Having a diaper bag fully stocked when on family outings is a lifesaver. A diaper bag gives parents peace of mind that they have everything they need, giving them confidence and convenience when out at the park, at a restaurant or even the local supermarket. Of course, packing a diaper bag for first-time parents can be challenging. Throughout this article, we will talk about all the diaper bag essentials. Furthermore, we’ll discuss diaper bag packing tips and some diaper bag product recommendations that parents cannot live without.
Packing a Diaper Bag
The easiest way to pack your diaper bag is to think of scenarios you’ll encounter with your baby. Start with their wake-up time and what you may need to feed them, and work your way to nap time, diaper changes, etc. The necessities you’ll think of right away are diapers, wipes, a bottle, formula, etc. Once you have the necessities down, think outside the box: a toy for entertainment, a changing mat, a change of clothes, etc.
Here’s a general list of diaper bag essentials; of course, the items listed here may vary depending on your child’s age, but more or less, these are the items you want to keep in your fully stocked diaper bag.
1. Diapers – Keep at least 5 to 10 diapers in your bag. You don’t want to be stuck outside while your baby has made a dirty diaper with no way to change it.
Parents love Pampers Swaddlers, as they are highly absorbent and designed with a wet indicator that makes diaper changes easier when out and about.
2. Wipes – Wipes are always helpful, if not for diaper changes, for wiping down the table at a restaurant or for wiping your child’s hands after finishing their snack. Always have a pack of wipes in your diaper bag, even years after the diaper-changing era. You won’t regret it.
Water Wipes are an all-time favourite of parents because they’re made from 99.9 per cent purified water, which is great for sensitive-skinned babies.
3. Plastic Bags – I’m sure you’ve had to toss a dirty diaper at the local Gymboree play centre or a friend’s house. In these types of situations, plastic bags will be a lifesaver. The smell won’t be as overpowering, and you can toss the bag in any trash can, knowing that the scent will not stink up the room. Plastic bags are also helpful for wet towels and bathing suits after a beach trip or even for a dirty outfit change.
4. Changing Pad – Most diaper bags come with a changing pad, so make sure you take one everywhere with you. You never know where you’ll need to change your baby’s diaper. Changing pads are waterproof and can easily be wiped down.
5. Change of Clothes – Keep a spare outfit for each child in your diaper bag. Make sure the outfit is easy to change into, with minimal buttons and a large opening for the head; you’ll appreciate that later. You never know what type of accidents will happen on the way, whether it be a juice box spill or a pee accident, so just make sure you are prepared for the worst.
6. Swaddle Blanket – Even if you have stopped swaddling your baby, keeping a swaddle blanket in your diaper bag can be useful. It can double as a play mat to spread on the floor, a backup changing pad, or a light blanket if the weather gets unexpectedly cold.
The Aden and Anais swaddle blankets are a great buy; they are soft , big enough and are available in beautiful prints. However, they can be a little pricey compared to other brands.
7. Toys – Always keep a toy or two in your diaper bag. Sitting in the stroller or car seat can get a little boring, and a toy will help keep your child entertained and calm. Opt for a toy that will not weigh down your diaper bag but will keep your child entertained for enough time.
8. Spare Pacifiers – Keeping a spare pacifier in your diaper bag will save you many cries. Pacifiers tend to get lost because they are small, and kids love to throw them.
9. Hand Sanitiser – With kids, it’s almost impossible to track what they touch every second, and to keep their hands clean before eating a snack or after a visit to the bathroom, you want to have some hand sanitiser on hand.
10. First Aid Kit – Expect the unexpected. Kids are clumsy, risky, and wobbly. They fall, get injured, and scrape their knees way too often. Have a travel-friendly first aid kit in your diaper bag, and thank us later.
Diaper Bag Packing Tips
Now that we’ve discussed the essentials diaper bag, we’ll review some tips for packing it more efficiently.
- Clean out your diaper bag after every outing. Yes, even when you’re drained from the outing, it’s important to clean it out while you still remember what’s been used and what needs to be restocked. You don’t want to forget a wet towel or a dirty milk bottle. Aim to restock your diaper bag fully and have it ready for your next outing.
- Make sure the change of clothes in the diaper bag is good for the current season. We often leave the spare outfit in the diaper bag, which ends up being one size down or a winter outfit instead of summer. Make sure to switch out spare outfits seasonally.
- Just like you have a general list of the essentials you need to take with you before you leave the house, like phone, keys, and wallet, make up a code for your kid’s essentials, too.
Closing Thoughts – Diaper Bag Essentials
Throughout this article, we reviewed some general diaper bag essentials along with a few product recommendations. Additionally, we covered some diaper bag packing tips that will prepare you for your next outing. A fully stocked diaper bag will leave you calm and confident when out of the house. Being at home with kids is a comfort zone; we have everything we need to care for them. The real test is getting out of the house. We discussed wipes, hand sanitiser, swaddle blankets, changing pads, and more. Before packing the diaper bag for your next outing, use this article to remind you of the necessary items you may need.
