When it comes time for an outing with baby, you need to be sure the diaper bag is fully stocked. The only trouble with stocking the diaper bag is it can be hard to decide just what needs to go inside. What’s essential and what’s just in the way? In many ways it depends on the mother and baby, but there are some standard diaper bag essentials all mothers should include.
The Basics
The basics of a diaper bag are rather straightforward. You’ll obviously need diapers, wipes and diaper rash ointment. But don’t forget that you’ll also need plastic bags to keep stinky diaper in if there isn’t the right kind of trash can around. You might also need a change of clothing should that stinky diaper make an entire stinky baby.
Bring plenty of wipes for just such emergencies. Wipes also are great for cleaning shopping cart
handles and sticky fingers. If your bag is big enough and your shoulder can take it, skip the compact travel wipe holder and bring a full box or bag – you’ll always need more.
For those who prefer lists, the first items in your diaper bag should include:
More then enough diapers even for unforeseeable emergencies (better too many than too few)
A full container of wipes
Small plastic bags for disposal and transportation
A change of clothing
Feeding Essentials
After the diapers, your next step is to include any items you’ll need to feed your baby while on the go. This will differ by your individual baby’s feeding stage, but will likely include at least one, maybe two, bottles, a sippy cup, a bottle of water, a juice box to drink or to use inside the sippy cup, bibs and utensils. Older babies can also be easily placated with snacks. When packing snacks, however, be sure to choose items such as Cheerios that have very little clean-up. Babies eating baby food will require containers for a meal.
Feeding essentials include:
Bottles with breastmilk, formula, or water if mixing the formula later
Formula dispenser or packets for mixing
A sippy cup (if age appropriate)
Water bottle
Juice box (if age appropriate)
Snacks
Baby food
Baby spoon
Bib
A blanket or shawl if preferred for breastfeeding
Other Almost Essentials
If there is still room in the diaper bag, there are a few other items that might make your life a bit easier on the go. These are not essentials per se, but sometimes having a good toy or distraction can make a shopping trip much smoother.
You might also consider including:
Favorite toys
Treats such as lollipops
Pacifier (This might be a real essential for some babies)
Blanket or pad for a changing table
Another set of clothing
Extra pairs of socks
Your favorite drink
Your wallet and cell phone – why carry a purse when you’re lugging all this around?
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