Packing a diaper bag for a newborn means, you have to take everyday essentials along. Either you are going for an hour or a day – baby needs her stuff while on-the-go, under any circumstances.
When you are trying to figure out what to pack in baby’s bag – keeping everything minimal is the best way to go about it. Packing extras necessarily does not mean you pack plenty of stuff to take along – that you do not even need in a day.
Sometimes things happen unexpectedly with a newborn, for instance, a diaper blowout, leakage, or a massive throw up. As a new parent, it takes a while actually to understand your baby’s needs.
As I said, you do not need to burden yourself with EVERYTHING- Essentially you need to have several things in a diaper bag, regardless. However, for special occasions or trips, baby needs a different checklist including everyday must-haves.
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Diaper bag essentials for the baby
1. Diaper handbag or a backpack
Either you choose a backpack or a handbag, the baby diaper bag needs to be functional as well as lightweight. Make sure the baby bag is spacious to keep things organized and easily accessible.
Not every parent wants to carry those traditional baby bags. In that case, this trendy diaper bag is an excellent option for modern parents. Not to mention, it is highly functional for traveling purposes and can be used as a shoulder bag or backpack for both, mom and baby.
Check out some more functional diaper bags as per your style and requirement.
2. Diapers
A diaper is the most essential item for the baby, you must carry at all times.
Depending on how long you are going for the day, you need to have at least 4 to 6 diapers for a day in a diaper bag. Newborns tend to poop 8 to 10 times a day on average. Keep a few extras in your car – just to be safe.
Read more
The dos and dont’s of baby diapering – A guide for new parents.
3. Wipes
Generally, babies have super soft skin and sensitive too. it Is recommended to use unscented wipes for babies, as some newborns may develop skin eczema over time. Fragrant products like detergent or body wash, etc, may trigger skin conditions for babies.
Read more tips on baby skin handling.
4. An extra Set of outfit
Realistically speaking, you need an extra outfit or a couple more if the baby is under 6 months of age. A set of onesie or a PJ is all that you need for a diaper bag.
Not to mention, you must have an extra baby hat at all times for the first several weeks after birth. Since babies lose a lot of body heat from their heads, that’s why the hat is a must, to keep the body temperature regulated.
Read more
Baby Clothing and accessories – what you actually need for the baby
5. Hand Sanitizer
Unfortunately, we are in the middle of a pandemic and we need a hand sanitizer more than ever now. Practicing handwash is the only way to keep yourself and others protected.
A hand sanitizer is a must-have in your diaper bag at all times especially before feeding and diaper changes.
Read: how to protect your newborn during a pandemic.
6. Changing pad
A portable changing pad is a must-have. Most of the diaper bags comes with an inbuilt changing sheet.
You can also have disposable changing pads for your diaper bag as it will be more convenient to keep your bag germ free. Dispose of the pad, once you are done.
Learn more: Baby diapering Tips for new parents.
6. Diaper disposing sacks
You need diaper disposing sacks to dispose of the soiled diapers so it won’t give pungent odor in the surroundings, – either someone’s house or a public restroom.
Another purpose is to use disposable sack for soiled baby clothes as newborns get too many diaper blowouts. Simply put soiled clothes when you are outside. keep it in a soiled clothes bag. Wash clothes as you get home and dispose of the sack.
Get these Scented biodegradable diaper disposing sacks
Read more
Tips and tricks to prevent baby diaper blowouts.
7. Washcloths
Washcloths are small towels that are quite helpful in wiping off the face, hands, etc. You can also use them for spit ups and a quick clean up.
8. Hands and facial wipes
If you want, you can have hands and facial wipes to clean the baby’s hands and face, just to be extra cautious. Bottom wipes are not recommended to be used on the baby’s face.
Read more
Everything you need to know about baby’s face and head handling.
9. Diaper rash ointment
Diaper rash ointment in a travel size pack, especially if the baby is vulnerable to get rashes more often.
I love A+D for my kids. It is petroleum-based, having essential vitamins to keep skin soft and protected. Also, it os considered safe to use with every diaper change.
Read more:
How to treat diaper rash for babies.
10. Baby formula or milk
Before leaving the house, make sure you take baby’s food along. Be it breastmilk, formula or baby packaged food.
Formula: instead of taking the whole container, use formula dispenser for easy and accurate feedings. For newborns, you can also take ready-to-use formula bottles.
For stores breastmilk, do not forget to take icepacks during summer season.
Cereal or baby food: If a baby is more than 4 months old, snacks or baby food dispenser is what you need on-the-go.
A sippy cup for water if baby is over 6 months old.
Please be sure not to leave the formula in the car during the summer season. Eventually, it will go bag sitting in the car during hot weather.
Read more
First time parents mistakes with babies.
11. Milk Bottles:
You need at least two baby’s milk bottles, depends on how many feedings your baby needs.
Frozen breast milk has to be kept with ice packs if you are traveling for long hours.
12. Pacifier
If your baby takes a pacifier, keep extra in your bag at all times. Make sure, it is clean and stored in a cover.
13. Disposable placemats if your baby is more than 6 months old
For dine-out at restaurants, using disposable placemats is going to make your dinner time easy and more fun.
You just stick it on the table in a restaurant, food court, or a cafe. I highly recommend for babies who sit up and learning self-feeding.
14. Toys
Keeping a few toys for your infant is a great way to entertain, like rattle toys, teethers, or a toy that is good for hand and eye coordination.
Check out this celebrity favorite toy Sophie the giraffe. It is quite popular and your baby is going to love it.
15. Blanket or a car seat cover
Since we cannot have newborn to wear a mask, getting your newborn a car seat cover is a safe way to keep baby protected among crowds.
If you are a nursing mom, you can use a car seat cover as a breastfeeding cover up while you are outside.
Read more
Breastfeeding tips for new moms.
Baby bag essentials for air travel – what you actually need in your carryon bag.
