“What Do I Even Pack In My Bag?”
Packing a baby bag can be an anxiety ridden task, but with the proper planning and foresight you’ll be ready for anything with your little one! Whether you are heading out for the day, or for a shorter outing, having a well prepared bag will ensure you are ready for all the things you and your baby will need! Below is a comprehensive list of must haves for every baby bag, along with a few optional items that could help you along the way!
1. Baby Thermometer
“Any Sickness, I’ll Catch it Before It’s Too Late!”
Having a thermometer in your bag can be a real lifesaver. Kids can start feeling unwell at the most unexpected times, and a fever is often the first sign that something’s up. By carrying a thermometer, you can quickly check their temperature and know right away if it’s time to take action. Whether it’s giving them medication, taking it easy, or heading to the doctor, having this small tool on hand gives you peace of mind. It’s all about being prepared and making sure your little one stays safe and comfortable, no matter where you are.
2. Changing Pad
“Thank GOD I have my things in ONE place!”
If you can find a baby bag with a built-in changing pad, like the one linked above, you are in luck! This bag comes with a changing pad so you will always have a nice clean surface to change your baby anywhere you are! And best of all, all of your necessary products are available within reach. Also, these days you want to keep an eye on your kids, so not having to turn away to grab something will bring a lot of peace to your process. Check the bag above! We love ours, and it really helps us.
3. Extra Clothes
Cute, Cozy, Dry and Warm!
Spills, drool, diaper blowout, all scream new outfit! It is always a good idea to pack and extra baby outfit for your little one because life is unpredictable, and it’s best to keep your little tot cute, dry and comfortable. It’s also not a bad idea to pack a little hat and socks in case the weather sneaks up on you. This cute little onesie is perfect for most weather, as babies require more heat to sustain their body homeostasis. Don’t worry about them getting too hot because you can always unzip the front for a nice breeze!
4. Bibs / Burp Cloths
You know the drool… I mean DRILL
Bibs keep food and liquids off your baby’s chest and clothes. These small but powerful items can save yourself washing time, and time in your day from changing them!
5. Feeding Supplies
“Mama, I’m Hungry”
Breastfeeding, bottle feeding and for older babies, they will all need to eat, so let’s give some pointers on what to pack for them.
For older babies: Teething biscuits and snacks, along with fruit pure packets are great snacks to keep your tot fed and satisfied. Reusable pure packs are good for the budget and for knowing exactly what is in your baby’s food. It’s a win-win.
For formula fed babies: Pack enough pre measured formula and water for the duration of your trip (plus extra if you are unsure of the exact return).
For breastfeeding moms: Bring a nursing cover to protect yourself from exposure while feeding. Some places are not safe to have your breasts exposed, so it’s best to avoid that all together. As for yourself, pack some nipple cream (REALLY).
6. Toys & Comfort Items
“To let them play is to Let them learn!”
An educational toy such as the one pictured above can help keep your baby entertained and calm while on the go. These toys are made to be stimulating to the brain, and aid in hand-eye coordination for your tiny tot! Having a familiar item can also soothe your little one during unexpected moments of fussiness, which will inevitably happen during travel at some point!
7. Blankets
“To Cover the Baby, Cover the Stroller, or Use as A Play Mat”
A blanket can be used for multiple purposes. Warmth for your baby, a nursing cover, and even a soft play mat for your little tot to relax on top of. Blankets are the underrated accessory to our diaper bag, because usually we think the blanket will take up too much space. Which in some cases is true. However, have you thought about draping the blanket over the stroller to hold it?
The blanket over the stroller can be used as a sun cover for your baby! Along with the sun, the pollutants in the air can be filtered with your blanket, adding an extra layer of security for your baby. Neat right?
8. Carrying Essentials
“My Neck, My Back.. Oh wait! My carrier!”
We all know that at some point in the day your baby will want to be in your arms and not inside of the carriage or walking! This can be taxing on your body after a few minutes, so we recommend having some carrying essentials! Look how cute this Bunny carrier is! You can also use it as a stroller cover, which is great for filtering the pollutants in the air! Win-win. WARNING: Be prepared to be complimented by people along the way as they see your cute bunny carrier. Huge warning. Huge. 😉
Helpful Extras
Last But Not Least (Really, These are Important Too!):
- Pacifiers: If your baby uses a pacifier, pack at least two (since they always seem to disappear when you need them most!). Consider packing them in a clean case to keep them sanitized.
- Baby Ointment or Cream: You never know when a diaper rash is brewing. It’s a great idea to keep a tube of diaper cream in your diaper bag. Again, some moms prefer to use hypoallergenic options.
- Ziploc Bags: Great for storing soiled clothes or any other messy items until you can get home.
- Teething Gel: If your baby is teething, having teething gel or toys on hand can make a big difference in calming them down.
- Sunscreen & Bug Spray: If you’ll be outside for a long time, baby-safe sunscreen and insect repellent are important, especially during sunny or buggy weather. Check with your pediatrician before using these on your baby.
- Hand Sanitizer: A small bottle of hand sanitizer is essential for keeping your hands clean before and after diaper changes, especially if you’re not near a sink.
- First Aid Basics: For minor bumps or scratches, it’s helpful to have a few basic first-aid items on hand. Consider packing: Baby-safe band-aids, Antibacterial ointment, Thermometer and Pain reliever, such as infant acetaminophen
- Wipes: Wipes are the holy grail for moms for many reasons. Of course pack your wipes for the diaper change, but when it comes to cleaning sticky fingers and faces, these are an absolute MUST to have in your tool kit. Many mom’s opt for the ‘sensitive’ options when it comes to wipes.
- Diapers, Diapers, DIAPERS: It won’t take you long to know that babies and diapers are synonymous. For your diaper bag, the rule of thumb is to bring one diaper for every two hours you will be out, plus a couple of extras for those little “uh-oh” moments that will inevitably happen at some time.
-Don’t forget to pack a disposable bag to place your dirty diapers in case you can’t find an appropriate trashcan in the area.
