For new parents taking the baby out can be both an exciting and an anxious time. A longer journey or a trip further away from home can especially be frightening for the mother.
A well-stocked diaper bag is your essential to a successful day out with your baby. Well stocked does not necessarily mean overstuffed. You need to carry just enough to take you through the trip and a little extra just in case.
Top ten Baby bag essentials:
- Diapers: The most obvious and necessary inclusions in your baby bag is diapers. As per your calculation, if your baby needs a diaper change every hour, it is advisable to carry a couple extra. The number of diapers you carry also depends on the situation for example if you are heading to the doctors because your baby has diarrhea, then carrying a lot more extra diapers may help.
- Baby wipes: Put them in a resealable bag and use them not just when changing the nappy but also for cleaning your hands before and after the change.
- Diaper cream or ointment: Carry a small tube in your bag just in case!
- Hand sanitizer: For cleaning your hands after a diaper change just incase there is no place to wash them
- Changing pad: Most diaper bags come with one so no need to worry. These are very helpful when changing the diaper on someone’s carpet/ table. Make sure you chose a washable material just in case the baby decides to have a go!
- Plastic bags: It is always useful to keep a couple of extra bags to dispose of soiled diapers or used wipes if you don’t have a garbage bin around. Just make sure you store them in such a way that your child does not reach them
- Bottle of formula / expressed milk: Necessary if the baby is bottle feeding
- Snacks and water: Depending on the age of the child baby food/ finger food is a must have in the bag. Always carry water in a sippy cup or a bottle. You may also wish to carry some food and water for yourself!
- Extras: Depending on how long you are planning on being out, you might want to carry the following: A burping cloth and a bib, a blanket, change of clothes for the baby, hat to protect the baby from sun, Pacifier/ Toys, An extra shirt or jacket for the mommy (just in case of a spill up)
- Emergency numbers: these are a must! Add a small pouch with your essentials such as wallet, keys, emergency numbers etc
