Babies are naturally needy, and there’s no
limit to the number of things you’ll need to include in a diaper bag when going
anywhere with them. It’s not your fault if you ever look in yours and not find
what you need at the moment; there’s no way of fully knowing what your baby
will need at any given time. The best you can do is pack up what you KNOW your
baby will need. Here’s a list of some of the items you should include in your baby bag to avoid spontaneous shopping trips:
DIAPERS, NAPPIES AND BABY WIPES
This is
quite the reason why it's called a nappy bag. Going anywhere with a baby
without diapers or nappies for a change will be entirely pointless, and you
will most certainly regret it. A diaper change is necessary as soon as you
realize that the baby has soiled the one they have on. Waiting any longer means
exposing the baby not just to discomfort but also to the risk of getting
painful rashes.
YOUR WALLET
Your wallet may hardly seem a necessity
when packing your baby bag. Believe it or not, you will probably need it almost
as much as you will need to do a diaper change. Unless your trip is really
short, you may need to pop into a store and get something, probably because you
forgot to pack it or you didn't have it at the house. It could also be an
emergency. Make sure all the cards and cash you need is in there, and that it
can be accessed quickly. Most moms prefer to keep their wallets in a separate
bag. You are looking to minimize your luggage, put yours in the diaper bag
where it is safe and easy to retrieve.
SPARE CLOTHES
You don't have to be a mom to know that
babies are really messy. They may not move much (when you are travelling), but
they can make a real mess out of anything they put their hands on, especially
food or drinks. They can also do a great deal of belching and even throw up.
Also, they can mess their clothes if the diaper is not put on correctly, or if
it moves too much. All these possible circumstances make it absolutely
necessary to carry extra baby clothes. That’s unless, of course, you
don’t mind stopping over at the nearest baby store for some spontaneous
shopping.
SANITIZER
Babies are generally very delicate, and
they are bound to get sick quite easily if not handled with utmost hygiene.
Their skin is particularly fragile and should never be exposed to dirty or
unhygienic conditions. This is why you should always carry some sanitizer with
you.
TOYS
Some babies (bless their mothers) will
actually be calm enough to sit through an entire drive and be quiet with
absolutely no fussing. If this is not your baby, you might want to pack up a
couple of toys in your diaper bag. Toys not only keep them occupied but also
help them develop crucial motor and gross skills as you focus on the wheels or
something else. Make sure that your baby's toys hold their interest without
posing any danger to them.
BABY WIPES
These are important for removing stains,
wiping messes as well as disinfecting toys, surfaces and the baby's skin. Wipes
are essential when changing the baby's diaper to help clean the mess and remove
the smell of poop. They are useful in cleaning any stains on the baby's
clothes, their car seat and basically every surface they come in contact with.
Wipes with disinfectant are particularly crucial for cleaning the baby's toys
and anything else they toss in the dirt that will probably find its way into
their mouth. They are practically indispensable.
SNACKS
The selection of snacks to include in your
diaper bag will depend on your baby’s age. If they are breastfeeding, the most
you can do is carry some fresh breastmilk or formula milk in a baby bottle. You
can also pack some fruit juice and even gripe water for them. Older babies,
especially those who are weaning, will need a larger variety of soft snacks.
Remember that a hungry baby is a fussy baby and there’s only so much peace of
mind you can get to stay sane enough to find a good food store.
BABY BOTTLE
A baby bottle is essential if you are
planning to feed your baby any other liquid apart from breast milk. It could be
useful if you have packed some milk, water or juice for them. When doing so,
make sure that the nipple of the bottle is soft, fits in the baby's mouth, has
a reasonably sized hole and is, most importantly, clean. It should also be
bought from a trusted manufacturer to avoid exposing the baby to the danger of
intoxication or choking by small parts.
A BABY BLANKET
This will help prevent the baby from
catching a cold or getting sick if there’s a change in the weather or even a
draft in the car. It should be soft, made with smooth material that the baby is
not allergic to. It should also allow enough aeration to regulate temperatures
so that the baby does not overheat.
A PACIFIER
Pacifiers are great comforters and are well
known for their ability to soothe a baby and put them to sleep. If your fussy
baby settles when given a pacifier, then you should remember to pack one. If
not, find an alternative comforter such as a favourite toy. Remember to keep
your baby's pacifier or comforter clean at all times as it will probably find
its way into their mouth.
In conclusion, these are just some of the
things that you should always have in your baby's diaper bag, especially when
you are travelling far. Remember, however, that every baby has different needs.
Only you know precisely what they will need, so make sure you have it when they
do.
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