There comes a time when you need to bring your baby out in the world for some needed sunlight or fresh air. For new parents, there are many unfamiliar waters, and one of them is knowing what to pack in diaper bags. You might think it feels like a chore, but you have to keep in mind that this is a fun activity for your baby. In this article, you will know the many important items to bring with you in an outing, whether it be a short stroll in the park or a trip to a different city. Read on.
Packing Your Diaper Bag
Always remember that you need not bring everything from your house into the diaper bag. Keep in mind to just bring the essentials for a brief walk in the park or grocery shopping. Packing a diaper bag must be fun and not stress-inducing. Hopefully, this list will help you organize smoothly. So, what to pack in diaper bags? Here you go:
Diaper Change Kit
Of course, the first of the essentials you need to pack in your diaper bag is your diaper change kit!
Diapers
You do not call it a diaper bag if there are no diapers, right? This one is the obvious thing you need to put in your bag. How many? It depends. To be safe, you can bring four to five diapers for a few hours outdoors. Also, this will double depending on the number of babies you have.
Baby Wipes
This is another essential thing that shall live in your diaper bag. You do not need to take it out. One full pack of baby wipes is enough.
Changing Pads
If the diaper bag that you bought did not come with its diaper changing pad, that is okay. Some diaper bags even have their built-in or sown-in changing pads. You can find them in baby stores. This item is to keep your baby clean and have a safe surface to lie on during the messy duty that is diaper changing.
Toiletries
If you are asking what to pack in diaper bags, you can always count on toiletries! These items are important both for you and your baby. Just a tip: go with sample-sized toiletries. You do not need one whole 150ml bottle of lotion or even sanitizer for a few hours outdoors. Be practical. Also, you can save more space in your diaper bag for more important things.
Hand Sanitizer
If no bathroom is near to wash your hands with water and soap, a handy hand sanitizer will suffice! Use this before and after changing your baby’s diaper.
Baby Balm
Baby balms contain soothing oils and herbs that are safe for your baby’s delicate skin. Use this also during a diaper change to prevent diaper rash from occurring.
Baby Powder
This is also a great alternative to prevent diaper rash. Just make sure your baby does not get to inhale this to prevent any breathing problems in the future.
Lotion
You can also choose to have a lotion if you do not have a baby balm or baby powder. This toiletry is also to prevent skin rash.
Feeding Essentials
Now that you know the diaper changing essentials let us go to the feeding essentials, not only for your baby but also for you! You do not want to get hungry during your stroll in the park.
Baby Bottles
It’s another thing that needs to be in the diaper bag. The bottle is your essential feeding tool. Do not forget this. How many to bring? Two bottles are enough. Again, it depends on how many kids you have.
Breast or Formula Milk
If you feel awkward breastfeeding in public, you can resort to bringing your pumped breastmilk in one bottle. You can also bring with your formula to mix when it is already feeding time.
Pacifier
Bring your baby’s favorite pacifier to calm him down in case of crying.
Placemat
If your kid can already eat his food, you need to have placemats for a clean and safer surface to put your baby’s plate or container.
Snacks and Drink
Do not forget your snack and drink! You can bring biscuits and orange juice, or whatever combo you like.
Baby Outfits
Another important thing is the change of outfit for your baby. Diaper changing is a messy affair, not to mention your baby—from spit, vomit, or spills. You need to have an onesie or a set of clothes ready. You can bring at least two. But if you are bringing two or more kids, double the numbers.
Entertainment Kit
Entertainment is one of the great weapons of a mother. To distract your baby from crying, you can use a rattle or any of his favorite toys. One great tip I learned is opting for attachable toys to your bag, so there is no risk of dropping on the ground.
Other Essential Items
What to pack in diaper bags other than the ones already mentioned? These items are also important and need placing in the most accessible pockets of your diaper bag, either inside or outside.
Burp rags
With all the spitting and burping, you need to have a burp rag ready to wipe off the mess from your baby’s face.
Disposable Bibs
Bring some disposable bibs for mealtime. Make sure to throw them in your disposable trash bag together with the soiled diaper and other wastes.
Disposable Trash Bags
You can use disposable bags to keep soiled diapers, disposable bibs, and other wastes, such as used wipes and snack packs. You can also use a trash bag to keep the stained baby outfit for later cleaning; as they all say, clean as you go! Get more tips on diaper bags.
Conclusion
Now you know what to pack in diaper bags. Just remember, apply all the things you have learned from this article to keep things light and complete with your diaper bag. You can bring in many things but always prioritize the essentials. You need to categorize the items that must “live” inside the diaper bag to save you time organizing in the future. Familiarize yourself with some of the tips I shared, and you will do fine. You are ready to take out your diaper bag.