How to Stock Up A Diaper Bag

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By oneloved
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Baby on the go!

Got a new bundle of joy? Congratulations! Enjoy stress-free outings with baby, knowing you've got everything you need on hand!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

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

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!
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.)
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
Step 8

Two burp rags. It's amazing how quickly new babies can go through these!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.