THE BABY BAG ESSENTIALS

Image: Via Instagram/@themumlife_styled

Image: Via Instagram/@themumlife_styled

BY JESSICA BOSCO

One of the most important things you’ll buy when you’re expecting (ok after the cot, pram, car seat etc) is your baby bag. This will be your best friend, your co-parent and your lifesaver for the foreseeable future. Everywhere you go, it will go.

Obviously we’re partial to the NOTSOMUMSY X OBIKINOMI eco-conscious nappy bag with its cool, minimal design, custom blush leopard lining and change mat and is made from high quality, environmentally friendly GRS certified recycled nylon and recycled polyester bag fabrics. But whatever bag you go for just make sure you pick something that is:

1. Functional and durable - it needs to be able to withstand being thrown around a bit and also can withstand leakages and spills etc.

2. Big enough to fit everything you need (but not too big that it gets in the way)

3. You love and goes with everything: mum life but make it fashion.

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So once you’ve got your bag, you need to pack it out with everything you and bubs will need on the go, and will vary depending on whether you’re out all day or just a quick pop up to the shops, a good rule of thumb is to always over-prepared. A good friend once told me, ‘Always be prepared so you can be spontaneous’, restock the bag with any essentials you took out that day so you can just grab and go.

So what exactly are the essentials?

  • Nappies - always pack more than you think you’ll need to allow for unexected poo explosions or unexpected changes in plans

  • Wipes - these are your nappy bag MVPs, you’ll use them constantly for nappy changes but also to wipe up spills, sticky fingers, vomits and any number of other things/fluids you’ll encounter on the daily

  • Creams/lotions - think nappy rash cream (travel sizes are best), some disinfectant hand wash, and some lip balm, hand cream etc for mama

  • Change mat - a lot of baby bags come with these (did we mention we love the NOTSOMUMSY X OBIKINOMI eco-conscious nappy bag?) but otherwise you can grab a separate one that will give you something to change bubs on when there’s no change table around

  • Nappy bags - for dirty nappies but also handy to pop any soiled clothes in when the dreaded poo explosion occurs

  • Dummies - if your baby uses a dummy then this is essential

  • Bottles/formula - if you’re baby takes a bottle then you’ll need space in your bag to fit as many feeds as you’ll need while you’re out (some people use a separate bottle bag so whatever floats your boat). Again good to take more than you think you’ll need to allow for spillages/hangry babies etc

  • Swaddles/cloths - swaddles are great all-rounders to use for feeding (if you prefer to use one of course) but they are also great for wiping up vomits, dribble etc

  • Change of clothes - again you can never be too prepared here, one if not two changes are essential. Also depending on where you are going and how long you’ll be out you might want to think about throwing in an extra top for yourself too (eg. if you’re flying always pack a change of clothes for yourself too).

  • Blankie or something warm if the weather turns

  • Toys - teethers, books, a soft cuddle toy or something to pull out if baby needs entertaining on the go

  • Food/Snacks - if your baby is on solids they might need food while you’re out and about but also don’t forget something for you mama, keep a museli bar or something in there because we know you’ll forget about yourself!

  • Water - yes once baby is big enough don’t forget to take a water bottle for them and don’t forget one for you too!

When you see that list you might think you’ll need a Mary Poppins bag to fit it all but you’ll make it work and figure out what are the essentials for you tweak it slightly - and it will obviously change as baby grows and needs change.

So now for the fun stuff! Shopping! The awesome folk over at One Fine Baby have you sorted when it comes to kitting out your baby bag, we’ve put together a little wish list to help get you started or that you can share with friends/hubby ;).

Jessica Bosco1 Comment