You might have been able to pack light before you were a mom, but afterward you will find yourself carrying a bag bigger than the one you used to take on business trips. It will be heavier, too.
Having essential items in your diaper bag will ensure that you are ready for any situation from an unexpected fever to a nuclear diaper blow out.
- Diapers – always pack more than you think you will need
- A couple of waterproof bags for dirty diapers (if you are using cloth), as well as soiled clothing
- Dryer sheets in a plastic resealable bag – if the diaper bag gets stinky you can take one of the sheets out of the resealable bag and put it in your diaper bag to deodorize it quickly.
- Extra diaper covers if you are using cloth
- Two changes of clothing for baby
- Pacifiers
- Tylenol drops
- Zinc oxide or other diaper rash cream
- Baby wipes
- Changing pad – sometimes public changing stations can be disgusting
- Antibacterial hand cleaner
- Light blanket for nursing or napping
- Bib
- Band-aids
- A couple of favorite toys
- Feeding supplies and snacks
- Sun block or sun screen
- Pediatrician and insurance information
- A package of raisins, crackers, or other snack for you – keeping your blood sugar normalized will keep you feeling energetic and calm rather than tired and cranky.
- A water bottle so that you do not get dehydrated
While that may seem like a lot of things to carry, you will be glad that you did. There is nothing worse than needing an extra outfit or some Tylenol and not having it.
photo credit:Â Â Beauteous Design
