If you’re a new parent, you’ve discovered the, um, joy of diapers. And not only diapers, but the whole world of baby care items! There are probably toys, snacks and tiny shoes scattered around your home and car. With your busy life, you need all the essentials to be ready to go at a moment’s notice.
Cue the diaper bag! Organize your home (and mind) with a perfectly packed diaper bag — your most valuable tool for every outside-the-house excursion. Find out what to put in your diaper bag, how to make it travel friendly and which portable fragrance to include to mask any unpleasant aromas.
The bag
First off, choose a bag that has your back. There are so many options out there, from the popular backpack to fanny packs to one-shoulder style bags. Find one that has a spacious interior pocket and plenty of smaller interior and exterior pockets. Make sure there’s room for everything your baby needs, plus some space for your own essentials, like your phone and wallet, so you don’t need to carry a purse as well.
Diapers
Obviously, most diaper bags contain diapers. Make sure to update your diaper bag with the correct size of diapers or pull-ups as your little one grows. Keep your diapers in a pocket of the bag that won’t encounter rain, drippy bottles or other liquids.
Wipes
Always bring baby wipes, hand wipes and burp rags. Use them to clean up spills and messes when you’re on the go and to sanitize small hands after they’ve finished exploring the playground or digging through dirt. Stow baby wipes and burp rags in the main bag, and tuck hand wipes in an easy-to-access exterior pocket.
Extra clothing
Pack a change of clothes appropriate for the weather, and be sure to update the outfits when the season changes. (Nobody wants to be stuck with shorts on a snowy day!) Remember to bring tops, bottoms, outer layers and undergarments. Fold or tightly roll the clothes and tuck them inside a small drawstring bag so they’re easy to locate.
Storage bags
Bring several large plastic zipper bags to store soiled clothes, muddy shoes and more. Smaller plastic bags or reusable silicone bags are useful for storing half-eaten snacks. Plastic grocery bags are useful for carrying dirty diapers to the nearest receptacle, and reusable nylon bags are helpful to have for every other storage need.
Special toys and snacks
When kiddos get fussy during long road trips or grocery store visits, have a unique toy, treat or book in your diaper bag to occupy them, such as a Scentsy Buddy or Buddy Clip. Keep this secret weapon only in your diaper bag so it stays special.
First aid
In case of medical emergencies, pack a first aid kit. Tuck it away in a low-traffic pocket — hopefully you won’t need it, but knowing it’s there will provide peace of mind. Pack the usual items that you or your baby might need, including bandages, antibiotic ointment and fever reducer. If you need to pack special first aid items for allergies or other conditions, consider keeping them in a clearly labeled pouch that’s easy to find.
Scentsy fragrance
Last but not least, bring along some portable Scentsy fragrance to freshen up your well-traveled diaper bag. A Travel Twist or Scent Pak will do the trick nicely, and they’re small enough to tuck in almost any pocket. A Scentsy Buddy Clip makes a cute and fragrant addition to your diaper bag as well. What are your diaper bag must-haves? Let us know in the comment
