Packing your diaper bag

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When packing your diaper bag, try not to overload yourself. Pack travel-sized items when you can. While the contents of your diaper bag will change as baby develops, here’s a basic guideline of what to pack during baby’s first year for a short trip out:

• Diapers – Pack one for every two hours you plan to be out, plus an extra.

• Wipes

• Changing pad

• Diaper cream

• Change of clothes – If baby rarely soils his clothes, you can probably get away with just one extra outfit for a short outing.

• 2-3 plastic bags – You can use these for diaper disposal (if a trashcan isn’t available) and for keeping soiled clothes until you get home.

• Bottles, if formula feeding

• Containers/packets of pre-measured formula

• 1-2 burp cloths

• 1-2 bibs

• Bottled water (for you and for baby, if using powdered or concentrated formula)

• Baby food and spoons, if baby is eating solids already

• Sippy cup, if baby is using one

• Healthy snacks for you

• Teething rings and comfort toys, if necessary

• Band-aids, antibiotic ointment

• Hand sanitizer, wipes

• Tissues

• Sunblock (perhaps a sunhat as well)

• Pain reliever/fever reducer (some for you and some for baby)

• Cell phone

• Wallet

• Camera

• Blanket, if necessary