‘I’m going on a trip, and I’m taking…’ that’s a common question all parents of new-borns ask themselves. Not only when you go on vacation, but for every trip you and your baby take. You swap your teeny tiny crossbody bag for a decent changing bag and still lack space. Since well begun is half done, you probably want to take all your baby’s stuff with you. Well, that’s never going to fit, but with these 10x items, you always have your baby’s essentials in your changing bag.
#1 Nappies
We can almost hear you think: ‘duh, all babies need nappies!’ Without a doubt, nappies are your number 1 essential that you put in your baby changing bag. When you have a baby, carrying nappies around becomes a priority. That won’t change for years to come. As long as your child is not potty-trained, it’s always clever to take nappies with you. How many? The rule for new-borns is 1 for every hour you’re on the go. Toddlers use fewer nappies than babies, so 2 will do.
#2 Wet wipes
Or wipes in general. Mothers speak from experience when they talk about wipes. Babies spit, usually in the wrong direction, spill where you don’t want them to, and poop around the clock. Please don’t be frugal when it comes to baby wipes; you are really going to need them. Even when your baby transforms into a toddler, wet wipes will be your best friend.
#3 Nappy disposal bags
Like we mentioned above, babies poop around the clock. They don’t keep in mind that doing number 2 in a restaurant is not perfect timing. Having to change your baby’s nappy happens anytime, anywhere. Nappy disposal bags are great for dirty nappies. Just throw the nappy disposal bag in the bin, and you won’t bother anyone with the stench of baby poo.
#4 Changing mat
People have different opinions on this item: do you actually need to keep a changing mat in your changing bag? We’d like to say you do if we think about your baby’s comfort. Most public changing tables are made of hard materials, and to be honest, they are usually not very clean. (there are always exceptions, though!) How do you change your baby’s nappy as comfy as possible (and yes, changing your baby is quite a job!)? Use a changing mat! It is a pretty clever invention. Your baby will be more comfortable and won’t get dirty.
#5 Clean and dry clothes
Wet wipes can clean a lot, but they are not magic wands. Sometimes your baby’s clothes get too dirty, and not much is worse for your baby than wearing dirty clothes; it’s sad for your baby and for you. Babies’ spit smells sour and makes you gag when you cuddle your little one. Be prepared for the worst: even when you think you’ll be out for just a little while, it’s clever to have some extra clothes with you.
#6 Medication: Calpol and nappy care ointment
Children get ill quickly, but luckily the complaints disappear just as quickly. You want to take action the moment your child falls ill. Always keep Calpol in your changing bag. It’s better to have it with you and not use it. You really don’t want to feel helpless if your baby gets sick. Without saying, the same goes for little sore bottoms.
#7 Everything for nursing
Sleep, poo, eat, repeat: that’s the daily rhythm of the average new-born baby. As long as your baby doesn’t join the family mealtime routine, you’ll have to keep the formula in your changing bag. In case you bottle feed your baby, we advise you to keep special containers for your formula, a bottle, a thermos with hot water, plus a bottle with cold water in your changing bag. Now you can prepare your baby’s formula wherever you are!
When you breastfeed your child, you won’t need any containers or bottles. But we do advise you to keep a swaddle and nursing pads in your changing bag. Not every occasion is suitable for some private nursing. When you’re in a public area, a swaddle can cover your private parts if your baby demands breastfeeding.
From 4 months old, you can start giving your baby fruits and veggies. For the first two months, it doesn’t matter if you forget a little jar of fruit, but it’s clever to keep a few in your changing bag.
#8 Spare dummy
It could happen to anyone, losing a dummy when you’re halfway traveling. You can count on a lot of baby-drama for the rest of your trip. Your baby just keeps crying, the crying gives you tons of stress, and luckily this is easy to avoid. Just keep a spare dummy (or two) in your changing bag. A happy baby is a happy mummy.
#9 Sunscreen lotion
We all know the risks of sunbathing without using sunscreen. Getting sunburn at a young age is supposed to be even more damaging to the skin. Always keep sunscreen lotion in your changing bag, even during the cold winter months. The sun in the winter may not be as bright compared to the summer sun, but it’s bright enough for your baby’s delicate skin. Apply the lotion every two hours so your baby won’t get a sunburn when you’re on an outdoor trip.
#10 Antibacterial gel
Sometimes everything just seems to go wrong, and a tap and some soap to wash your hand are nowhere to be found. Hip hip hooray for antibacterial gel! It’s essential to have with you since you never know what’s going to happen. Using gel on your hands gives you the feeling of freshly washed hands. Just make sure you really wash your hand as soon as you come home.
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