-food.
Collapsible seating: there are foldable chairs, telescopic stools and packable picnic blankets! But make sure you think about a way to rest comfortably if you have to at the park, zoo, or wherever your little ones feet takes you! These beach lounger chairs are great to be off the ground, but close to the ground to play with your little one. Plus… they have a cooler! Perfect for milk bottles & drinks.
Umbrella stroller: Very practical! They don’t take a lot of room in a car or gym locker, and then you have something for when a store does’t have a cart or your baby is too heavy to carry or you’re having a bad pain day. Especially in that in-between stage where you know they won’t be able to walk the entire shopping time due to their little legs, but they won’t want to sit still in a cart, then you can strap them in securely, give them shade, and you don’t have to worry about them grabbing stuff. These are my favourite designs for boy & girl & gender neutral (CAN) !
Anticipate the pain- plan ahead & invest in products that make your life simpler!
