As a parent, you need to be prepared for anything and everything when you head out of the house with your baby.
Even if you're just popping out for a few minutes, you should be prepared for any eventuality.
And the best way to stay prepared is with a well-stocked diaper bag, packed with all the essentials you need to keep your baby happy, clean, and dry.
Diaper bag merits
A diaper bag is one of the new baby items you really shouldn't do without.
You can use a backpack or tote bag to carry around all your baby essentials, but a diaper bag made specifically for that purpose is the best option.
Depending on which option you go for, some diaper bags include extra features like a changing mat or cooler bag to help keep milk or baby food chilled when you’re on the go.
Most diaper bags come with lots of pockets and compartments which are ideal for storing all your baby essentials.
Of course, the way you organize your diaper bag can make a difference too - and it's important to clear it out and repack it often.
Diaper bag essentials
The must-haves you need to pack in your diaper bag depend on where you’re going, the weather, and how long you'll be out and about for.
- Diapers: Pack one diaper in your diaper bag for every two or three hours you'll be away, plus one or two extras just in case.
- Wipes: For diaper changes, spillages, spit-ups, dirty hands, wipes serve a multitude of purposes! Some wipes come in a travel-size pack, which can be useful if your diaper bag is small.
- Diaper rash cream: Choose a travel-size diaper rash cream to save space. You can also carry a barrier ointment to help prevent diaper rash.
- Changing mat: Most diaper bags come with one, but if not, throw in a changing pad or a few disposable pads, as you never know where you'll end up needing to change your baby.
- Hand sanitizer: Just in case you can't wash your hands before and after a diaper change, or before feeding your baby.
- Muslin: This will be useful for privacy if you're breastfeeding, or it can be used as a light blanket or to throw over the stroller for added sun protection. They also double up as burp clothes.
- Bibs: Always pack a few extras so you can change them regularly as wet and soiled bibs can irritate your baby's neck and chin.
- Bottles and feeding supplies: If you aren't breastfeeding, pack baby bottles, bottle nipples, pre-made formula (or powdered formula for mixing later), or a portable bottle warmer.
- Food, snacks, and water: If your baby is eating baby food, pack as much of it as you’ll need. If you have an older baby or toddler, pack some travel-friendly snacks, like rice cakes or crackers. It's a good idea to pack some snacks and water for yourself as well.
- Soother: If you use a pacifier for your baby, store it in a re-sealable bag to keep it sterile.
- Diaper bags: These are good for disposing of dirty diapers, and for storing soiled clothing or dirty burp cloths.
- Change of clothes: Always pack several changes as you never know when there'll be a spew up or poop explosion.
- Nursing pads: Tuck a few of these into your bag, and then into your bra, to help with breast milk leaks.
- Sunscreen: It’s a good idea to have sunscreen on hand, even though you should be keeping your little one out of direct sunlight and keeping them covered with clothing and a wide brimmed hat.
- Hat: A wide-brimmed hat to protect them from the sun is a good item to have.
Diaper bag extras
As every mom knows, going out with your baby can be unpredictable.
So sometimes, having the essentials just isn’t enough.
It takes practice but you’ll get to know which items are crucial and what you can go without.
And you'll definitely learn the hard way on more than one occasion!
Here are some tried and tested extras you might need to consider packing, depending on where you're going and for how long.
- Blanket: Use it for extra shade over your baby stroller’s canopy, for added warmth in cooler weather, or for extra cushioning under your baby’s changing pad.
- Extra layering: You may want to pack an extra layer for your little one.
- Toys: Pack the baby's favourite soft toy, book, rattle, and teething toy.
- First aid kit: It's no harm carrying plasters, bandages, scissors, a thermometer and some saline solution.
