What is in a diaper bag?

Hello Momma, are you heading out with your tiny tot to the park or doctor's office or visiting your friend's family or going on a day trip? Wherever you go, don't miss out to bring your new companion - the diaper bag. 

It is a bag with multiple compartments to organize all the essentials of baby and mom while travelling short distances. If you prefer, you may carry your belongings separately. However I don't like to handle too many bags while travelling with my kid and so I pack one bag for both of us.

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Diaper bag checklist:

First, let us take a look at the items that have to be in a diaper bag.

• Diapers: Pack a diaper for every 2-3 hours you plan to spend outside. Once you are familiar with your child's routine (specifically their poop timings), you will know how many diapers to carry. But always carry 2 additional diapers for contingency. Once you are out with a kid, be prepared for surprises. 
• Wipes: Use unscented wipes to clean the baby bum, body or any accidental stains.
• Changing mat: A must have, so that you don't stain the place while changing the diapers. You may use washable or disposable mats. 
• Diaper trash bags: Pack as many trash bags as diapers, to seal and dispose soiled diapers. I recommend using environmental friendly bags, so we won't end up feeling bad for the plastic wastage. These trash bags seal in the odour and doesn't cause any discomfort if you have to trash them at a mall or friend's house.
• Diaper rash cream: It is always good to have travel size cream in your bag, just in case the kid develops any blisters/ rashes.
• Food: If your baby is less than 6 months old, carry sanitized feeding bottles, expressed milk (if breast fed), formula powder (measured for each feed), luke warm water to make the feed. You may carry ready to feed formula too as per your baby's need. Diaper bags come with insulated compartments to carry expressed milk and water. If you wish, you can include sanitized pacifiers as well. If your baby has started solids, you can additionally pack pureed fruits/ vegetables. For toddlers, definitely carry some snacks like cut fruits, carrots, nuts, biscuits, cereals etc. You may use stackable containers to make room for other items. 
• Bibs, burp cloth and nursing cover: Carry couple of bibs, burp clothes and a nursing cover, in case you plan to feed the baby yourself.  
• Baby clothes: Always carry 1 or 2 sets of clothes for your little one, to change in case of any spit-ups. Have a set of mittens, socks and cap too, especially during winters and a hat for summers.
• Clothes for Mom: It is always advisable to take at least an extra top/ dress for you to avoid any embarrassment if you end up staining your dress while tending to the kid. 
• Medicines: Carry medicines like vitamins, nasal drops etc. that are needed
• Band Aids: It's surprising to see how band aids make toddlers feel better when they get hurt. So toss in couple of these into the bag, to avoid the fuss toddlers create even for the slightest of a scratch. 
• Toys: Based on the age of the baby, make room for some favorite toys or books in the bag. These are a must to keep them engaged and for you to travel in peace.
• Blanket: Always carry a light weight blanket for the baby. This comes handy to protect the child from sun or wind.
• Mom's essentials: Generally diaper bag has provision for keeping your mobile/ tablet/ iPad, cash, cards (debit/credit/driving license etc.), head phones, lip balm and glasses. So ditch your hand bag/ purse, make use of this space and travel light.
• Food for Mom: Don't miss out to pack a light snack and water for yourself.
• Hand Sanitizer: Include a travel size hand sanitizer to use before changing or feeding your baby.
• Wet bag: You can use a plastic bag to carry the dirty diaper in case you couldn't find a place to trash it nearby or bring back used clothes home. 

Which bag to use?

Diaper bags have a big market these days. There are many varieties of bags available like backpack, messenger, convertible, tote etc. But honestly, you don't have to buy anything fancy. If you are comfortable carrying a regular backpack or tote, do so. Just ensure to arrange the items well and know where to look for, when you need something. I am sure, you don't want to end up digging your bag, while your infant has puked on its dress or toddler screaming for a snack on top of his voice. 

Personally, I am comfortable travelling hands-free with my kid and prefer comfort than being uber stylish. So, I have been using a backpack and organized its compartments to hold diapering items, food, clothes, toys and my personal belongings. Now as you know what to carry in your diaper bag, you can decide which bag to use based on your preference and comfort.

Tips:

Finally, few tips from my personal experience. 

• Have your diaper bag always ready, except for food and water. 
• Once you are back from an outing, ensure to restock the used items. 
• Check the bag before stepping out and make sure you have everything in place and in right quantities. 
• If you are going for a short walk with your infant or visiting family/ friends for 1 or 2 hours, you may use a diaper clutch instead of carrying a big bag. Diaper clutch is basically a changing mat with provision to carry couple of diapers, wipes and disposable trash bags. Few of them come with pockets to hold your cards and phone. So you can basically travel just with a clutch in hand.
• Alternatively, use a zip lock to make a diapering kit (mat, 1-2 diapers, wipes and 1-2 trash bags) and keep it in your hand bag. You are all set.
• Keep a spare set of diapering items (zip lock kit) and toys in car; just in case if you fall short of these when away from home.