Baton Rouge Parents Magazine

Pack Like a Pro

It is easy to become overwhelmed with all the great stuff that is available for babies these days.  As a new mom, you may feel compelled to carry all that great stuff with you at all times; but unless you want to take a full set of luggage, you are going to need a basic diaper bag, thoughtfully packed with essential items.   

1.        Identification /emergency information. Caregivers will have no problem finding your child’s necessities, if you take the time to attach a current photo of your child to the outside of your diaper bag. On the back of the tag, note phone numbers for you and your spouse, your pediatrician, poison control and insurance company. Be sure to highlight medication and allergy information as well.  A two-sided luggage tag or laminated 3x5 card works well for this purpose.

2.        Breast pads. If you are breastfeeding, you’ll need a set for each feeding each time you go out. Hide an extra set for those times when you forgot to check the bag, have an extra feeding, or just feel the need for some extra protection.

3.        Bottles. Pack empty bottles and powdered formula that you can mix up if you need it. Once your baby is older, consider purchasing disposable sippy cups to use in restaurants or when you are on the go.

4.        Snacks.  Now that you are a mother, you may find that you forgot to eat breakfast. This is hard to imagine, but true. Pack some snack bars or high protein that can be kept in the bag will help boost your energy when you need it most. Once you introduce solid foods, start packing a snack for the baby. Start saving those free samples for your bag since they come in handy single-serve packs and they can sit in the bag until you need them.

5.        Extra pacifier.  I know, I know, you don’t plan to use one. Should you change your mind, hide an extra binky or two in the bottom of the baby’s bag. You may forget to bring one or your child may conduct a science experiment with the one you gave him on the way out the door.

6.        Change of clothes.  Choose a simple set of clothes that will stay in the bag. If you have a perfect baby who never spits up or has a diaper blow out, you’ll need to check every few weeks to make sure that the clothes still fit, and that they are appropriate for the season. Once you use them, don’t forget to replace them.

7.        Plastic bag.-It is entirely possible that your sweet babe, perfect as he may be, will expel amazing things from his cute little self that you don’t want to touch anything else. A few big zip top plastic bags will keep the contents of your diaper bag protected until you can get home. Up until the time you need it, you can use it to store a change of clothes. Warning: Plastic bags can be very dangerous to babies. Small children should not be allowed to play with them.

8.        Small cloth or towel. This item is indispensable to protect your clothes during feeding and when burping the baby.

9.        Bib. Consider purchasing some disposables for use when you are out of the house. That way, you don’t have to mess with the mess.

10.     Wipes. Use a travel-size pack and store it in a zip top plastic bag until you are ready to use the wipes. Those packages can leak, and you don’t want to open your bag to find wet diapers and dry wipes. Check regularly to make sure you have enough.

11.     Diaper rash ointment: Once baby’s bottom is red and chapped, you’ll need to “waterproof” it to not only soothe the pain but also prevent further discomfort. Keep a separate tube or a few samples in a small bag just in case your baby has a flare-up while you are out. Vaseline also works well as a moisture barrier.

12.     Diapers. This should be a no-brainer, but it is a good idea to check before each outing to make sure that you have replenished your supply of diapers and that they are the current size. Babies grow at an astonishing rate and the diapers that just fit last week might be a little tight this week. Plan on a change for every 2 hours you’ll be gone and then add one or two just in case.

Finally, make sure you check and restock your bag nightly, and store it near the door so that you will be sure to grab it the next time you run out with your baby.