Ah, the good old days when you could grab your purse, hop into the
car and take off for parts unknown. Now that a baby's part of the
package, a trip to the mall or even a "spontaneous" outing to a
neighborhood park feels like it requires a ten-point checklist and an
hour's planning. But with a little bit of organization, you can get out
and about quickly -- and leave the kitchen sink at home.
Once
or twice a week, check your "supplies" and restock as needed. (Be sure
to put a card or a luggage tag with your name and telephone number in
your diaper bag in case you accidentally leave it at a park, restaurant
or your pediatrician's office.)
In your diaper bag:
6-10 diapers
1 travel container full of baby wipes
a small plastic changing mat
several small plastic bags (i.e. sealable storage or grocery) for soiled diapers
diaper rash ointment
2 bibs
a spare pacifier if your baby uses one
acteaminophen or ibuprofen
In the trunk of your car:
an umbrella stroller or backpack
sand toys for trips to the park or beach
blanket or large towel for the park or beach
In small plastic box stored in your trunk, stash the following (you can put them into your diaper bag as needed):
a few small toys and books
change of clothes
sweater or jacket and hat (depending on the time of year)
blanket
sunscreen
first-aid kit
drinks (i.e. juice boxes, small bottles of water, single-serving packets of formula)
non-perishable snacks (i.e. fruit snacks,
goldfish crackers, cheerios, teething crackers or other foods which you
can store in a covered plastic tub for several days at a time)
Nevada-based freelance writer Dana Sullivan is a frequent contributor to Your Baby Today and also writes for Fit Pregnancy and Parenting. She's mom to Liam, 4, and Julia, 2.
