You can probably guess the essentials for any diaper bag:
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Rash cream
- Burp cloth
- Nursing shawl
- Bottle
- Extra clothes
- Swaddle blanket
- Pacifier
- Hand sanitizer
But we’re not here to tell you what you already know. We want you to be prepared for those forehead-smacking moments when you didn’t think of the thing … but you DID think of the thing … or at least the following seven:
1. Insect repellent
Bugs don’t just bug you at night. They love mornings, rainy days, and shady spots. There are many products to protect your newborn from bites, from organic citronella wipes to new-fangled wrist bands, to traditional sprays and creams.
2. Spray bottle
Did you know newborns aren’t super sweaty? Their little sweat glands are just starting to rev up. So pack a spray bottle if you plan to be outdoors on warm days, and give snookems a spritz every now and again.
3. Water
Because you’ll need it for the spray bottle, if it spills or you run out, but also for you to hydrate … especially if you’re nursing.
4. Disposable eyecups
You may have never heard of these, but they could be your new best friend. Babies get all sorts of foreign weirdness in their eyes when they’re outside… especially around older babies who fling sand, dirt, food, etc. Rinse it right out with an eyecup … filled with the water from above.
5. Dirty diaper bag dispenser
You don’t just want to keep baby clean and smelling fresh, you want to keep the environment you are in non-offensive, too. You know those doo-doo bag dispensers people use when they walk their dogs? Well, there are baby versions, too. Some come with compostable bags, are lined with baking soda, and infused with scents like lavender. Love!
6. Portable umbrella
Not everyone likes to sit in the sun — or rain. Shield yourself, Sheila.
7. Wash cloth
When it’s hot, skin-to-skin contact can be a beast for both you and baby. Place a thin washcloth between the two of you during feedings; or, better yet, get it wet! (With the water from above, so you’d better pack extra water.) That way, baby can eat comfortably and you can feed frequently … which is what baby may prefer when the mercury rises.
Well, that may be all you can fit in the best diaper bag ever, and it’s definitely all we can fit in this post, so load up on our list and start getting A’s in B-A-G-S.