Over the past year I have picked up pointers and ideas from other moms about which baby accessories are essential and which ones are a waste of cash. I’ve also learned a thing or two from experience. One thing I cannot say enough about is the importance of a well packed diaper bag, something I knew nothing about when I was creating my registry. When you are first handed the registry scanner and you begin to puruse the aisles, it can be overwhelming at first. There are so many products to choose from. There are so many things that you may not even realize you need. There are so many you think you’ll need but never end up using. If I could go back and redo my registry, here are some things I would have included or skipped when it came to stocking up the diaper bag.
First of all, when it comes to the basic essentials, everything needs to be travel size. The diaper bags look huge to new moms, but they fill up fast. When you have an infant carrier in one arm and a diaper bag in the other, weight is something to seriously consider. Just because you can fit it in the diaper bag doesn’t mean you’ll want to. If you see something you like to use in travel size, add it to your registry.
Diapering:
When choosing a diaper bag, pick one that has a built in changing pad. The separate changing pads take up way to much valuable space in the main compartment of your diaper bag. Find a small compact wipes case and refill it as necessary. I made the mistake of thinking I would just carry a tub of wipes around. It’s not a bad idea to keep a tub in the car, but don’t try to pack it in the bag. Other things to add to your list: hand sanitizer, Wet Ones antibacterial wipes (for cleaning hands, tables,carts, etc.), diaper rash cream, a small tube of diaper baggies to clip on the bag (they hold dirty bibs, too), and a single washcloth (for catching stray pee streams). Skip the designer cups that you place over your baby boy’s privates – they won’t stay put.
First Aid:
It is a good idea to include small versions of everyday medicines like acetaminophen and even infant gas drops. You may also want a small thermometer (I like the pacifier style, myself) and a suction bulb. Stores sell all kind of first aid kits that are supposedly made for traveling, but they take up too much space, in my opinion. They also contain items that you might use once in a while at home, but not necessarily on a trip to Grandma’s house or the mall.
Toys:
There are tons of toys available that feature clips. You might think these will be perfect for the diaper bag, but most babies end up preferring to play with your grocery list anyway. Instead, include a teething ring and something else that makes noise. Sometimes a burp cloth will hold their attention longer than a toy.
Miscellaneous:
Pack one spare outfit (not something bulky), one or two bibs, and a burp cloth. For when your baby is a little older, a sippy cup and a snack container are essential. If you are bottle feeding, a bottle filled with water and a travel container for formula powder are perfect. Things to skip: restaurant placemats (you can use the antibacterial wipes ), shopping cart covers, and travel wipe warmers.