A well-equipped diaper bag can save the day. But what do you really need in there? It depends on how old your child is, how long you’ll be out, where you’re going, and how prepared you like to be.
Diapers
As a rule of thumb, one for each hour you’ll be out, plus a few extra – just in case, a great mum hack is in case of unexpected spills of bottles, juices or the like a diaper is the ideal item to clean that up in no time.
Wipes
If you like to be super prepared, keep a packet of wipes in your car at all times, a pack in your diaper bag, and a mini pack in your handbag. Wipes serve many purposes from their primary purpose of little bottoms right through to sticky hands and wiping down highchairs in restaurants you might visit.
Hand sanitizer
For cleaning your hands after diaper changes or your child’s when there’s no time or place to wash them.
Changing pad
Many diaper bags come with a reusable changing pad, or you can buy one separately. Alternatively you can also find disposable changing pads.
Plastic zip lock bags or a wet bag
For storing soiled diapers when no trash can is available, wet clothes, and baby blankets. Just make sure your child can’t get to them since plastic bags also pose a suffocation risk.
Beverages
Bottles of formula or expressed breast milk if you’re bottle-feeding or a sippy cup of water, milk for toddlers. Keep in mind that made-up formula shouldn’t be used if it’s been out of the fridge for more than an hour. Expressed breast milk can be kept at room temperature (no warmer than 26 C) for around six hours.
Snacks (for older babies and toddlers)
Depending on the age of your child, this could include a pouch of yoghurt or puree, and a spoon, or finger foods. Don’t forget to bring a few bibs as well.
Blanket
You can use it to shield your baby from the cold or sun, or as a changing pad, nursing cover, bib, shade, or burp cloth.
Extra clothes for your child
You never know when spit-up, drool, spills, or code brown explosions will necessitate a change of clothing.
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