What to put in your nappy bag

Getting out and about with your baby is an important part of re-establishing some ‘normality’ in your routine. Knowing what to put in your nappy bag may require some planning and trial and error. You need to make sure you have everything with you that your baby may need, it is a lot easier when you are out and about with some key accessories.

Basic requirements include:

• nappy change equipment: nappies, wipes, nappy disposal bags
• feeding needs: bib/burp cloth, breast pads, bottle with boiled water, formula powder (depending on type of feeding)
• extra clothes: 1 onesie, singlet
• dummy (if using)
• own needs: purse/wallet, keys, snack, drink.

If possible keep the nappy bag packed at all times then you can still have some spontaneity when someone invites you unexpectedly, this will give you more freedom. If you have an outing planned for the next day, pack any additional items into the nappy bag the night before such as your child health record book if seeing the maternal and child health nurse, lactation consultant, doctor or paediatrician.

Factor an extra 15 minutes into getting ready to go, you will need it.

Extra supplies:

There is only so much you can fit in the nappy bag but I recommend keeping another small bag in the boot of the car with backup nappies and clothes, including an outfit for yourself just in case a nappy leaks onto you or your baby vomits down your front, trust me it will happen.

I distinctly recall my lovely first baby ‘power pooing’ or that is what we called it, all through her nappy and jumpsuit and all over my jeans! I’ve also heard parents use the term “Poonami” for this kind of event! We were out of town at the time and fortunately visiting family and able to borrow some pants, it was clear that I needed to keep a spare set in the car.

You can’t always be prepared for everything, sometimes you just have to go home when you have used the last nappy or your baby has vomited all over your clothes and that is okay. Maybe this will help you think of something new to put in your bag for next time!

Click here to get a nappy bag checklist as well as a bonus bundle of checklists to help you prepare for your new baby, including: baby equipment checklist, hospital bag checklist, childcare bag checklist, travel checklist, sleep & feed tracker, newborn sleep flowchart and more.

My book ‘Survive and Enjoy Your Baby, How To Find Your Path to Parenthood’ has all the information you need for your baby’s first year of life. The book is available in all good book stores or from my online shop.