How to Pack a Diaper Bag

Being prepared with a full diaper bag while out of the house is always better than guessing or thinking twice about things. You'll never know what situation you'll be in or what you'll need in order to keep a baby happy, so a ready-packed diaper bag will always come to your rescue.

Steps

Select a suitable diaper bag. The type of diaper bag you use will depend on what you expect from it. For short trips, a smaller bag will be fine but for longer trips, including car travel, camping, and visiting the in-laws, a larger bag is a must. When purchasing a diaper bag, check for such features as:
- Easy-to-access pockets, plenty of them for various items
- Thermally lined pockets to keep food and drink warm or cool
- Special compartment for diapers and change mat
- Comfortable handles or straps for carrying or wearing - try the bag on in the store to see if it feels right for you
- Ability to fit over the stroller or pram - this will take the weight off you and makes it easy to access.
- Looks right for you. If you're a man, you might not want to carry around a diaper bag that's flowery or bright pink. Plenty of diaper bags come in gender-neutral patterns, or even look like a backpack or courier bag.
Keep a food stock. If you are not breastfeeding, food and drinks should always be packed, as babies always need their nutrients. If you are bottle feeding, use a travel container that divides each powder amount and spare travel-sized bottles of water or juice. If your baby is on solids, choose small travel jars that you can throw out when finished.
Stock up on diapers. Diapers are essential to keep in stock in a diaper bag. It's recommended to have at least one diaper for each hour you're out, but it's nice to grab a handful, in case of emergencies. Also, try to get a travel pack of baby wipes.
- If you keep both diapers and baby food in your diaper bag, make sure to keep the clean diapers hygienic. Place them inside of a clean larger-size Ziploc bag. Plus, if only one diaper is inside the bag, each Ziploc can be used as a "dirty" bag and hold the used diaper.
Keep health essentials in the bag. Use the side pockets or little compartments for medications, emergency phone numbers, etc. Add Oragel® (teething pain gel) or a teething ring, and infant Tylenol® (pain relief for infants) - these are both excellent items to leave in the bag. Finally, some tissues are always handy to have in the bag.
Have extra clothing and blankets. A good sized blanket is appropriate for a cool environment, a bib or two is excellent for feeding times, and comfortable socks and a baby hat keep the sensitive parts warm and cozy. You may also want to keep an extra sweatshirt or sweater just for those times when the weather changes drastically. You don't need to over pack these things; if it's just for a walk in the park, you probably don't need to pack clothes.
Keep your baby entertained. Bring a toy or two and a favorite hard cover book. Keep a few pacifiers in little sandwich bags - this helps if one drops on the ground, as you'll always have extra.
Bring sanitary wipes and gel. Anti-bacterial hand gel can be a lifesaver when there isn't a sink nearby. Sanitary or antibacterial wipes can help clean off a restaurant highchair, the handle of the grocery car, and the restroom changing table. A towel can also be handy for mopping up spills.
Pack extra plastic bags. Whether a reused grocery bag, or a snap lock bag, you'll need these spare bags constantly for putting dirty bibs and clothes in, or a soiled diaper.
Give yourself a treat. How will you keep yourself occupied while your baby is sleeping? Pack a little snack for yourself, drop your wallet in, and anything else that will make you happy on your trip, such as a favorite novel, or a note pad for jotting down poems. Take along a camera just in case you see something you'd love to photograph, especially your baby doing something cute.

Video

Tips

Always have a bag ready. If you're out or low on food/drinks, prepare as soon as you come home, so you don't have to worry at the last minute. Wash any dirty/dropped pacifiers as soon as possible.
It's good to have a changing pad (either disposable or plastic) for those times when there isn't a restroom around. Some restaurants won't have a baby changing station, (the plastic changing table usually mounted on the wall). Having your own plan is better than guessing whether something is available or not.
Just remember that you're not packing for a trip, just a time out of the house. Don't overdo the stroller, or cram things in the diaper bag.
If your child's doctor uses disposable examination pads (they are about the size of a bandanna), grab a few spares -- they make excellent disposable changing pads. They are also available at some retailers for use by incontinent patients. If you can't grab those, there are pads about the same size that are used to paper train puppies. They are plastic on one side, and soft, absorbent cloth, like a liner, on the other. They are ideal for changing tables.
You may want to have two diaper bags: one for long outings, and a smaller one for shorter trips.

Warnings

If your child suffers from allergies, remember to include your baby's doctor-prescribed anti-histamines, etc. in the bag as well. Always ensure that they are in date.

Things You'll Need

Diaper bag/ nappy bag
Diapers/nappies
Pacifiers/dummies
Sanitary gel and/or wipes
Towel (small)
Teething gel and infant pain relief
Baby wipes
Tissues
Changing pad
Food and drink suitable for baby and you
Plastic bags
Clothing
Blanket (cotton for summer, woolen or fleece for winter)
Emergency contact details
Toys and hardcover book

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