Gone are the days of stepping out the house at a moment’s notice — handbag/wallet, keys, jacket and you’re out the door.
These days, since the arrival of Little Miss A, heading out — ”on an adventure”, as I like to proclaim each time we go out — is a little a lot more involved and usually takes a lot more than a couple of minutes.
Comedian Michael McIntyre captures the mission that is leaving the house to a tee:
While Little Miss A isn’t quite at the age of ‘putting her shoes and coat on’, the thing that takes up most of the time when leaving the house is making sure the NAPPY BAG IS PACKED!
And it’s important to make sure you’ve packed the essentials before leaving the house, because the alternative? Well, step out of the house at your own risk 🙂
So, what are some of the key things that I pack in the nappy bag before heading out?
9 nappy bag must-haves:
- Diapers and wipes: This goes without saying — diapers and wipes should make the cornerstone of any nappy bag. Always — ALWAYS — carry more than you think you’ll need.
- Disposable changing mat and baby fresh scented trash bags: You never know what the surface will be like when changing baby in a public space — a disposable changing mat is great for protecting your baby from grimy surfaces! We bought baby fresh scented trash bags at Carrefour in France, and they are perfect for when Little Miss A does a number 2 when we’re out and about. Nothing like leaving a smelly trail behind you wherever you go.
- Diaper rash cream: Again, this one goes without saying — basically pack everything you use at home when changing bub’s nappy, except maybe in smaller, travel size amounts.
- Change of clothes: Most likely baby will need to be changed at some point during your ‘out-of-the-house adventure’. There will, without fail, be drool, spills, spit-ups or diaper leaks. So always pack a change of clothes for bub, as well as extra face towels and bibs — especially if baby is teething.
- Feeding supplies: Make sure to pack bottles and formula, as well as a nursing cover and breast pads if breastfeeding. For bottle feeding: pack pre-measured formula and a bottle pre-filled with the required amount of sterilised water so all you need to do is fill said bottle with formula, shake and feed. We typically pack two pre-filled (and pre-heated) bottles into small, insulated thermos containers, as well as pre-measured baby formula, and we’re away! Of course, if your baby is older, don’t forget to pack healthy snacks as well.
- Comfort items: Whether it’s a pacifier (actually, leave the house without a pacifier at your own peril!), a favourite toy or blanket, a comfort item can help soothe and calm your baby. So, I repeat: Do not leave the house without these items.
- Hand sanitiser and moisturiser: Pretty self-explanatory but keeping a hand sanitiser packed will help you to get out of those, well, sticky situations. And if Covid taught us anything — keeping our hands clean (and moisturised) is a must!
- Water bottle and snack (for mum or dad or both): A hydrated and fed parent is a happy parent!
- A fresh t-shirt/shirt (again, for mum, dad or both) and spare hair ties or clips: This one isn’t a must necessarily, but there will inevitably spills and spit-up that land on your shirt. It might be worth packing a change. And also, there’s nothing worse than having hair in your face when trying to change a crying, wiggling baby — so, pack a spare hair tie or clip!
When leaving the house with baby in tow, packing the essentials in a well organised and accessible nappy bag is a must! It can mean the difference between a successful adventure and, well … UNMITIGATED DISASTER.
I jest … Or do I?
And while you can’t pack for every possible scenario (unless you plan on hauling a suitcase!), having these essentials on hand will make you feel calm, collected and ready for whatever SURPRISE awaits you and bub on your adventure.
So, grab that nappy bag and happy adventuring!
And speaking of which — Little Miss A are off to the mall 🙂
x G.
P.S Is there anything I’ve missed in the above list? I’d love to know what essentials you pack in your nappy bag!
editor, journalist, digital content creator with a background in nutrition & dietetics.
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