Our guide to everything you need to know about your future diaper bag
Let's talk about the changing bag, the headache of all young parents! It's the bag that must accompany your baby on every outing from the moment he leaves the maternity ward until he's around 3 years old... Striking abalance between not forgetting anything and not overloading yourself is a real challenge. The ultimate would be to have a Mary Poppins-type changing bag, but that's technically impossible. So you're going to have to be methodical and highly organized! To find out what you need in your changing bag, click here!
What should you put in your diaper bag? How do you adapt the contents of your changing bag to each outing? When should it be prepared? What must be in it? And to begin with, how do you choose it? We'll give you a few tips on how to compose your changing bag, which is practically the survival bag for baby's first few months.
My changing bag essentials
Now let's get to the heart of the matter! What are the essential items to always have in the diaper bag? Having a list in your head or on paper is the ideal way to keep track of everything. We advise you to write it down and slip it into the changing bag, so you don't lose it. That way, you won't have to think about it every time, just let yourself be guided by the list you've drawn up.
For currency exchange
- Diapers: item number 1, of course! With 4 layers, you'll have a head start without it becoming too bulky.
- Diaper wipes : Disposable or washable? There's always a debate. At home, you may have opted for washable wipes, and rightly so. Don't feel guilty if you choose to use disposable wipes when you go out with baby. It's true that they're much more practical when you're out and about. If you use reusable wipes, remember to take along a small plastic pouch to put your used wipes in. Use with liniment.
- A travel changing mat: even though there are now many family-friendly public places, the changing surfaces on offer are not always comfortable or hygienically impeccable. With a travel changing mat, you can be sure of changing your baby's diapers comfortably and hygienically. Choose one with a waterproof side (a double side with PVC fabric, for example).
- Diapers Multi-functional, you can use it to cover your nomad changing mat to make it more comfortable. A lange can also be used as a bib or to burp baby. We recommend you bring two!
- Diaper bags: once you've changed a soiled diaper, you're not always sure where to find a suitable garbage can. So a diaper bag is sometimes a welcome addition to hold the dirty diaper until you can find a garbage can.
- A change of clothes : always have a complete change of clothes! Bodysuit, T-shirt or sweater, pants, socks. You never know what's going to get dirty, soiled, wet...
For mealtimes if baby is bottle-fed
- An empty bottle, or one containing the right amount of water for a bottle of milk : if your baby is on formula, you'll need a clean bottle in your bag. If it's a short outing and a bottle should suffice, you can put the water directly into the bottle.
- A milk powder dispenser. If you don't want to take a bulky tin of milk powder with you, invest in a measuring jug. They're available from all childcare specialists, as well as in supermarkets. Usually made up of 3 compartments, they allow you to prepare exactly the right amount of milk. When you're out and about, simply pour one compartment into the bottle and you're ready to go!
- A bottle of water or a water bottle : it's important to be able to offer your baby a regular drink from 6 months onwards, or to have water on hand to prepare his bottle.
- A bib To prevent baby from soiling his clothes, but it can be replaced by a diaper tied around the neck if you want to save space.
The little extras
- A pack of tissues : always useful for wiping a runny nose.
- A bib or diaper : in case of regurgitation or during bottle-feeding. The diaper is particularly practical as it is multi-functional. We've already talked about them in a dedicated article: here.
- A small snack shouldn't be overlooked either
And don't forget:
- The cuddly toy
Items to add to your bag for added comfort
- A pacifier: to calm baby, it can be useful!
- Games, books: sometimes you just have to keep them waiting. A rattle or a musical book can do the trick and save you a crisis?
- Coloring and crayons can also keep your little ones waiting.
- A light blanket or plaid
Things to add if you're going away for longer
- Health booklet
- Pipettes of saline solution
- Sterile compresses
- A bottle of cleansing milk
- Diaper rash cream
To the rhythm of the seasons: summer and winter
- In summer: sun cream, hat and sunglasses
- In winter: a baby fleece blanket, hat and gloves
How to choose a changing bag?
The first thing, of course, is to choose it. Not too small, because you'll quickly find yourself limited to fitting the last little things in your handbag, in the pocket of daddy's jacket or in a tote bag... Not very practical when you consider how urgent a baby's needs can be, and how important it is for parents to be comfortable enough to get everything done quickly without getting swamped. So make sure you can fit everything into one bag. But you don't want it to be too big, either, because it will take up a lot of space. Sure, you'll be able to put lots of things in it, but they won't necessarily be useful all the time... and worse: you risk forgetting those things lying around in the bag. The choice of size is up to you, but keep that in mind. One thing I think is essential: it must be waterproof. You'll need to put a bottle of water, a baby bottle, a soiled onesie in it... With a waterproof lining, it won't leak, and a quick wipe down is all it takes. Finally, it needs to have a few compartments for organization. Inside pockets are ideal. Make sure they are of different sizes to accommodate the different items you'll be putting in them: diapers, bottles, saline solution pipettes, compresses, thermometers... And at least one outside pocket to keep a bottle of water, water bottle or comforter close at hand.
When should you pack your diaper bag?
Ideally, you should always have a bag ready to go. The reflex is to recharge it as soon as you get back from an outing. If your baby had to be changed on the last outing, put a complete outfit back in the bag, including bodysuit, sweater, pants and socks. A little tip: put this complete outfit in a small canvas pouch so you can easily find all the contents at once. If you need to change your outfit, you've had a little mishap, so you need to act fast! Always carry at least two layers in your bag. Refill the milk dispenser. Put back a clean bottle.
Adapting the contents of your diaper bag to your outing
The contents of the diaper bag will vary according to the type of outing (park, visit to the pediatrician, family lunch...). There's no need to take too many diapers if you're going to the park. Count on one diaper for 2 to 2 1/2 hours of outings, and add another diaper just in case! For longer outings, such as short weekends, remember to take your baby' s health record, saline solution and sterile compresses.
We hope you've enjoyed this article and found it helpful, so please share it with other moms-to-be who might need it!
