Your baby’s diaper bag contains more than its namesake component. This bag can provide a range of items essential to new parents on the go, all of which help streamline infant care. Here are some products you won’t want to be without as you embark on your journey with a new child.

What to Carry in Your Baby Bag

1. Diapers & Wipes

Pack a diaper for every hour you’re away from home to keep your baby happy and dry. Throw a small box of wet wipes in with the diapers for easy cleaning that helps prevent chafing and irritation. Wipes also provide surface-cleansing benefits for restroom changing tables.

2. Wet Bag

Keep a wet bag in your pack if you use cloth diapers as part of infant care. Choose a zippered bag that won’t leak to keep dirty diapers separate from everything else. If you use standard commercial diapers, pack a few plastic or paper bags for responsible trash disposal.

3. Changing & Nursing Pads

Always provide changing pads for a soft, clean surface to change your baby’s diaper. Hand towels also work for times when you don’t have the pad or need a new one. For moms, keep nursing pads in the bag to protect yourself in the event of leaks. These save space in the diaper bag that would otherwise be taken up by extra shirts.

4. Hand Sanitizer

Add hand sanitizer to clean your hands if you don’t have soap and water nearby. Sanitizer also helps for general use when you’re in public, have a baby on your hands, don’t have time to find a sink, and need to keep moving.

5. Extra Baby Clothes

Pack extra baby clothes, such as two or three onesies, in case of food- and waste-related accidents. That way, your baby will stay warm and comfortable no matter what happens. While you don’t need to add tons of “mom clothes” to the bag since you’ll have nursing pads available, one extra shirt is still a smart idea.

If you need infant care, preschool, or other licensed child care services, contact Great Beginnings. Featuring convenient locations in Cottleville and St. Charles, MO, this center focuses on early childhood education and development to help young ones thrive. Call (636) 724-5048 for the St. Charles location or (636) 447-4212 for Cottleville. Learn more about their toddler and infant care services online. Like them on Facebook for additional child care tips.