Friday 20 July 2012

The Mum Bag

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While writing my tips on traveling with a baby, I thought it might be helpful to share the contents of my Mum Bag (nappy bag, diaper bag) as well.

First things first: The Bag
Mine is the messenger bag I used as a postgrad student when I first came to London. It has sentimental value in that sense, but mainly it's the right size to fit on the stroller and it's perfectly functional. I also use a backpack when I carry Junior in the Ergo, so the items get switched around fairly often.

Next: The Contents
The contents of my bag can be split into the following categories:

  • Changing
  • Feeding
  • Clothing
  • General
  • Essentials


Changing
I carry a portable changing mat with pockets for nappies and wipes, by Sunshine Kids. I always have between 2 and 6 nappies and a decent supply of wipes on hand. I also have a small jar of Sudocrem, in case Junior gets nappy rash. When we go swimming, I add 2 Little Swimmers nappies to the bag. I prefer to have at least two of each type of nappy, just in case we are out longer than I planned - or Junior has an exceptionally messy day. In addition, I keep a few nappy sacks to dispose of particularly bad nappies (or for places that do not have proper nappy disposal bins).

Feeding
I always carry a bottle and 2 cartons of formula for Junior. I also have a pocket knife, since our brand of formula is not easy to open. I'm not against breastfeeding in public, but I rarely do it since Junior is too distractible. However, I carry my Bebe au Lait nursing cover with me all the time, just in case I run out of formula or Junior needs some boob action. I carry a bib for Junior, and now that he is eating solids, I usually have some Cheerios or toast in a ziploc for emergency snacks. When he regularly eats three meals per day, plus snacks, I will carry more food for him.

It's important to keep mum fed, too. I always have a water bottle for myself, and often have a snack.

Clothing
I keep an extra change of clothes for Junior in the bag, and I have had to use it on more than one occasion. I keep his sunhat in there, too.

General
Since my main aim is to be "always prepared", I keep the following items in my bag:

  • Extra muslin cloth - can be used as a sunshade on the stroller, for cleaning up messes, emergency bib, etc
  • Antibacterial hand sanitizer
  • Antibacterial hand wipes (different from nappy wipes)
  • Tissues
  • Gum
  • Paracetamol or Nurofen
  • Extra "binky" (dummy/pacifier) for Junior - usually attached to the stroller or Ergo for easy access
  • Umbrella
  • Sunglasses
  • Foldable shopping bag x2 for groceries
  • Pen

Essentials

You may notice that I don't carry many toys for Junior. I often give him something to play with that can attach to the stroller or Ergo, but most of the time he is too interested in everything else around him to notice it. Depending on the destination, though, it can be helpful to have a toy or two to keep him busy.

With everything in the bag, it can be hard to remember to bring the baby along. Now that I think about it, he should be listed as Essential, too!

What's in your bag?

2 comments:

aedredhead said...

I do keep toys in my bag. I have a book, a little bottle of bubbles (fun at the park!), and I have a set of "keys" for my son. The key ring has the Irish license plate with his name on it from his aunt and uncle, the key to our community park, the key to Fairyland, three blank keys, and a fourth blank key with a key cover that has a button and a light on it. This has come in handy so many times, like when he is all dressed after swimming, and I still need to get dressed.

I also always have sunscreen with us, a bottle for him, and a bottle for me.

brandarling said...

Sunscreen - good suggestion. I still need to find a good brand for Junior. I like the key idea, too!