A well-packed diaper bag is the superhero you need when you are planning an outing with your little bub. It keeps you fully prepared to deal with any mess and saves you from unpredictable situations (such as sudden poo-poos) when you are on-the-go. A diaper bag lets you carry the right baby gear and all the essentials in one place and makes life easy for you and your little one.
Diaper Bag Essentials Every New Parent Must Have
Image Caption: Carrying necessary baby essentials in your diaper bag can help you have a great day out with your baby
What goes in your diaper bag usually depends on the length of your trip, season type, your baby’s age, and any other special needs that your munchkin may have. Here’s a list of diaper bag essentials that you cannot step out without.
Diapers, Of Course
Well, this one’s a bit obvious, and you will probably not leave your house without diapers. But the question is, how many of them should you carry? It’s always safe to pack a minimum of three diapers and an additional one just to avoid any risks. Carrying a few extra ones won’t do you any harm, so why not be extra careful, right?
Pacifiers To Soothe Your Baby
A pacifier is a must when you are out running errands with your baby. Store them in a clean seal-proof bag and always pack a backup pacifier too. Also, if your baby uses a pacifier, you need to bring pacifier clips as well. These clips will prevent the pacifiers from getting misplaced and save you from buying tonnes of pacifiers every month.
Baby Wipes
Baby wipes come in handy for a lot of things. They help wipe your baby’s bum bum of course, and can also double up as a hand wipe for you. You can use them to wipe your hands after changing your baby’s diaper or using the restroom. Try to carry a regular-size package of diaper wipes, but if space is an issue for you, you can switch to travel-sized ones.
Bottles Of Formula Feed Or Expressed Breast Milk (Pre-measure Them)
For babies who bottle feed, this is a must. Put a scoop of measured formula into a bottle and just add water to it when your baby gets hungry.
On the other hand, if you are breastfeeding, pack the bottles in a portable cooler to keep them fresh. This is because freshly expressed breast milk can sit at room temperature (25 degrees Celcius) for up to four hours only. If your baby doesn’t finish the milk, do not refreeze it. It’s better to discard it.
A Change Of Clothes (Better Carry Two Or More)
It’s always safe to carry an additional one or two sets of clean clothes for your lil bub. Also, carry a zippy airtight bag. That way if there’s an enormous blowout or spit up, you can take out the fresh clothes and seal the dirty ones in the airtight bag. This will save you from a lot of mess and your baby will be ready to roll with a quick change!
Also, if you like to be extra-cautious, then we recommend you carry a backup shirt for yourself. You will probably need it if your shirt gets covered with spit-up, pee, poo, or wiped snot.
Sippy Cups Of Water Or Juice
Water or juice can keep your baby cool and fresh under the hot sun. Also, it’s better to always carry water from home if you are eating outside. If you are eating at a restaurant, carry a silicone placemat for your baby’s food or snacks. It might seem a bit too much, but it’s better than your munchkin touching any dirty surface in the restaurant.
Sanitisers And Sanitising Wipes
Carry a hand sanitiser and sanitising wipes wherever you go. They are helpful in keeping your baby’s hands clean and germ-free. You can use sanitising wipes to clean any surface before your baby touches it.
Disposable Diaper Bags
These disposable diaper bags are your saviour when your little one has to go poo poo when you are out. They are mess-free and deodorised and are perfect for soiled diapers or outfits. Just seal the soiled diaper in the bag and toss it out in a dustbin. It will save you a lot of time and also from any embarrassment of creating a mess in public.
Diaper Bag Extras You Should Also Have
Apart from carrying the aforementioned must-have diaper bag essentials, you can also consider carrying the following items:
- First-aid kit: Carry essentials such as bandages, lotions, diaper rash ointments, and paracetamol syrup.
- Portable changing pad: Choose one that folds up easily and tucks in your diaper bag.
- Lightweight blanket: You can use this to cover your baby if they fall asleep during the trip.
- Sunscreen and a hat: Must-haves to protect your munchkin from the sun. Since babies have sensitive skin, prolonged exposure to the sun can cause sunburn. And that can be difficult to deal with. Therefore, it’s always safe to apply sunscreen on your kids before venturing out and carrying it to re-apply after a few hours. Use an organic sunscreen, formulated with botanical ingredients such as almond oil and chamomile. These ingredients protect against UV damage and soothe your baby’s skin.
- Mosquito repellent: If you are taking your baby to a playground, a repellent is a must. It will keep your baby protected from those nasty mosquito bites.
- Snacks: If your baby gets hungry during the outing, snacks can be your lifesaver. You can bring in organic cut fruits, homemade raw bars, and more.
Necessities For You
Diaper bags are designed to carry essentials for both you and your baby. Instead of carrying a separate handbag, you can squeeze in the following items to your baby’s diaper bag:
- Purse
- Mobile phone
- Water for yourself
- Nursing pads (if you have just delivered your baby)
Tips For Packing A Diaper Bag
- Pick a diaper bag with multiple compartments to keep the items organised. Also, ensure that they come with waterproof lining.
- Invest in two diaper bags, a small one for short trips and a large one for extended outings.
- Pack zipper bags to prevent any kind of leakage.
- Pack similar items together to avoid confusion.
As soon as you reach home from your outing, make sure to remove the dirty diapers and items that can create a mess. Take some time to restock so that you are fully prepared for the next day out.
