How to Find and Use a Nappy Bag

Nappy bag checklist

For changing

• •  Pack as many as you think you’ll need…and then add three more. If there’s one thing you can never have enough of, it’s nappies.
• • Baby wipes. Rather than carting around a pack of 500 baby wipes, either buy travel packs – or pop some from your home supply into a reusable snap-lock bag.
• • Nappy rash cream. Buy a second pot or tube to keep in your nappy bag. This way you won’t accidentally leave the stuff at home.
• • Portable change mat. Some nappy bags come with one included, but if not, you’ll want a change mat that’s compact, comfy and easy to clean.
• •  A small packet for everything you don’t want to use a wipe on.
• • Nappy disposal bags. Great for storing dirty nappies while you’re out, or anything icky and mucky.
• • Hand sanitizer. In case you’re not near a bathroom or changing room.
• • A full change of clothes. Maybe two if you’re toilet training! If your child manages to get through the day without needing at least one change of clothes, it’ll be a small miracle.
• • Extra warm layers. If the weather takes a turn for the worse, you want to be prepared with enough merino layers to keep bubs toasty warm.

For feeding

• • A bib or two. To catch any spills or wayward chunks of mashed pumpkin.
• • Bottles and formula. If you’re bottle-feeding, make sure you have everything you need – formula, sterilised bottles and boiled water. Most cafés will be happy to heat baby’s bottle for you or you could invest in an insulated bottle.
• • Burp cloth or muslin wrap. You’ll find this often comes in handy, and is great for privacy when you’re breastfeeding.
• • Baby food and utensils. Once you’ve moved on to solids, keep a pot of emergency baby food in your nappy bag – plus a spoon and bowl.

General items

• • Small toy or teething ring. To keep those little active hands occupied while you’re stuck in traffic or waiting in line at the supermarket.
• • First-aid supplies. Including infant sunscreen, baby nail clippers and a couple of plasters. This sun barrier cream doubles as an insect repellent too.
• • Keep both a beanie and a sunhat to cover all weather conditions.
• • A dummy (if you use one). Like your car keys, dummies can be hard to keep track of. Always keep a spare dummy in your bag.
• • A baby wrap. Use as a sling for carrying baby, a wrap for swaddling, a drape to create shade or a blanket to lie on if needed.