What Should I Pack in My Diaper Bag
It can be hard to know what you need when leaving the house with your new baby and it's easy to go overboard and bring every baby item you own! Babies certainly come with a lot of stuff, but you don't need to spend hours packing for every outting or let a heavy diaper bag weigh you down! Here are my diaper bag essentials -- you can leave the rest at home!
Diapering Supplies
Don't forget to bring a few diapers, baby wipes, a changing pad and a tube of diaper rash cream. If you're cloth diapering, don't leave home without your wet bag! It's also a good idea to keep a bottle of hand sanitizer in your diaper bag, to clean your hands after changing baby in the car or outdoors, away from a sink.
Prepare for a Mess
Babies have a tendency to get their bodily fluids everywhere, so it never hurts to have a burp cloth and spare outfit at the ready.
Snacks for Yourself
Caring for little human is hungry work! Don't forget to bring along a bottle of water and leave a few non perishable snacks in your diaper bag, while you're at it! There's nothing worse than a hangry mama! Speaking of getting hangry...
Food for Baby
If you're formula feeding, don't forget a bottle, formula and bottled water, for making baby something to eat on the go.
As baby gets older and begins solids, it's always a good idea to be prepared with some baby-friendly snacks as well.
Comfort Items
If baby uses soother, a lovey or has a favorite blanket, bring it along. A teether is also always a diaper bag must when your babies teeth come in.
A Baby Carrier
Last -- but certainly not least! -- don't leave home without your favourite baby carrier! A ring sling, thin stretchy wrap or Integra buckle carrier* are all great options to keep in your diaper bag. They pack small and work well for getting your baby up quickly if she starts to fuss while you're out and about.
What are your diaper bag essentials?
*Use code AVIE10 to get $10 off your first baby carrier purchase at Little Zen One, a Toronto-based babywearing retailer that ships worldwide!