One thing is for sure─when you have a baby you must be super organised. And your diaper bag (also called a nappy or baby bag) is going to become one of your best friends! You are going to be carrying it 24/7 so its essential that you are happy with the bag you choose.
Gone are the days when you could fly out the door, teeny-tiny purse or bag in hand. Now youve got kids, organising your diaper bag is a serious task.
A well-organised diaper bag is going to make your life a lot easier. Keep it organised (and simple) and trips out with baby will be a breeze!
Essential Diaper Bag Items
(These are suggestions and you dont have to pack it all!)
Changing
Spare diapers
Portable change pad/mat
Bay wipes in a travel case
Nappy cream or petroleum jelly (Vaseline)
Nappy sacks/bags
For Breastfeeding mums
Bottle of water
Spare breast pads
Breastfeeding cover/muslin
Spare nursing bra (just in case!)
Food and drink
Bottles
Formula dispenser
Bottle warmer/insulater (many diaper bags have an in-built one)
Snacks (age appropriate for child)
Water cup (leak-proof is best)
Bibs (at least two)
Burp cloths/muslins
Wipes
Tissues
Plastic bags
Clothing and Accessories
Thin cotton wrap/blanket
Muslin (great for draping over pram)
Vest or onesie
Spare outfit or sleepsuit
Socks
Hat
Spare pacifier/dummy/binky
Plastic or zip lock bags for dirty items
Toys, rattles, teething rings, books
Toiletries
Hand cream (to keep hands supple from all the hand washing you have to do!)
Anti-bacterial hand liquid (to freshen up hands if no soap and water is nearby
Anti-bacterial wipes to wipe down surfaces or items that fall on ground
Sunscreen (for you and baby)
Headache/pain relief tablets (for you!)
Nursing pads (essential for those first weeks after baby has arrived)
General
Phone
Keys
Emergency contacts/address book
Lip gloss/balm
Hair brush
Hair tie
Purse (with all your essential cards and items of ID)
Top Tips
Always have a diaper bag that is packed and ready to go. Obviously, youll need to organise and update regularly but I found having one that was in an accessible place and organised was great if I had a last-minute or unexpected place to go or errand to run.
Think about practicality. Obviously, its great to look hip and stylish but if your diaper bag is a hindrance, rather than a help then you can waste a lot of money.
Have a special diaper bag for daddy. We bought a non-gender specific style for my husband. I make sure this is always organized and replenished so that hes always ready to go!
Choose a bag that you will be happy to use even after your baby is out of diapers. Diaper bags are great for general use as well. (I love the pockets!)
Emily is near-obsessed in her quest to find the perfect diaper bag. She is the editor/webmaster of http://www.licoricemint.com
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