Diaper Bag Checklist
Let's face it: With a baby in tow, popping out of the house at a moment's notice just isn't an option. But you'll have one less thing to worry about if your keep your diaper bag stocked and ready to go. More at http://bestrateddiaperbags.com/.
"The key to diaper bags—and any sort of bag that travels—is restocking," says Mary Carlomagno, a mother of two, professional organizer, and author of "The Secrets of Simplicity." "My biggest trick is restocking the moment I come home and keeping duplicates of everything.
"I look at it like a survival kit," she continues. "If you and your baby get stuck somewhere, this will answer all of your and your kid's needs."
Be systematic about how you organize your diaper bag. Don't have enough pockets to stash your stuff? Extra diapers can go inside a large plastic bag, while a backup pacifier can go in a smaller one. However you decide to organize and use the bag, do it the same way each time and a messy diaper change will be no big deal.
Whether you're packing a diaper bag for an afternoon play date or a week-long trip, the checklist below can help you make it out the door prepared:
? At least five or six diapers if you'll be out most of the day. ? A travel pack of baby wipes. (You can buy them in bulk and restock a smaller travel holder as needed.) ? Hand sanitizer for cleaning your hands before and after diaper changes if you won't be near soap and water. ? Tissues. ? A changing pad. ? Zinc oxide diaper-rash ointment. ? Antibacterial ointment, such as Neosporin (or generic bacitracin). ? Plastic bags for soiled disposable diapers, wet bottles, or clothes. (Some diaper bags come with one of these.) ? A complete change of baby clothes, including socks, a hat, sweater, and/or jacket if it's chilly out. ? Sunblock. ? Extra formula and sterilized nonfluoridated water (if you're bottle-feeding). Carlomagno suggests keeping a bottle packed and ready with the formula already measured inside. ? Breast pads if you are breast-feeding. ? Snacks such as cereal and crackers in plastic containers with lids or plastic bags, and an insulated bag for cold items such as yogurt or breast milk. (If you want to reduce your dependence on plastic bags, many companies offer reusable food-storage bags and containers. Reusit.com is one site that carries many of these items. More at http://bestrateddiaperbags.com/best-fashionable-diaper-bags-world/. ? A baby spoon in a plastic bag or other reusable bag to keep it clean. ? A bib or two. ? Two spare clean pacifiers (if your baby uses them). ? A book or toy for your baby to hold. ? Teething toys (if necessary). ? A small towel or burp cloth to mop up spit-ups and spills. ? A small first-aid kit with baby pain and fever relievers. ? Water for you, especially if you are breast-feeding. ? Reading material for you, in case you have a few minutes! ? If you're going on an overnight trip with your baby, plan for unexpected delays by packing extras of everything, especially diapers, clothes, wipes, formula, sterilized water, snacks, plastic bags, and pacifiers.
