Everybody knows that the changing bag that comes with the stroller must carry the cleaning essentials your baby needs when you are out and about. What exactly ‘cleaning essentials’ are and what you really need during the first months of your baby’s life is something you will learn through experience, but we can give you some advice.
How is your baby fed? That will make a difference. If you are breastfeeding, you may find it useful to have a few breast pads and a muslin cloth to protect your baby’s skin – some fabrics can be ‘coarse’ (like certain kinds of wool) or you may want to keep your little one away from sweaty skin in the summer. Have a spare pair of breast shields in your bag if you use them.
If you are formula—feeding, you will need to have a bottle, teats and formula. Muslin cloths are always useful.
Most bags come with a little changing mat, which can be useful if you are out and about. You can buy disposable sheets to place between your mat and the surface you are changing your baby on (in baby changing facilities in shopping centres, airports etc).
You should always have a packet of baby wipes as they are perfect in this kind of situation. Have extra nappies and a clean body. As time goes by, you can decide if you need to have a spare sleepsuit or other clothes as well. Some children get more easily soiled than others, but there is one thing you can bet on – the day you take out/forget the unused sleepsuit is the day you will need it.
If you use cream when you change your baby’s nappy, single-dose packets will be very useful. Some are sold in hyperstores and in pharmacies. Alternatively, you can ask your pharmacist, paediatrician or baby health centre for free samples, which are a great addition to your bag.
Never forget plastic bags for soiled nappies and clothes. Packets of nappy sacks (including fragranced ones) are for sale in supermarkets.
If your child drinks water or camomile tea, have a bottle with water and a packet of camomile in your bag. The same applies to soothers – keep one in the bag with its case. Remember that sometimes children are not happy with a new soother, so make sure your little one uses it from time to time before giving it to her while she screams in the queue at the supermarket or while you are driving.
There are some accessories that are useful for older babies or in different seasons. A small, soft blanket is useful if you are feeding in a cold or draughty area in the winter. In the summer, a sarong or a small sheet can keep your baby out of the direct sunlight if you are carrying her.
Sun cream and mosquito repellent are probably unnecessary if you have a newborn but they will come in handy when the baby is four or five months old and is determined to sit up (or tries to) and kicks.
A changing bag must carry the essentials mothers and babies need, plus a few ‘customised’ extras… After being out, you should, regardless of what you carry in your lovely changing bag, clean the changing mat and replace what has been used or you may find that you have a changing bag … but nothing to use for changing!
