If you are a parent and out of the house with your baby, then Diaper Bag is only thing that can save you. After we got the ‘good news’, I started reading about pregnancy things and I started working on my Diaper Bag Checklist. Since then, it has been modified consistently as my little bub grew up.
Babies are so unpredictable, specially when they are outside. They may have just had milk or snacks or have pooped but as soon as you step out with them, they will want to do it all over again. Then, no other Super-Hero but Diaper bag saves the Day!!
Diaper Bag Checklist alters as the baby grows or the place you are visiting, the time duration of your visit or the baby’s need and interest. But there are some essentials that you cannot miss.
Though, you can use any bag to carry baby essentials, it is advisable to use a diaper bag as it has compartments and pockets as per the need. It helps you to be more organized and most of all, you don’t have to dive into bag to search for things when situation is ‘urgent’.
In this Post, You will Find
Diaper Bag Checklist – Newborn/Infant
We are usually overwhelmed being a new parent as we are still getting into the new routine with our little muchkin. Though we hardly go out with an infant but at times doctor’s visit take a lot of time and it is best if we are prepared.
- Diapers: You can’t miss it. You never know when the baby is going to poop. Especially in early days when their digestive system is still building. Carry two instead of one as you always need a backup. For us, it always has been Pampers since our little boy was born. We never tried any other brand as we didn’t feel the need.
- Wet Wipes: Wet wipes and diapers go hand in hand without saying. Wet wipes come in handy in plenty other situations, even for adults. It is best to use water based, unscented wipes.
- Diaper Disposal Bag: Many people don’t know about it and don’t use it, but it is the savior when baby poops at unexpected places. You don’t need to go looking for dustbins and of course don’t throw it out of a moving vehicle. SnapNap diaper disposable bags are the best as they are easy to use and locks all the filthiness inside.
- Changing Mat: Obviously, you can’t place a baby on a seat or chair or changing table or on the floor. You need a changing mat to keep your baby on. A plastic based mat helps you wipe it off if any accident happens in between the change.
- Rash Cream: Babies do a lot of poo-poos and pee-pees and cleaning them up so frequently may lead to rashes as they have super sensitive skin. Use a good rash cream to prevent rashes.
- Laying down blanket: You don’t want to keep your baby on the bare surface, be it doctor’s table or anywhere outside. Carrying a thick cotton sheet/blanket/baby mat will help you out here.
- Burp Cloth: Babies need to be fed almost every two hours and they need to be burped every time. And you surely don’t want your shoulders smelling of spit ups. Its is best to carry 2-3 burp clothes and small hand towels also help.
- Baby Napkins: Babies don’t only spit up when they are burped, they can spit up anytime and anywhere. Keeping 2-3 baby napkins handy will save you anytime and anywhere.
- Talcum Powder: No matter how much you try and clean the spit up, they tend to leave a smell so talcum powder for your baby and for you will help you subside the smell.
- Change of Clothes: A change of clothes is always advisable when you are out with a baby. You never know when you need it – spit up, vomit, accidents during diaper change.
- Milk: Your baby might be breastfeeding, or formula fed or bottle fed (pumped milk). Always be prepared. It’s best to carry the fresh pumped milk as you will not be able to thaw the frozen milk properly. If the baby is formula fed, ensure you carry clean sterilized bottle along with warm water and formula milk in an airtight container. You can use bottle covers to keep the bottles safe.
- Bibs: If the baby is bottle fed, then do carry bibs to avoid spills. It is always best to use the bibs which have plastic base as it prevents passing on the liquid to baby’s clothes.
- Blanket & Cap: Babies are extremely sensitive to the environment. Air-conditioning may not suit them well thus it is best to carry things to cover them and keep them warm.
- Swaddling Cloth: Babies need to be swaddled up to 3 months as they feel safer and get the feeling of the womb. You may want to carry an extra one in case of emergencies. The best part is that you can use them as nursing cover as well.
- Toys: New environment may make the babies uncomfortable; their favorite toy helps soothe them. Be it a rattle or a teether or a soft toy.
- Sanitizer: Though it goes without saying, it is best to put it down on the checklist as you are already occupied with so many things.
- Mommy’s essentials: Forget your sling bags and handbags for a while as you won’t have too many hands to carry and your essentials comes down to tissues, wallet, phone, keys and an extra top, thus why to carry an extra bags for these bare minimums. You already have your hands full. Many diaper bags have special pockets for mom’s essentials.
Diaper Bag Checklist – Toddler
As overwhelming as it can be to go out with an infant, you need to be extra prepared when stepping out with a toddler. You need to carry their entire universe with them because you never know what mood they are in.
- Snacks: Your kid may or may not eat before going out, but he will become hungry as soon as you step out. Carrying some healthy finger foods will save you from the hunger tantrums.
- Water: It is best to avoid bottled water for kids. Carry water bottle/sipper to make it easier for the kids drink from.
- Bibs: Babies can be messy while eating and changing clothes might not be possible when you are out. Bibs help you keep the mess at bay.
- Diapers: It goes without saying as it is a diaper bag checklist
- Diaper Disposable Bags: To keep your surrounding and environment clean. Scroll up for link to buy these.
- Wet wipes: The unsung heroes, ready to save the day not only during poo-poos but for face and hand and mouth and ear and everything.
- Changing Mat: You can use a changing mat either to change the diaper or you can use it while your baby is having food. It will be easier to clean the mess.
- Tissues: As important as the wet wipes are, dry tissues are equally important. Specially to wipe out those tantrum tears and crying snorts.
- Moisturizer: Wiping those hands and face multiple times in a day will leave your baby’s skin all dry. So, keep them moisturized.
- Extra Pair of Clothes: With a toddler, you need to carry extra pair of clothes because you cannot guarantee when they can be soiled.
- Toys: If you want to have a little peaceful outing, it is must that you carry their favorite toy.
- Muslin Blanket: Muslin blanket can be used as a nursing cover or to cover your baby under the sun or in AC.
- Sanitizer: Toddlers are very curious, and they touch everything to explore it. As you can’t use soap and water all the time to wash their hands, sanitizers come in handy. Avoid using it excessively though.
- Mommy’s essentials: You can either carry a separate bag for your essentials or you can stuff your wallet, keys, phone and an extra top in their diaper bags.
Essentials to Pack for Long Journey
Above mentioned items are essential for day-to-day travel but when you are travelling with baby, you need to be prepared for any situation.
- Medicines: Carrying the basic medicines for cold, cough, fever is advisable. Make sure that you consult the doctor before buying them.
- Pillow & Cushions: Be it a road trip or plane ride or train ride, carrying pillow or cushion helps you level the seats and make the baby more comfortable.
- Bowl & Spoon: If your baby is on cerelac or formula milk, carry bowls & spoons to feed the baby. Carry hot water in thermos to avoid getting it from outside. You can also carry baby liquid cleanser to wash the utensils afterwards.
- Jacket, cap & socks: The weather becomes cold usually at night and at early mornings so carry jacket, cap and socks to keep your baby warm.
- Umbrella: To be prepared for unpredictable rains and of course needed during monsoons.
- Extra pair of Clothes: You will be having an extra pair of clothes for your baby and an extra t-shirt for you. But it is advisable to keep an additional pair handy for both you and baby for long journeys.
Having a checklist always helps. Me and my husband both have the checklist in our phone and make sure that we go through it before stepping out.
Hope this exhaustive checklist helps you. Let me know if I missed anything or what is your essential when you step out with your baby.
Liked the post? Comment and spread the word by sharing it. Checkout the recent posts here.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in the article are solely based on author’s experience. Please do not consider it as professional advice.