So many products exist for new moms these days. The best wipes. The best diapers. The best car seat. The latest gadget. But the truth is that the only things you need for a baby are diapers, food, a place to sleep and some clothes. Having a few things beyond the bare necessities, though, can make the challenge of caring for your baby outside the home more manageable. Stock your diaper bag for any situation-and make life as a mom on the go a little less stressful.
Diapering Essentials
The most obvious-and most important-thing for a diaper bag is ¦ diapers!
Be sure to choose the right size and always have a few extra on hand. You don’t want to be out and about and not have any! If you choose to cloth diaper, be sure to stow a wet bag and plenty of extra covers and inserts. Having a wet bag in the diaper bag even if you don’t cloth diaper isn’t a bad idea either.
Don’t forget wipes! There are many options these days-including wipes for extra-sensitive baby bottoms. Though they can be pricier, they’re a great alternative. Be sure to include a small pouch in your diaper bag with diaper rash cream or any other lotions you may need for diapering on the go.
Feeding Essentials
Next up are feeding essentials. Whether you choose to breastfeed, formula feed or do a combination of both, you’ll need to equip the diaper bag with the right items. Not just for Baby, but for you too!
Feeding essentials to have in your diaper bag may include:
- Bottles and cleaning wipes
- Formula or breastmilk
- Portable, insulated bottle carrier
- Burp cloths
- Breastfeeding essentials such as nipple covers, nursing covers, etc.
- Change of clothes/shirt for you
Clothing and Changing Essentials
As mentioned, consider having a change of clothes in your diaper bag-for both you and the baby. Check what you’ve packed from time to time to make sure it’s still weather-appropriate. You don’t want to be stuck with only a summer sundress or short-sleeve onesie in the snow! Having clothes handy ensures you’re prepared for one of those “you hoped you wouldn’t need it, but you’re grateful to have it” scenarios.
Many diaper bags come with a small changing mat, but if yours doesn’t, you can choose from many separate options out there. This gives you a sanitary spot to change your baby-no matter where you have to do it.
Health and Safety Essentials
A great resource for a new mom on the go to have in her diaper bag is a small first-aid kit-or at least some basic health or medical supplies.
Health essentials you may include in your diaper bag are:
- Antibiotic ointment/antiseptic
- Lip balm
- Nail clippers
- Bandages
- Hand sanitizer
- Travel-sized creams/lotions
- Baby sunscreen (or a hat if your baby is under a year)
Entertainment and Comfort Essentials
While babies do not really need a lot, bringing along a few comfort essentials is a good thing while you’re out and about. Pacifiers, small toys or blankets can help when a baby is extra fussy. Foldable, lightweight or easy-to-carry diaper bag essentials are the way to go. You want to ensure a safe and comfortable space for your baby, while also making life easier for you.
Don’t forget multiple pacifiers while you’re out and a sanitizing wipe to clean them in case they fall on the ground!
Organization Tips
Choosing a diaper bag that’s easy to organize is essential. Try looking for something with multiple compartments and pockets to sort items. You’ll want to be able to access things easily and quickly. It’s no fun to be digging through a messy diaper bag for a pacifier while your baby’s inconsolable.
Quick tip: use smaller, even clear, pouches for storing smaller items. This allows you to easily identify and pull out the right pouch with the needed item.
Other tips for organizing and using your diaper bag:
- Organize and restock regularly.
- Check for season-appropriate clothing.
- Use plastic bags or a wet bag in case you need to store dirty or wet clothing.
- Make sure you have age-appropriate items in your diaper bag as your baby grows.
- Rotate out small toys or entertainment items so that they are always new and exciting to your baby.
You know your baby best. So stock your diaper bag with things you know he may need or want. It’s true, babies don’t need much. Some essentials in your diaper bag, though, can make the time you spend on the go easier for everyone.
Kailyn Rhinehart writes from Warrensburg, Missouri, where she lives with her husband and two small children.