It’s time for a day, or just a few hours, out with baby. Whether you’re meeting the other parents from your NCT group, catching up with loved ones, or having a day out with your new family unit you’ll need your all-important baby bag. But what should you pack? And what are your essentials and what can you do without?
Packing your nappy bag
First things first, what do you really need to pack in your baby bag for a few hours or day out?
Baby bag essentials
These are the things you simply can’t do without:
Nappies
This is the obvious one. But how many nappies do you actually need? A good rule of thumb is to have enough for 1-2 days to cover an outing that lasts a few hours. Depending on your baby’s age, you’ll be changing their nappy roughly every two hours. Around 10-12 is therefore a good amount. But if you’re out for a long day, of course pack more.
Wipes
Stick with one large pack, as you never know when you’ll need wipes. Experienced mums and dads will tell you that wipes are useful for so much more than just bums.
Disposable nappy bags
We all know how messy nappy changes can be. Plenty of fragranced or non-fragranced nappy bags are therefore essential. They also come in handy if baby has a blowout and a change of clothes is needed! Use one of these bags to toss their outfit in before washing it when you get home.
Spare outfit
This is always a must for your baby bag. Whether you’re dealing with too much spit, a little sick, some spills or a dreaded nappy blowout, you never know when a change of clothes will come in handy. Choose something easy like a bodysuit and make sure to rotate the outfit as baby grows and the seasons change.
Formula and breastfeeding
However you’re feeding your baby, you’ll need the following:
Formula supplies
If you’re formula feeding, try and get some bottles made up before you leave. You don’t want to be carrying a whole tin of formula around with you. Alternatively you can opt for a formula dispenser which you can pre-fill with pre-measured powder. Depending on how long you’re out the house, have at least two empty bottles on hand and enough water for two feeds.
Breastfeeding
If you’re breastfeeding you don’t need any extra supplies, although you may need some nursing pads!
Feeding and snack supplies
You can’t let your little one go hungry! Or get hangry for that matter.
Drinks
After six months, it’s a must to have water on hand. Make sure you’ve got your little one’s sippy cup packed and ready with water. One of our favourites is the Miracle 360 Cup – it never leaks! Keep it handy in a front pocket of the bag for quick access. And don’t forget some water for you too.
Food
This depends slightly on the age of your child and if you make your own baby food. There are loads of handy feeding utensils on the market now which can help with feeding on the go. If you’re bringing your own baby food, a small cool box might be necessary.
It’s also best to keep your feeding supplies together so you aren’t digging through your bag with a hungry baby. Choose one pouch to keep everything or use a Tupperware container.
Snacks
You don’t need us to tell you that kids are always hungry… and there’s no getting around needing an arsenal of snacks with you. Again try and keep all your snacks in the same pocket or maybe opt for a lunch box or snack catcher to make things easier.
And the rest
Only a few more items to go:
For Baby
So, what’s left? It’s just a few extra things to be added to your bag at this point. For baby, make sure you’ve got a favourite toy or two as well as a teether. If you’re using a soother, don’t forget it. And you know you’ll need a muslin or two. Or three or four for that matter. Depending on the season don’t forget sunscreen either.
For you
Always keep your keys, wallet and other personal items close. The front zipped pocket of your baby bag is ideal for these. So, do you really need a separate bag for your stuff too? We say, why deal with the extra bulk. A baby bag is the way to go for all your essentials.
Now you’ll be prepared for everything that a day, or a few hours, out with baby throws your way. Looking for more parenting tips and tricks? Why not check out our StrollerCoaster podcast?