Are you a new mom or about to be one? One of the most important things you need to know is how to pack your baby bag. Even though it may seem like an easy task, most new mothers find it rather confusing and overwhelming, especially when stepping out of the house with the baby for the first time. Some women don’t think of it as a task at all until they actually reach that stage and have to start packing one. You’ll definitely need a guide for this task and we are here for you. The quantity of many of these items will actually depend on where you are going and for how long. However, the essentials remain the same.
Diapers
The first thing on this list is diapers. You can’t head out without them even if it’s for an hour. The trick is to keep one diaper for every hour you’ll be out. Diapers are something you can’t get anywhere and everywhere, and babies can’t stay with wet diapers for long as it can create a messy situation if leaked. This makes it the most essential item in your baby bag. Of course, diapers also come along with wipes and any nappy or rash cream, as per the baby’s need.
Diaper Disposal Bags
No matter where you’re going, whether it’s the mall, someone’s house or a restaurant, you don’t want to leave your baby’s dirty diaper openly in the trash. Also, you don’t even know if you’ll find the trashcan somewhere close to you or not. Hence, always keep diaper disposal bags in your baby bag to ensure hassle-free diaper disposal.
Diaper Mat
Diaper mats or pads are not available everywhere. In some restaurants and malls, there are diaper-changing stations but most in our country don’t. Even when you do find a diaper-changing mat, it may not be hygienic to let your baby lay down on the same mat as other babies since you don’t know how clean it may or may not be. Carry your own diaper mat to ensure your baby’s safe and hygienic diaper changing. It also becomes a sheet to lay the baby on in someone’s home or in the washroom. Tip: when buying a diaper mat, make sure you pick one that can be folded to a small, sleek style.
Sanitizer
When you’re out with a baby, you may have to change them anywhere. Sometimes you may have water around you and sometimes you won’t. Always keep a sanitizer to clean your hands after a diaper change. Most moms may forget this and then regret it later.
Bottles and Milk
Bottles and milk, of course, are another very important item for your baby bag. Depending on how old your baby is, you need to keep their milk or food items in your bag. No matter how long you’re going out, keep at least one serving of food or two servings of milk with you. If your baby is less than six months old, then you need to keep their milk and sterilized bottles. You should also keep a flask for water to make milk in. If you need only two to three servings of milk, then I would suggest keeping bottles with water already.
Keep 3 containers of milk with the required amount to save space in your bag. You’ll only need to take out the bottle, add the powder and you’re good to go. If you’re a breastfeeding mama, then you need to keep your nursing cover. If you express milk, then keep the milk in the bottle, and cover the bottle with an insulated bottle cover.
Extra Clothes
Always keep an extra pair of baby clothes in your baby bag. You never know when your baby spits up or has a diaper leak. Babies need an extra pair of clothes, socks, mittens, and/or cap. Whatever your baby is wearing, just carry an extra pair of that in case it gets dirty and the baby needs a change.
Burp and Wash Cloth
Another essential item that you need at least 2-3 of depending upon how long you will be out. Babies under 6 months of age or even up to 1 year old, can spit up milk, drool, or make their hands dirty. A washcloth is important for conveniently cleaning the baby. Burp cloths are important for the mothers as the baby can spit up milk during burp time and ruin your clothes.
Mosquito Repellant and Afterbite
If you are going anywhere outdoorsy, you must carry a mosquito repellant and afterbite for your baby. This is kind of a first aid thing for your baby to keep safe from bugs or mosquito bites. It’s the prevention and immediate aftercare for your baby.
Lotion
Keep a baby lotion with you as well. Babies’ skin gets dry easily especially in air-conditioned spaces. You need to keep them moisturized. It’s a good idea to carry anything and everything that is special for a baby and they can’t share. Baby lotions are exclusive so you need to carry them.
Sheet
For all babies up to one year old, or two, carry a sheet. For babies up to 3 months old, an extra swaddle sheet is necessary to cover them up. For older babies, a sheet is important if they want to sit somewhere or if they take a nap. It’s always better to cover the baby with a sheet to avoid them feeling cold and ensure they are cozy.
Toys
Last but not the least is toys. You need to keep something to keep the baby engaged. Whether it’s a teether for smaller babies or rattles, you need to keep something that could make the baby happy in case they end up being uncomfortable or uneasy. You don’t need to let your baby depend on other people or things to be entertained. You can keep your baby’s favorite toys to ensure that they feel safe and familiar in whatever environment they are in.
Author
Quratulain Qaseem AKA QQ is an MA in English Literature. Her love for finding fun stuff and telling everyone about it is (slight annoying) enlightening! Fueled with copious amounts of coffee, QQ enjoys her work as a content marketer, reading in her free time, and sleeping as much as possible! You can reach out to her through Instagram!
