What do you actually need in your diaper bag? When you are packing your diaper bag, always take into account where you are going, how long you will be and what the weather is like.
Being prepared will help – especially if you’re a new mom. The last thing you want to worry about is not having everything you need when you are away from home and have a crying baby on your hands.
We’ve put together this guideline for you and it’s pretty thorough, but don’t worry, you can leave the kitchen sink at home.
Baby:
- 5-10 diapers (make sure you check through your diaper bag before each outing, you don’t want to be out with newborn size diapers when your baby is now wearing a size two!)
- Wipes in a travel size container – make sure this is always stocked and sealed, the last thing you want is wipes that have dried out because “someone” left it open.
- A washcloth that can be used wet or dry to clean baby’s hands and face.
- Change pad – so you will always have a clean place to lay your baby on for diaper changes.
- Diaper rash ointment – rashes can pop up at any moment!
- Two complete changes of clothing – don’t forget the socks!
- Resealable bags/reusable bag for soiled clothing and/or diaper disposal.
- Hat – either for shade or warmth. These can easily be lost so pack a spare.
- Sweater/jacket or blanket – just in case the weather changes.
Food:
- If breastfeeding: A receiving blanket or nursing cover that can be used to cover you and/or your baby while feeding (we don’t think you need to be covered to feed your baby but that is totally up to you – we just like having options!); Extra breast pads – extra long naps may mean extra leakage for mom!
- If formula feeding: Sterilized bottle, sterilized water and pre-measured formula – It’s always a good idea to pack for at least one extra feeding – you never know when your baby may decide to have an extra meal (hello growth spurt!) or you may be out longer than you anticipated.
- A bottle of water for you and baby (depending on how old your baby is).
- Healthy snacks for you and baby (age appropriate).
- Two to three bibs.
- Burp cloth, two wash cloths for spills.
- Ready to eat baby food and spoons.
Miscellaneous Must Haves:
- Pacifier – if your baby is dependent on these make sure you always keep an extra one as they can easily be lost.
- One or two of baby’s favourite toys – stuffed teddy or rattle.
- Teething ring (or whatever safe item your baby likes to “chew” on).
- One or two board books – “lift the flap” books are always baby favourites and they keep little hands busy.
Safety:
- Band Aids.
- Tissues.
- Hand sanitizer.
- An extra face mask.
- Sunblock – for you and baby (age appropriate).
- Pain reliever/fever reducer– keep these in a zippered compartment, to keep them away from baby.
- Extra money for emergencies – bills and coins.
Just for Mom:
- Hand cream – for all of those extra hand washes and sanitizer use!
- Lip balm with an SPF.
- Sunglasses.
- Extra t-shirt – you may be holding baby in your arms when that diaper explosion happens!
- Wallet – you may want to switch from your usual large wallet to a smaller zippered version.
- Keys.
- Extra hair tie.
- Book or magazine for when baby is sleeping and you dare not move them!
- Mobile phone fully charged, or add a small battery pack – you don’t want to miss a cute photo opp!
It’s so important to choose the right bag for you. Remember that you will most likely be carrying this bag with you for at least two years! Make sure that it is washable – it will go on many adventures!
TIP: put the same thing in the same pocket every time so it’s easy & quick to find.
TIP: If you drive, keep extra diapers and wipes, blanket, water and a full change of clothes for you and your baby in the trunk of your car – you just never know when it will come in handy!
TIP: Remember to use travel size items (eg. hand cream, diaper rash ointment) they take up less room.
TIP: Clean your bag out regularly. Check sizes and expiration dates of things, and trust us when we say that crushed crackers and squished, mouldy cheese are never a fun time.
This may seem like a lot of stuff to carry with you all the time. You will find that the more outings you go on it’ll take less time to pack your bag and you’ll have less to carry as your baby gets older!
