There is nothing sweeter and more snuggly than a newborn baby. They are without a doubt a little bit of heaven on earth, especially when they’re yours. But newborns can also be scary, and navigating life as a new mom can be daunting and stressful. There are so many unfamiliar territories, which quite honestly, no amount of reading material or internet scouring can prepare you for. The hormones, the changes to your body and of course the absolute sheer joy of finally being able to hold your baby.
So amongst everything that is happening, life still continues and there will come a time when you will have to venture out with your newborn. Even a short trip with your baby has the potential to be disastrous. Thankfully there is hope, veteran moms vow that the key to minimizing the stress, is to plan ahead. We want to help with just that. We have designed this guide of absolute essentials to pack in your baby bag when going out.
Although the exact items in your bag will depend on your baby’s age and your own preferences, use this checklist to make sure you have everything you need to make your outing enjoyable.
Everyday Diaper Bag Checklist
1. Nappies
Nappies are probably the most important item you will need. Again the amount of nappies needed is directly dependent on the age of your baby. We suggest 1 to 2 nappies for each hour you plan to be out. If you need some more guidance here, we recently put together a more detailed post on the frequency of changing a baby’s nappy.
Hot Tip: Buy Nappies in bulk from us and stretch your rands even further.
2. A portable changing pad
A portable changing pad provides a comfy and clean surface for nappy changes, especially when you are on the go. The folding pads are recommended as they can slide into a compartment on the outside of your baby bag. Alternatively, you can add a few disposable linen savers to your bag and throw them away if they get soiled (very handy, especially for newborns).
3. Wet wipes
Wipes are essential to clean not only the baby’s bottom, but can also be used for hands and faces. They is also quite handy for spills and any type of cleanup. The uses for wet wipes are really endless so you definitely want to keep them handy.
4. Nappy Rash Ointment
Applying nappy rash ointment with every nappy change will help keep baby’s bottom soft, protected and moisturized
5. Clean bottles and formula
This would be suitable if you’re bottle-feeding. We suggest a formula dispenser, this is specifically designed to hold pre-measured quantities of formula, and you can simply mix a feed while you are on the go. A flask with hot water is also a great addition but tends to weigh down the bag. If you are going to be in the vicinity of local eateries and coffee shops, I find they are always happy to provide some hot water.
6. Breastfeeding Mom Essentials
If you are a breastfeeding mom, you don’t need to worry about all the extra milk supplies, but you do want to pop in these items to make your feeding experience a breeze:
- Nipple cream – to help soothe those battered nips post feed.
- Breast Pads – very handy in case your boobs are full and have a leak. Some moms even report experiencing lactating even if they hear their baby (or even someone else’s baby) crying. It’s always good to carry spares.
- Shawl or scarf – this does not have to essentially be a breastfeeding shawl per se, any cover-up will do if you don’t feel comfortable whipping out the twins in public.
7. Burp cloths
The amount to pack will depend on how often your little one spits up and how long you plan to be out. These are essential for after feed burping, but can also be used to wipe milk spills or little sneezes.
8. Baby blanket
Not only will the baby blanket provide warmth for your little one, but also swaddles them when they need to fall asleep. A baby blanket also ensures privacy while breastfeeding.
9. Soother
This is a device or object that gives your baby comfort. For some it’s a pacifier or dummy, for others it’s a security blanket or a particular stuffy toy. Every kid is different and will find comfort in different things. Whatever helps soothe your baby, it would be essential to pack, to help them settle.
10. Change of clothes for baby
A good idea would be to pack the baby’s clothes into a ziplock bag, so when you change them you can put the dirty or wet clothes back into the ziplock bag.
11. Snacks for Baby & Yourself
Pack easy snacks and water for yourself to maintain your energy levels and prevent dehydration. If your kid is on solids, be sure to pack snacks for them as well, a kid without snacks can be a nightmare if they are hungry.
Pack your bag and Go!
Getting out might seem a bit daunting, especially for new parents. But remember it’s good for parents and babies to get out, in particular, outside in nature. Sunlight and fresh air provide many health benefits, boosting your mood and energy and much-needed vitamin d exposure. So good luck and all the best with getting out and about with your little one.
Tell us, when going out, what are your baby bag essentials?
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