What's in Your Diaper Bag?

Most babies travel pretty well, and hitting the town with your newborn can be a lot of fun for mom and dad as well as your little one. One key to ensuring that a good time is had by all is a well-supplied diaper bag.

Now caring for my second newborn, I’ve learned to pack a diaper bag with all the essentials I need to survive a day out without lugging around everything but the glider rocker with me.

The Essentials

• Diapers, of course. More than you think you will need. I usually pack 10 when just going out for a few hours. You never know when you may be detained, or if your baby will suddenly get diarrhea. Don’t be caught unprepared.
• Baby Wipes in one of those handy little travel cases. Useful for more than just wiping bottoms. They can clean faces, and even a dropped pacifier or dirty restaurant table in a pinch.
• Formula if bottle feeding, again, more than you think you will need
• Bottles
• Water for mixing formula- if baby gets hungry and you are not near a water source. If breastfeeding, bring the water along for yourself to stay hydrated.
• A change of baby’s clothes
• A waterproof bag to put soiled baby clothes in in case of leaks or spit-up, or to put soiled diapers in if cloth diapering
• A burp cloth
• A small blanket- you never know if it will be chilly; especially when the air conditioning is on in the Summer.
• A changing pad- not every place has a changing table. I’ve changed diapers on bathroom sink counters, floors and picnic tables.
• A pacifier plus an extra if baby takes one. A baby who needs his binkie and doesn’t have it can make everyone miserable. If you are breastfeeding you may also want to include:
• A nursing shawl or cover
• Extra breast pads
• A change of shirt for yourself

Extra items to consider

• Infant Acetaminophen
• Diaper Rash Ointment

Finally, if you are traveling a distance from home or attending a special event, you may want to bring along a total change of clothes for both parents. You would not want to be dancing at your sister’s wedding with spit-up down the front of your dress. One last bit of advice — To make it easier to get out the door, or for a fast getaway in case something unexpected comes up, restock the diaper bag after returning from every outing. Taking a few moments to stock the diaper bag well will make for a great day out for all of you!

Colleen Stout is a SAHM to David, 4, and Wade, 4 months. She and her husband Dave make their home in West Michigan. She knows motherhood can be a crazy roller coaster, and she writes about it with a good dose of humor at her blog Mommie Daze. She is also a contributor for Mom Spark, an online magazine for moms.