Things You'll Need:
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Diaper cream
- Nursing pads or extra bottle
- Extra outfit
- Burp rags
- Ziploc bags
- Baby Tylenol
- Teething Tablets
- Gas Drops
- Pocket tissue
- Baby nail clippers
- Snack
- Hand Sanitizer
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Step 1
No need to carry a purse AND a diaper bag. These days you can find great designs that are both fashionable and functional. Besides the well-known shoulder bag, you can also find back-pack styles to keep you hands-free, too!
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Step 2
The most important item: diapers! For newborns, have at least 1 for every hour you plan to be gone, and two more for accidents in between (I never left the house without at least 6). When their bowel movements start to slow down around 3 months, you can carry fewer. (Always keep a few diapers for back-up in your car, in case you're gone longer than you thought, and run out.)
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Step 3
Wipes are the second most important item. You'll find them so useful for so many things, you may even keep carrying them long after your kids are out of diapers! You can purchase a travel-size plastic wipes container and refill it, or simply put a short stack in a ziploc bag.
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Step 4
Changing mat. A lot of diaper bags already come with a fold-up changing mat that fits conveniently inside the bag. You can also use a burp rag under their bum, but take care, because it's not waterproof!
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Step 5
Diaper cream. Always keep it on hand in case of chafing or rash. Use as a barrier to protect tender skin during long car rides, or other times when you might not be able to immediately change a wet diaper.
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Step 6
If you're nursing, keep several extra nursing pads to change out when your current ones are full. If you're bottle feeding, bring an extra bottle full of fresh water, and a portable container for dispensing pre-measured powdered formula. If you've got a toddler, use the same container for dispensing cereal and other snacks. A granola bar or snack for mom is a good idea, too!
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Step 7
Extra outfit for baby. Choose something that will fold up small and not take up too much room, like a onesie or sleeper.
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Step 8
Two burp rags. It's amazing how quickly new babies can go through these!
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Step 9
Two gallon-size ziploc bags. One to contain the smell from dirty diapers and wipes. The other for soiled burp rags and outfits.
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Step 10
Baby Tylenol and teething tablets. Always keep relief on hand for painful teething episodes. If your baby suffers from painful gas, a bottle of infant gas drops is a good idea. It might not hurt to have some Tylenol or headache medicine on hand for Mom, too.
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Step 11
Baby nail clippers. If their little nail gets caught on something and starts to tear, you can come to the rescue. Some moms take advantage of the "car seat nap" to clip a sleeping baby's nails, especially if they resist when awake.
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Step 12
Pocket tissue, for runny noses and other messes. If you don't have a suction bulb on hand, you can twist a bit of tissue to stick up baby's nostril and clean the area to help him breathe.
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Step 13
Mom's stuff. Obviously, you won't be able to carry every minute item you once did in your purse. A wallet, cell phone, and small make-up bag full of essentials should suffice.
Comments
cakewalk said
on 7/19/2008 This list is a must for every new parent!
Desula said
on 7/15/2008 Thank you for this information on packing a baby diaper bag.
LilacGirl said
on 7/14/2008 I think you covered everything in this article! I especially liked the back-up bag filled with duplicate supplies in the car.
Melanierose said
on 7/14/2008 Lovely article thank you 5 stars!