A while
ago a friend suggested I write a blog post about what I carry around in my baby
bag, so I finally got around to doing so! While there are so many options of
baby bags to choose from, it all really comes down to personal preference and practicality.
With my first baby, I chose a pretty simple baby bag that I bought from Target,
and it matched my stroller. What I loved about it was how spacious it was
inside and the compartments were placed in convenient places. With my second, I
knew I needed something even more spacious, so after some research I purchased
this Graco backpack: (link). I really loved the idea of having a hands-free
bag, and it has two large sections (one for each kid). The backpack was also
something my husband wasn’t embarrassed carrying around.
However,
this post isn’t to talk about the actual bag, it’s what’s inside that matters!
Like a lot of first time moms, I used to over pack every time I would leave the
house. It’s like that LUVS commercial, when every mom becomes an expert by
their second kid (I hope). But, after a while, the weight of my baby bag became
too heavy, as it was no easy task to hold a carrier with baby and a weighty
baby bag.
So for you new moms who are possibly looking for what you
should pack in your baby bag, here are some of my baby bag essentials aside
from the obvious milk, diapers and wipes:
1. An extra change of
clothes and socks- you just never know when you’re going to need these. I
still always have an extra change of clothes for my daughter in the trunk of my
car in case I need it. When my daughter was less than a year accidents included
but were not limited to: explosive diaper accidents, spit ups, and feeding
accidents that would stain her pajamas. SO, it’s always good to have an extra
change of clothes.
2. Hand sanitizer
and/or sanitizing wipes- As part of a large gift basket I received, in it
was this organic hand sanitizer that is alcohol free. Because the bottle was so
big, I bought a spray travel size bottle from the dollar section at Target and
just refilled it when necessary. I took it everywhere with me when my baby was
able to sit up on her own and crawl. It came in handy at restaurants, after
play dates, shopping, long car rides, etc. I also pack a bunch of Clorox wipes
in a ziplock bag, just in case I need to wipe down the stroller, car seat or
any other surface that I feel may need to be cleaned.
3. A roll of small
garbage bags- I have seen these sold at a lot of baby stores. I bought mine
from Family Dollar for $1 per two rolls, and they’re scented! These are useful
when you need to change a diaper at someone’s house or out shopping. It’s just
good to consider avoiding stinking up someone’s garbage with a soiled diaper.
4. Pain Medicine-
When my daughter was teething, she would often get irritable and when I could
tell if she was in pain, it always helped me to carry around children’s Tylenol
or Motrin.
5. Teethers/light,
wipeable toys- If you want to keep your child distracted while you’re out,
I find it beneficial to take toys that can easily be sanitized in case they
fall on the floor or other kids get their hands (and mouths) on them.
6. Pacifier holder-
So this may be a given to many of us moms is to carry around a pacifier in our
baby bag. But, I bought this pacifier holder specifically for my pacifier and
it just helped me keep it from going missing when I needed it most. My daughter
only takes the pacifier when she sleeps, so it helped when I needed her to nap
while I was out.
7. Snacks/fruit:
Sometimes it’s always good to keep your baby distracted and calm, especially
when you’re doing things that demand your attention like… grocery shopping.
Sometimes a small bag of grapes, cheerios, or apples may do the trick. But, of
course, be cautious of choking hazards!
8. Bandages:
These are important to have especially when your child starts walking. Trips
and falls are going to happen, and those knees and elbows may get scraped so
it’s best to be prepared and have some bandages on hand.
9. Nursing cover for
those who nurse: I always pack a nursing cover with me so that I am able to
nurse my comfortably anywhere.
Summer essentials:
1. Diaper rash cream-
You can also categorize this under the essentials (year round), but I found
that I needed it most during the summer time and when it was hot out. The heat
often brings on rashes, so it’s important to stay prepared so your baby’s soft
skin isn’t irritated.
2. Insect repellent-
To be completely honest, I don’t know if this was the reason my daughter didn’t
get mosquito bites, but I would carry this organic insect repellent around with
me during hot summer nights.
3. Sunscreen- I
always had sunscreen in my baby bag. Especially if I knew I was going to be
outside all day, or even before going out for a walk. I felt the need to always
do whatever I could to protect her skin from the sun.
Each child may have their own needs that must be added to my
list, but these are things that you would likely find in my baby bag. If there
is anything that you feel is a must have in a mom’s baby bag feel free to add
on to the conversation and comment below! Your feedback is always welcomed J.
