Essentials for the Diaper Bag: A Practical Guide for New Mothers
As a new mother raising a new born, stepping out of the house felt like planning a small expedition. As much as we wanted to be over prepared, we realised it was just adding too much to our existing kitty. So finally we decided to pack our diaper bags with just essentials and not over burden ourselves with the things that we may not need.
Here’s a list of our essentials. Majority of our shopping was done via Amazon (US / Canada) but we are sharing the reference link from Amazon.in that could be the best fit.
Diaper Bag Essentials
- Diaper bag: After having read reviews of multiple diaper bags, we finally chose Ruvalino bag. While the bag is highly functional, it looks just like a backpack, which may not be liked by many. Nevertheless, if you are looking for functional bag without hurting your shoulders, this could definitely be your best bet. You can check the bag here . Oh yea, we also bought a portable diaper bag for our short errands and absolutely loved it. Not able to find it on Indian Amazon but here’s the reference link Skiphop bag
- Diapers
- The most obvious and crucial item. Depending on the length of your outing, pack enough diapers to last, with a couple of extras just in case. For us, our number one choice was pampers premium. We used the diapers from Canada and tried many other brands, but nothing beats it.
- Diaper Cream
- Wipes
- Throw Bags
- Pack a few disposable bags for used diapers and soiled clothes. They help in containing odors and messes. We didn’t buy any branded bags as such but usual dollar stores or other polythenes were pretty fine.
- Changing Pad
- A portable changing pad ensures you have a clean surface to change your baby wherever you are. This came with both Ruvalino and SkipHop diaper bags.
- An Extra Pair of Clothes
- Always have an extra outfit for your baby. Spills, spit-ups, and diaper leaks can happen, and it’s best to be prepared.
- Healthy Snacks
- For older babies and toddlers, bring along healthy snacks to keep them satisfied and happy.
- Water Bottle
- Hydration is key. Pack a water bottle for yourself and a sippy cup or bottle for your little one.
- Hand Sanitizer
- Clean hands are a must, especially after diaper changes and before feeding.
- Small Toy
- A favorite toy can provide comfort and distraction during outings.
- Small Book or Activity
- Keep your baby engaged with a small book or a quiet activity that they enjoy.
- Full Cover Bib
- A bib is useful for feeding times to keep clothes clean from spills and drool. Our choice of bib was a full cover.
- Essential Medicines
- Carry any necessary medications your baby might need, like pain relievers, teething gel, or allergy medication. Ensure these are based on your doctor’s recommendation and not just any over the counter medicine.
- Nursing Cover
- If you’re breastfeeding, a nursing cover can provide privacy and comfort for both you and your baby.
Adapting as They Grow
Interestingly, with the exception of the bib, our diaper bag contents have remained nearly the same from the newborn stage to our current toddler state. While the specific items might vary slightly with your baby’s growth, the core essentials will continue to be relevant.
Keep It Simple
The goal is to keep your diaper bag organized and packed with only the essentials. Overpacking can make the bag cumbersome, while underpacking can leave you unprepared. So our recommendation is to just keep the bag simple and fill with essentials.
We hope that you found the information useful 🙂