Wednesday I headed out in to the city with my little Alfie. It was the first time in a loooooong time that I had to pack a nappy bag (diaper bag) for a little baby! It took me a moment or two to remember what I used to carry around with me and then it came flooding back. I thought I'd put together a little visual tick list of what I personally find useful to have in my bag and a few other items that are great for travelling with a newborn/young baby. I need to note that some of the items are specific for mums nursing their babies. I considered adding items for bottle fed babies but to be honest, I don't have the experience to know what you need so thought it best to not try and guess! The rest of the items will be of use to all mums of little babies though.
1. Baby wipes. Available from many different brands and mini travel packs are also available to fit nicely in to your bag.
2. For the breastfeeding mums: back when Milo was a little baby there was many an occasion when I would look down at my top to see that it featured a rather embarrassing milk-wet-patch! Not a good look! I soon learnt that it was not only good to have spare clothes for the baby but for me as well! This maternity/nursing top is available from Mothercare, £20,00
3. If your baby is taking a dummy/pacifier then don't forget to have a spare available in your bag. There are a large variety available out there and there are some fab ones available with their own caps to keep them clean when laying in your bag. You can also buy handy little travel boxes for those that don't feature caps. The dummy pictured above is available from Philips Avent,£4,90
4. Another item for the nursing mum, don't forget to pack a couple of extra breast pads, always handy for when your baby has an extra long nap and you're body reacts! Different brands are available but I am a fan of these from Lansinoh, £3,67
5. Obviously a few spare nappies (diapers) are necessity for any adventure out with your baby. I tend to pack 5 or 6 depending on how long I will be out. It's always better to have too many than too few! The above nappies are for newborns from Huggies, £11,86
6. A changing bag (diaper bag) or a good sized bag that will work well as a changing bag is of course needed to pack all these items in. If you are using a normal bag, make sure it's one with a number of pockets and one that will clean easily. If you specifically want a changing bag, the one above it available from the super popular Pink Lining, £79,00
7. Different women like different types of carriers and it's worth trying a few out to see what suits you. My favourite though is the Ergo baby carrier which I used for years with Milo and am using once again with Alfie. A variety of colours and patterns are available, the one pictured above is available from the Ergo Baby website,
8. There isn't always the guarantee of a bin (trash can) nearby when you change your baby and even if there is, who wants to smell a stinky nappy?! Take a few nappy bags along in your bag. Many types available. Those pictured above are from Amazon, £9,95
9. For nappy changes you can either use disposable mats or invest in a travel, wipeable changing mat. The one above is from 'Munchkin' and is available on Amazon, £10,95
10. It's nice to have a rollable or foldable blanket in your bag for putting down a sleeping baby on or wrapping your baby in if the weather cools. This cute little blanket is available from Ella & Otto on Amazon, £28,00
11. The infant insert needed when carrying newborns in the Ergo baby carrier above (see #7). This insert is available in different colours from Amazon, £21,55
12. Last but not least and an absolut necessity: remember to pack some spare clothes for your little one in case of nappy leakages or spills. I tend to bring between 2-3 spare outfits with me just in case as they roll up small. This cutie is from Name It, €9,95
What do you consider as 'essentials' for your changing bag?
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I can't believe you can leave the house without muslins!!! Now I know I had very reflux-ey babies so they were number 1 in my bag, but they are so useful for protecting your clothes, wrapping a chilly baby in, swaddling during the summer if your baby is small enough + the muslin is big enough, keeping the sun off a baby's head when in a baby carrier, and of course mopping up sick! You can also use them for yourself as they are excellent for using with a hot cleanser and give your face a good exfoliating scrub, plus they can be washed at really high temperatures.
ReplyDeleteI can't for the life of me remember what I used instead of muslins last time?! It was a complete blogger fail to leave them out of the above though. I have duly slapped myself on the hand for the mistake ;)
DeleteWhat I needs for a start is a changing bag ASAP, lol. Sick and tired of using knapsacks. The one in your post is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteLovely isn't it! I really adore the strap especially. They got quite a few different designs. I hope you manage to get yourself a nice one! Maybe a good extra Valentine's gift?! ;)
DeleteI always used to bring a burp cloth/diaper with me when Sophie was little because she spit up on herself and me ALL the time. Oh the days :)
ReplyDeleteI blame baby brain for having forgotten to include burp cloths!!! Milo had reflux as a baby so I've no idea how I would forget! I guess the years between him and Alfie have helped me delete the memory of all his spit up from my mind ;)
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