While I take some time to bond with my little man, please enjoy guest posts written by moms and moms-to-be from some of my favorite blogs. Today, I’m happy to introduce Katie from Katie Clay Photography!
When PJ asked me to write a post or two during her maternity leave, a flurry of ideas flooded my head. A toy round-up? Maybe tips on those first crazy sleep-deprived days at home? Nursing advice for the working mom? The ideas are honestly endless when it comes to motherhood and the amazing amount of information you learn in a very short period of time.
But, as I was driving my 10-month old to daycare yesterday, I thought, maybe I should just keep it simple? What would be helpful to PJ during those first few (sleepless) weeks of motherhood?
How to Pack a Diaper Bag 101
Now, first let me say that 95% of the time, I could probably get away with a diaper, wipes, and a toy; however, I firmly believe that the minute you don’t have something, you’ll need it…so I typically over-prepare. This is what I usually have with me for a few hours away from home (errands, the beach, brunch with friends, etc).
The Essentials:
– 2-3 Diapers: To each her own when it comes to diapers, but we started with Pampers and switched to Huggies as Peyton grew.
– Wipes: If you are a Costco member, Kirkland brand wipes are great.
– Changing pad: I usually have the one that came with my diaper bag and a big disposable one as well.
– Food: Early on, you’ll want to have either milk or formula on hand. Even if you think you’ve timed everything perfectly, it’s good to have a back-up plan. Now that Peyton is older, I carry a cup of puffs for a snack.
– Toy: For the first 4 months, we only needed this set of rings, but now that Peyton is actually interested in toys, I usually have two in my bag. They include one simple toy that will get us through, say, half a shopping trip and then I have a cooler toy that I pull out when Peyton starts to get impatient. The look she gives me when I pull out the second toy always cracks me up. It basically says, ”Wait, you’ve had this the WHOLE time and you are JUST now giving it to me?” It buys me at least 30 more minutes of shopping.
– Extra outfit: As I said above, the minute you don’t have one with you…well, I’ll spare you the details.
Non-Essentials:
– Boogie Wipes: I can just see tons of moms rolling their eyes as they read this, but hear me out. I know they make a wipe for everything (Pacifiers! Face! Hands! Oh my!), but this is the one wipe I carry in edition to the essential ‘baby wipe.’ Peyton was plagued with a runny nose for months and she hated having her nose wiped. These have saline in them, so they actually break up the snot and are a lot gentler. She tolerates these, so I keep them on-hand.
– Diaper Sacks: I find these little bags really useful, especially when traveling.
– A jacket or long-sleeve shirt: We live in North Carolina and it.is.hot; however, I find that every time we talk into a restaurant, store, etc, the AC is blasting and things can get cold really quickly.
– A bib or burp cloth: As Peyton gets older, I find that I need these less and less; however, early on, a burp cloth was convenient to have on hand for spit-up and messes.
– Nursing cover: This won’t apply to everyone, but because my little one has a milk and soy allergy, nursing is the only option for us. I personally hate nursing capes (too hot) and prefer the Aden + Anais blankets (which are the best).
Like I said, you won’t need all of this on every trip, but it’s always good to be prepared! Another tip for moms who spend lots of time in the car (like me!) — buy a small bin to put on the floor under the car seat – you will, no doubt, accumulate a lot of baby stuff in your car and it will keep everything organized and easy to find.
Good luck, PJ! I can’t wait to read about all your motherhood adventures!
This is great! Thanks Katie! PJ- one thing I would add- I have been keeping a good 8 or 9 diapers in the bag. Sounds nuts, but we can go through 3 diapers just for a visit to the pediatrician’s office! This is one thing you don’t want to be without! I have the big bag, and then have a portable changing pad with a pocket for wipes and a pocket for a few diapers- this is great to pull out in the car, or to bring to the restroom without lugging the whole bag 🙂
Is your diaper bag also your purse, or do you carry two bags?
Spot ON! My diaper bag contains exactly the things listed above… plus a little thing of hand sanitizer and a pacifier clip that I use to attach a toy to my child if required in a high chair or shopping cart.
Hand sanitizer… Good call!