Products and Pointers

DIAPER BAG ESSENTIALS

By Dana Sullivan

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)

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