What You'll Need to Pack in Your Baby's Diaper Bag

A well equipped diaper bag is a must for every mom on the run. Keeping your diaper bag stocked and ready will make it easier for you to pick up and go. There are several key items that you will need in your diaper bag.

Here's a checklist to help you be prepared:

• diapers - I like to pack one diaper for every 3-4 hours we will be away from home
• baby wipes - A travel container of baby wipes will make it easy to grab them when necessary.
• change of clothes - A complete change of clothes, including socks, in case baby spits up or a diaper leaks.
• bottle with formula - If you're formula feeding, bring a clean bottle for each feeding. You can pour the correct amount of powdered formula in it ahead of time and will just have to add water when you're ready to feed.
• nursing cover - If you're breastfeeding.
• changing pad - Friends don't like when you change your baby on their couch. A changing pad will catch and whoops. Also, if you're using a public restrooms' changing station, I feel like laying down a changing pad is more sanitary.
• pacifier - If you're baby uses one, these are essential. Since you probably won't be packing that many, a pacifier clip, so that the pacifier doesn't fall, is also important.
• a burp cloth - A burp cloth tucked under your baby's chin can double as a bib, so unless your baby spits up a lot it's not necessary to bring both.

Extras:

• antibacterial wipes or gel - Nothing beats a good handwashing with soap and water, but in a pinch, these will do.
• pacifier wipes - You shouldn't wipe your baby's pacifier with the antibacterial stuff. A pacifier wipe can clean it off so it's ready for sucking. This is an extra because again, soap and water would be best & easiest.
• a pacifier case - You can keep your pacifiers clean and readily available when not in use with one of these pacifier cases. A ziplock bag would also do the trick.
• scented diaper disposal bags & dispenser - After changing your baby put the dirty diapers in one of these bags and then in the garbage. It's more sanitary, and looks nicer. Plastic grocery bags would work equally as well.
• Aquaphor - This lotion can be used on you & the baby. It can be used anywhere on the baby's body & as a diaper cream in a pinch.