Essential items for a Diaper Bag

Your diaper bag is like a portable nursery. It should be stocked with all of the things you will need for your baby when you are out and about. Some items are absolutely essential for a well-stocked diaper bag so that you won't be stranded without the necessities when the time comes for a diaper change or a feeding.

• Diapers - Of course, you will need diapers, but make sure that you have a couple more than you think you will need. You never know if your trip will last longer than you anticipated (even if it's just to the grocery store).
• Baby wipes - Wipes are essential for a clean bottom. Check to make sure your wipes aren't about to run out before you leave the house.
• Rash cream - Diaper rashes can come on quickly. The sooner you treat a diaper rash, the sooner your baby will get relief so make sure to always carry rash cream with you.
• A changing pad - You'll need one of these to put under the baby during a diaper change. It keeps anything dirty on the changing surface from touching your baby and it keeps anything messy from your baby from dirtying the changing area.
• An extra set of clothes for the baby - Babies tend to have a leak or worse, a blow out, at the most inconvenient times. Having an extra set of clothes in your diaper bag will come in handy at these times.
• Bottles and formula - If you are bottle feeding have enough for your trip plus a little extra. Many formula manufacturers make individual serving packets of formula powder so you can always have some with you in an emergency.
• A privacy blanket - If you are breastfeeding, you will want to make sure you have a blanket to drape over you for privacy if your baby needs to feed while you are out of the house.
• Extra pacifiers - If your child uses a pacifier, a lost pacifier could be disastrous. Having an extra one on hand can calm you baby down.
• Snacks - Older children who can eat solid foods need plenty of in between meal snacks. Little cups of dry cereal, crackers and other toddler friendly foods keep well in a diaper bag and are great to have on hand.
• A small blanket - Even if you're just running to the store, it could be chilly in the building, especially near the frozen foods. A small blanket to throw on your baby will keep her comfortable.
• One or two favorite toys - Make sure one of them is a comfort object such as a stuffed animal. It will keep your baby occupied and calm.
• Emergency contact information - In case the bag is lost or something happens to you, someone can look in the bag and find the information.