We all have different preferences when it comes to the style of bag we use and what we keep in it. Here, we have compiled a helpful list of 10 essentials that your nursing bag should never be without, to help you prepare for an outing with baby. Of course, you might like to add some other items, but the aim here is to help new parents think about the kinds of things needed for their bag, as well as providing some recommendations on great brands and products.
Diaper Bag Organizer: Mother Load 5 Piece Set
These diaper bag organizers are one of the most useful items you can take on a day out with a young baby. The pack of five color-coded bags means you can quickly and easily find what you are looking for, even when your bag is stuffed full. Four of the bags feature mesh on one side, allowing the contents to be viewed easily. There is a bag each for diaper changing supplies, spare clothes, toys and feeding supplies. The other bag is fully waterproof, making it perfect for wet or dirty clothes, swimsuits or cloth diapers.
The diaper bag inserts would make an excellent baby shower gift for an expectant mother. Each bag measures 13 x 9.5 inches, with the exception of the toy bag which is slightly smaller at 11 x 8.5 inches. They are a great size for holding all the essentials for a day out with a young baby. The set also comes with a changing pad, so you can quickly grab the diaper changing pouch for a quick and easy change, rather than rummaging through the whole bag!
Baby Wipes: WaterWipes Sensitive
Baby wipes are obvious baby bag essentials. They can be used for everything from diaper changes to mealtime cleanups, as well as wiping down messy surfaces when out and about. WaterWipes are one of the best brands for newborns, and for babies with sensitive skin. They are made from 99.9% pure water, with 0.01% fruit extract. The wipes are fragrance and alcohol free, and can be used from birth on any area, including the face. The wipes are hypoallergenic, and are the only baby wipes to be approved by the National Eczema Association of America.
Hand Sanitizer: Babyganics Alcohol Free Foaming Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is another crucial item to have in the nursing bag. Babyganics’ product is ideal as it comes in a small, travel-sized containers with a handy pump on top. The sanitizer is foaming, so it rubs in easily, whilst keeping hands moisturized. It is hypoallergenic, as well as alcohol and fragrance free (although it is also available in a mandarin scent if preferred). The sanitizer is approved by pediatricians and dermatologists, and contains no parabens or sulfates, meaning it is safe for use on newborn babies. Babyganics is a great brand for baby bathing and cleaning products – parents can be sure their baby will be safe from germs with these products.
Diapers: Seventh Generation Diapers for Sensitive Skin
Diapers are an obvious necessity for your baby bag. You should always take more than you think you will need – you never know when a poop disaster might strike! We love Seventh Generation diapers, as they are free from many harsh chemicals found in other brands. The liner of the diaper is made from unbleached cotton, and is highly absorbent to prevent leaking.
Seventh Generation newborn diapers are the perfect choice for parents concerned about their carbon footprint – they are made from sustainability-sourced materials. If you are using cloth diapers, you’ll need to be a bit more prepared and remember to bring plenty of inserts and a wet bag for the used diapers.
Bottle Bag: COFFLED Insulated Portable Bottle Warmer Bag
This is a great product for trips out when your baby will need to be fed a bottle. It can be used to keep a bottle warm, as well as heating them up. The warmer can also be used for jars of baby food, making it a great investment as it can be used even after your baby no longer uses a bottle. The bottle warmer measures 10.6 x 3.5 inches, meaning it fits most standard sized bottles. The insulated bag can also be used to keep food or drinks cold, making it perfect for trips out in the summer too.
Blanket: Aden + Anais Stroller Blanket
A blanket is an essential item for a trip out with baby. It can be used to keep warm in the winter, as well as being draped over the stroller as a sunshade in the summer. A blanket can also be used as a nursing cover for discreet breastfeeding in public, if it makes mom feel more confident. This blanket is made from several layers of soft muslin, making it lightweight and comfortable to use. It measures 27.5 x 27.5 inches, so it’s the perfect size to pack in your bag, and it’s also great for using in the car seat. The baby blanket comes in three different colors, suitable for both baby boys and baby girls.
First Aid Kit: me4kidz Travel Baby First Aid Kit
It’s a good idea to carry a first aid kit on long trips out with a young child. Hopefully you’ll never have to use it, but it doesn’t hurt to be well-prepared. This is a great travel sized first aid kit, which is ideal for children of all ages, from babies to school-aged kids. Inside the main tube, there are three separate compartments which makes it easier to find what you need quickly. The items in the kit are latex-free, making them ideal for allergy sufferers. The box includes everything you would expect in a good first aid kit, as well as many extras such as hand sanitizer, baby wipes, a splinter remover and an instant cold pack.
Pacifier & Sterilizer: Joy Baby UV Portable Sterilizer
If your baby is comforted by a pacifier, it’s essential to take one on a day out – you never know when they might have a meltdown! It’s a great idea to also carry a portable sterilizer, as babies have a habit of dropping their pacifier at the more inconvenient time. This model uses UV-C light to destroy any germs, and it requires 2 AAA batteries to work. The sterilizer can also be used to clean bottle nipples, as it simply clips on the top of the bottle.
Bibs: Bibsters Disposable Bibs
Disposable bibs are a great idea for your nursing bag. They can be thrown away after use, meaning you don’t have to carry wet or dirty bibs home. These Bibsters are easy to use, with a hook and loop fastening. This is much more convenient than many other disposable bibs which use sticky tabs to fasten. The bibs have a leek-proof liner to keep baby clean and dry, whether they are enjoying a milk feed or a meal. It’s easy to carry a handful of these disposable bibs in your baby bag, and you’ll never have to worry about cleaning up after a feed again.
Spare Clothes
Keeping a full change of clothes in the diaper bag is always a good idea. You never know when you’ll have a poorly-timed diaper blowout, or a big spit-up after a feed. Remember to check the spare clothes still fit regularly if you haven’t needed to use them for a while. You could even pick up some used items which are a little worn out, just to keep as spares in the bag. If you live in an area with unpredictable weather, you should also remember a sunhat, or a warm jacket and gloves! It might seem like you are carrying lots of items you might not need, but it’s always better to be prepared and you might end up regretting it if you don’t carry spare clothing!
Our Choice: Most Important Diaper Bag Product
Apart from the obvious items (like diapers!) our most useful item to keep in your bag is the Mother Load bag organizers. They are so useful when you have a bag full of bits and pieces, and make finding what you need in a hurry much easier. They will last for a long time too, as they are equally as useful for toddlers as they are for younger babies.