How to Choose and Pack a Diaper Bag

Before the birth of the baby, you may have so many things to think about that a diaper bag gets little or no consideration. I know, it wasn't something I spent time thinking about until after our first child was born and I had to suddenly figure out what and how much I needed in the bag I was given as a gift. Not much planning went into my diaper bag until I ended up away from home without something I really needed for my baby.

I quickly learned a diaper bag is an important accessory for the new mom. As a grandmother, I learned all over again how important it is to have the right diaper bag for the baby and to pack it with all that is needed for that particular outing.

In these economic times, a fancy diaper bag may not fit the budget. That's all right. A mom doesn't have to have the pricey one with the latest features and imprinted with the latest cartoon characters. It does need to be roomy and lots of big pockets are a plus. When no changing table is handy, it is nice to have a diaper bag that zips open so it can double as a portable changing table.

If this isn't feasible, a plain bag with lots of pockets will work just fine-and it doesn't even have to come from the baby accessory section of the store. Check out the purse section or luggage for inexpensive alternatives to the bags designated as diaper bags for that precious baby.

The diaper bag should have a sturdy strap, preferably one long enough to fit over the shoulder and one that is a wide and comfortable.

So what does Mom put into the diaper bag for baby? Every diaper bag should have a pad that unfolds for use as a changing surface. (Think of some of the surfaces in a store bathroom.)

A bag for baby should, of course, contain several changes of diapers, baby wipes, ointment, and bags for disposal, in case one is not handy where Mom ends up changing her baby. Handy wipes for Mom and/or hand sanitizer is also a must.

Other items that a mom should consider for her diaper bag are tissues, special toys, a small blanket, a change of clothes and any medicines taken by her baby. If Mom breast feeds, she might want breast pads along. If Mom bottle feeds her baby, then bottles and formula need to be included.

Some items can be pre-packed to save time in those last minute rushes to get out the door. Other items, like formula, need to be packed before each outing.

It doesn't hurt to have a smaller bag with the necessities like diapers, a clothing change, and a few toys kept in the car just in case Mom ends up forgetting that diaper bag or the outing takes longer than expected.

Choosing a sturdy diaper bag and packing it with all those things Mom might need on the outing will save time, frustration and a whole lot of stress.