Suggestions for Packing a Diaper Bag
You might not be out with your baby long, but, even if you’re going to the store, you never know what will happen. The baby may soil him or herself. He or she may spit up. He or she could get a bee sting. No matter what happens, you should be prepared by having a fully packed diaper bag.
Most parents have a basic idea for what should go in a diaper bag. Obviously, diapers should be the first to go in, but how many and which creams? Should you bring a changing pad? Diapers aren’t the only materials you need when taking your baby out, and Parentdish gives some suggestions for packing a diaper bag without having too much or too little:
• Always bring about half a day’s supply of diapers. More should be brought along for longer trips.
• A changing pad.
• A travel-size case of wipes. If you don’t have individual travel cases, pack a bag of wipes and put them in the bag.
• Travel-size containers of balms, powders, and creams.
• A change of baby clothes.
• A bottle and snacks. These should be packed well to prevent them from being soiled and exposed to bacteria.
• Two to three small toys, such as rattles and teething rings.
• Basic first aid items, such as baby aspirin or another child-appropriate pain reliever and bandages.
• Consider packing a bib, tissues, and a pacifier for longer trips.
• Never put purse items, such as electronics, cash, and a cell phone, in a diaper bag. Also, never store large toys in a diaper bag.
Diaper bags can look like purses on the outside, but they have the space to pack all of these items. However, make sure that you can carry the bag and that it will fit on a stroller once you have it fully packed.
Picking Out a Diaper Bag
If you’re a fashion-conscious parent, the sight of traditional diaper bags may make you recoil in style horror. The pastels! The texture! The changing pad! But, if you’re looking for a fashion-forward alternative to bulky diaper bags, various high-end baby products websites have new and unique diaper bags in styles much like traditional, high-fashion handbags. Baby products retailer Hunky Dory carries several designer diaper bags, many of which are designed like an ordinary handbag. These can be solid color with a thin strap and outside compartments and other options include a variety of popular patterns like flower silhouettes.
One commonly searched term for diaper bags is “Kate Spade diaper bag.” As anyone who goes for designer handbags knows, Kate Spade is one of the top handbag designers whose handbags retail for around $400 and up. As Kate Spade has a separate line of diaper bags, many of her designs reflect the styles she has for her ordinary handbags: bold colors and a soft or quilted surface. While these color options extend to other high-end diaper bags, other style options are available.
For example, not all designer diaper bags come with a handbag-like style. If messenger bags are more of your thing, messenger bag-style diaper bags are available, with a lower fall and a thicker strap. Other options for a designer diaper bag include tote bag like designs, in which the strap is shorter and the area inside the bag is larger. Aside from style, these designer diaper bags are made with various materials. If you want a soft and quilt-like diaper bag, solid color and patterned options are available. Many bags, in addition, have a canvas texture but others, for very high-end options, can be designed in leather like an ordinary purse or hobo-style handbag.
Packing a Diaper Bag
Diaper bags come in more stylish designs these days, but packing a diaper bag shouldn’t be any different. From a bulky, pastel-colored bag with a changing pad, many modern diaper can look much like an ordinary purse or a messenger bag but, inside, they have all of the space and parts you need when taking your baby out. Whether you choose a standard diaper bag or a high-end Petunia Pickle Bottom bag, packing a diaper bag is no different.
When putting together a diaper bag, the recommended items include:
*Diapers. Although this is an obvious choice, it’s the amount of diapers that matters. Generally, as a rule of going out, take at least one diaper per hour you plan to be out. If this means you’ll be out for six hours, your diaper bag should have six diapers packed.
*For disposing diapers, bring enough plastic bags for each diaper.
*Travel wipes. These can be sold individually in plastic travel wipes cases or you can purchase a cloth wipes case and fill it with your own diaper wipes at home before going out.
*Diaper rash cream. Although this is something that generally stays at home, having a small tube in case of an emergency is recommended.
*Cloth diapers or other cloth blankets for burping in case of spit ups.
*Extra set of clothes. As emergencies with a baby can happen when out, being prepared is essential. Socks could fall off or a pair of pants or a onesie could become soiled while out.
*An extra adult shirt. Although you have a blanket for spit ups, a baby could possibly miss and put spit up on your own shirt.
*Baby sun block.
*Comfort objects like a bottle, toy, and two pacifiers.
*ID card in bag with your contact information, as well of any other contacts, as, if the bag gets lost, someone finding the bag can contact you or another relative.
*Changing pad. If one doesn’t come with the diaper bag automatically, an additional one should be packed inside the diaper bag.