Diaper Bag Essentials
Wednesday, 11 November 2009 10:31 | 
Written by Emily Lordly |
Here are 10 things you need to know when preparing your diaper bag. This just isn't a normal list that runs down the usual things. I go deeper into why you need them. I know for first time parents you could look at this and think that this is crazy and way overkill. I suggest that you try it for at least the first 3 months and adjust it from there if you would like.
Here are 10 things you need to know when preparing your diaper bag. This just isn't a normal list that runs down the usual things. I go deeper into why you need them. I know for first time parents you could look at this and think that this is crazy and way overkill. I suggest that you try it for at least the first 3 months and adjust it from there if you would like.
1. Diapers, Diapers and did I mention diapers? When babies are new you are going to be changing them once every 2 hours. I say go on the safe side and bring one diaper for each hour you are going to be gone.
2. Bottom Wipes. You need your baby to have a clean bottom. Most diaper changing stations don't provide quality wipes for your use. That is why I suggest bringing your own. Especially if your baby has delicate skin. You can get free packages of sample wipes simply by signing up on manufactures email lists.
3. Changing pad that folds down. Even though they are included in diaper bags most of the time you still need to make sure it is there and is clean.
4. Diaper Rash Cream. A small tube will be fine for this. You could probably use the same method for getting diaper rash cream as you did for the baby wipes.
5. Extra clothes and 2 Burp cloths. Babies burp up all the time so you need extra burp clothes. Babies also sometimes make messes that come out the front and also the bottom so it is a good idea to have extra clothes around if the mess makes it pass the bib or the diaper.
6. It is a good idea to have a receiving blanket to be sure your baby stays warm if the temperature changes.
7. Baby Bottle. This gets a little tricky, if you are breastfeeding you want to make sure the milk is fresh. If you are using formula I would try to use the single use packets to bring along in the diaper bag.
8. Toys are a must and do wonders for a crabby kid.
9. Soft Blanket. Babies like familiar surroundings so giving them a familiar blanket will sometimes soothe them in an over stimulated environment.
10. Plastic bag for the soiled clothes and soiled diapers. Especially if you are cloth diapering you can't forget this or you will regret it.
Some other important things to have are contact information for you in case you lose your diaper bag. Contact information for your child's care providers in case you encounter an emergency that you don't know what to do.
These are all good things to have in your diaper bag to be prepared for just about anything.
Following these basic steps will help you in the long run. It may seem like a lot after reading it but I assure you that you will not regret packing all these things the first time that you need them.
Here are 10 things you need to know when preparing your diaper bag. This just isn't a normal list that runs down the usual things. I go deeper into why you need them. I know for first time parents you could look at this and think that this is crazy and way overkill. I suggest that you try it for at least the first 3 months and adjust it from there if you would like.
1. Diapers, Diapers and did I mention diapers? When babies are new you are going to be changing them once every 2 hours. I say go on the safe side and bring one diaper for each hour you are going to be gone.
2. Bottom Wipes. You need your baby to have a clean bottom. Most diaper changing stations don't provide quality wipes for your use. That is why I suggest bringing your own. Especially if your baby has delicate skin. You can get free packages of sample wipes simply by signing up on manufactures email lists.
3. Changing pad that folds down. Even though they are included in diaper bags most of the time you still need to make sure it is there and is clean.
4. Diaper Rash Cream. A small tube will be fine for this. You could probably use the same method for getting diaper rash cream as you did for the baby wipes.
5. Extra clothes and 2 Burp cloths. Babies burp up all the time so you need extra burp clothes. Babies also sometimes make messes that come out the front and also the bottom so it is a good idea to have extra clothes around if the mess makes it pass the bib or the diaper.
6. It is a good idea to have a receiving blanket to be sure your baby stays warm if the temperature changes.
7. Baby Bottle. This gets a little tricky, if you are breastfeeding you want to make sure the milk is fresh. If you are using formula I would try to use the single use packets to bring along in the diaper bag.
8. Toys are a must and do wonders for a crabby kid.
9. Soft Blanket. Babies like familiar surroundings so giving them a familiar blanket will sometimes soothe them in an over stimulated environment.
10. Plastic bag for the soiled clothes and soiled diapers. Especially if you are cloth diapering you can't forget this or you will regret it.
Some other important things to have are contact information for you in case you lose your diaper bag. Contact information for your child's care providers in case you encounter an emergency that you don't know what to do.
These are all good things to have in your diaper bag to be prepared for just about anything.
Following these basic steps will help you in the long run. It may seem like a lot after reading it but I assure you that you will not regret packing all these things the first time that you need them.
About the Author:
A diaper bag is called a nappy bag in Europe. There are many ways to have a personalized diaper bag.
