NAPPY BAG ESSENTIALS

What to pack in a nappy bag...
The Baby Nappy Bags guide to your baby bag contents!

Packing a nappy bag or changing bag is like traveling for an overseas trip only you don't need a passport! There is a lot to take and think about so we have created a nappy bag list with the essentials and some extras you will need. It will take time to finetune your bag and as your baby grows up their needs will change too – this should get you started:

• Nappies – How many? How long is a piece of string? It really depends on how old your little one is and how long you are going out for. The minimum is probably 2 nappies but make sure you always have a few spares in the car as well!

• Wipes – Some bags come with a wipes case or compartment so make sure you keep it stocked. There are plenty of great travel size wipes packs from the supermarket or you can throw some in to a snap-lock bag or a mini changing bag.

• Nappy Sacks / snap-lock bags – Nappy Sacks can be bought from almost every supermarket and chemist. There are 2 packs in a box of scented bags to keep the bad smells in! Snap-lock bags are another way to carry around a soiled nappy in your nappy bag.

• Anti-bacterial hand gel – This has become a very useful essential. Make sure you have a large pump bottle at home so you can top up your small bottle in the nappy bag.

• Tissues – Gone are the days of using tissues for yourself – keep a small pack handy at all times.

• Breast pads – if you are breast feeding make sure you have plenty of spares!

• Cream – nappy rash / barrier cream. If you get a Bounty Bag from your hospital stay you will receive some great sample products. Some of these samples are nappy rash creams which are a great size to keep in your baby bag. Chemists sell different size tubes so make sure you buy a small one.

• Bottles – Sterilised bottles of boiled water and pre-measured formula. There are some great formula dispensers around.

• Baby food – Make sure you take a few plastic spoons.

• Change mat – hopefully the bag you bought has a mat supplied just make sure you put it back in if you take it out to clean it.

• Burp cloth – Keep a cloth nappy packed to throw over your shoulder and clean up any little messes!

• Spare change of clothes – Never under estimate the importance of spare clothes and if you have an older child make sure you at least have a spare pair of undies and socks for them.

• Sunscreen / Hats / Sunglasses – This is for mum and bub. There are some great baby and kids sunglasses and hats from companies like Baby Banz and you should always carry sunscreen.

• Toys / Book – A small book and a few small toys and any comforter your little one needs will keep them happy. Toddlers love crayons and stickers which don't take up too much room.

• Dummy – If your bub needs a dummy make sure you pack a couple of spares or maybe think about buying a dummy holder that clips on to their clothes.

• Mum's things – Don't forget about YOU! Lipstick to make you feel normal again, hair brush, wallet, car keys, baby, house keys, mobile phone, bottle of water, sunglasses, nappy bag, pram, car, shoes, this list…..

• First-Aid – Apart from nappy rash cream you should probably have a few Band-Aids, Panadol for children, teething gel when teeth start to trouble them.

• Mummy Hook – A very handy addition to going out. A great hook that can attach to your pram or trolley and carry your bags. The best part is that you can carry all the bags from the car inside your house without taking them off the hook.

• Plastic Bag – Incase you need to take soiled clothes home make sure you have a plastic bag packed.

This list is in no particular order and is surely missing some things. If you would like to contribute to this list we’d love to hear from you.  Please email us at packinglist@babynappybags.com.au.

REMEMBER TO RE-STOCK YOUR BAG WHEN YOU GET HOME!!