Being prepared with a diaper bag when out and about is always better than having to resort to alternative solutions. You never know what situations you might find yourself in or what you might need, so having a bag always ready with everything you need to change your baby could be of great help.
Steps
Step 1. Choose the suitable bag
The type of bag depends on the use you will make of it. For short trips a small bag may be fine, but for longer trips, such as car trips, camping or visiting relatives, a larger bag will be needed. At the time of purchase you must pay attention to some characteristics:
- Easy to reach pockets, they must be numerous in order to contain various objects;
- Thermally insulated pockets, so you can keep food and drinks hot or cool;
- A special compartment for diapers and a changing table;
- Comfortable handles and a shoulder strap or straps to wear it - try the bag in the store to see if it's the right one for you;
- Possibility to fix the bag on the pram or stroller - in this way you will not have to struggle and you will be able to access it more easily;
- Aesthetically suitable for you. If you are a man, you may not want a bag covered in flowers or a bright pink. Many bags have unisex motifs or may even look like simple backpacks or messenger bags.
Step 2. Prepare a food supply
If you are not breastfeeding, you should always have food and drink in your bag, as babies need to feed often. If you use powdered milk, prepare a travel container with separate sections so that you can already divide the powder into the right doses, and also take travel bottles for water with you. If your child is already eating solid foods, prepare small travel containers that you can throw away once they are emptied.
Step 3. Stock up on diapers
Diapers are the key thing to have in your bag. The advice is to have at least one for every hour that you will be away from home, but it is preferable to take a few more to cope with emergencies. Get a pack of baby wipes too.
If you put both nappies and food in the bag, make sure the nappies stay clean. Put them in a clear bag with an airtight seal. You can also use these bags to store dirty nappies, to throw them away as soon as possible
Step 4. Pack essential baby care products in your bag
Use the side or inside pockets for medicine, emergency numbers, etc. Also add a gel or teething ring and a baby pain reliever (acetaminophen is fine) - these are very useful items to have with you. Also remember to always have some paper towels, they can have many uses.
Step 5. Bring extra clothes and blankets
A medium-sized blanket is useful for cold places, a pair of bibs are perfect for feeding time and also remember to bring comfortable socks and a hat to keep your baby warm. If you think the weather can change suddenly, bring an extra sweater too. There is no need to overdo these things; if you plan on just taking a walk in the park, you probably won't need any more clothes.
Step 6. Make your baby have fun
Bring a couple of toys and a good book. Don't forget to put pacifiers in separate bags - if one falls on the floor you will always have another one in reserve.
Step 7. Take gel and cleaning wipes with you
Antibacterial hand cleaners can be your lifesaver in case you can't get access to a sink. The wipes can also be useful for cleaning the high chair in a restaurant, the handle of a shopping trolley or the changing table in a public bathroom. You could also bring a towel to wipe up any spilled liquids.
Step 8. Bring plastic bags with you
You can use grocery bags or airtight bags, which you will need for stained clothes or soiled diapers.
Step 9. Indulge in some whims
How do you plan to spend time while your baby is asleep? Pack a snack for yourself in your bag and bring anything that might make your trip more enjoyable, such as a book or notebook for writing. Also bring a camera in case you feel like taking some pictures, especially if your baby does something nice.
Advice
- Always try to have a bag ready. If you run out of food and drinks, make them as soon as you get home so you don't have to deal with them at the last minute. Sterilize dirty pacifiers as soon as possible.
- If your pediatrician uses disposable wipes for the bed (they are the size of a bandana), ask if they can give you some - they make great emergency changing tables. In some stores you can find something similar intended for people with incontinence. Alternatively, you can also use the absorbent sleepers that are used to train puppies; they have a waterproof plastic side and a soft, absorbent one. They are perfect as changing tables.
- Remember that you are not packing a suitcase for the holidays, but simply a bag to leave the house. Don't put too many things in your bag or on the stroller.
- You may want to use two different diaper bags: one for longer rides and a smaller one for short rides.
- It's always a good idea to have a changing mat (disposable or plastic) with you for those situations where you don't have a bathroom. In some restaurants and public places you will not find the counter to change the children (usually attached to the wall), having an alternative is therefore essential and much more comfortable than being improvised.
