How to Pack a Diaper Bag for a Newborn

First time mothers heading out of the home for the first time may wonder what to pack in the diaper bag. Things you will want to include will depend on where you are heading and how long you will be away from home, of course, but this article will list the basics you will need to get you through at least a few hours.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Pack diapers. Six to eight should be enough to get you through several hours, but it never hurts to have more. Add a package of baby wipes, diaper rash cream and a changing pad to provide you with everything you will need for diaper changes.

2. Pack bottles and formula if you are bottle feeding. You can bring enough powdered formula and water to get you through however many feedings for which you will be out of the home. You will not want to make all the formula ahead of time as it may spoil. A small insulated cooler pack will help with any previously made formula. Use your judgment and the formula recommendations to decide what will work best for you. If you are nursing, toss in a couple of nursing pads. Don’t forget to pack a few bibs / burping cloths...plenty enough to get you through spills, leaks and spit ups.

3. Pack two receiving blankets as one may get dirty and the second will serve as a backup. Bring two to three changes of clothes as well; babies go through outfits so quickly. Don’t forget the socks!

4. Pack a couple of extra pacifiers. You never know when one will drop on the floor in a place where you can’t wash it.

5. Pack medicinal items like infant Tylenol, a medicine dropper and a nasal syringe in case of an emergency.

6. Don’t forget to pack some bottled water and snacks for yourself.

7. Add some baby toys such as teething rings or a favorite stuffed animal to keep your baby amused.

8. Pack empty, sealable plastic bags for you to put dirty diapers and soiled clothing until you can clean or dispose of them elsewhere.

9. Pack a change of shirt for mommy, as you will inevitably be spit up on or dirtied by your bundle of joy.

10. Don't forget to pack a card with emergency contact information should something happen to you and someone need to contact your relatives, pediatrician or anyone else you would want to contact in case of emergency.

11. Add your cell phone if you are not already carrying it elsewhere on your person.

Tips & Warnings

• As time goes on, you will figure out what you need best. And as baby gets older, the contents will change.

Resources

• How to Pack an Overnight Bag for Child Birth

[betterbody]

on 5/17/2009 Great details on packing a diaper bag for a newborn.

[sonni57]

on 3/22/2009 Well detailed article on how to pack a diaper bag for a newborn.