pregnancy health milestones for_mom safety 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)    Top About The Author 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. Breastfeeding Couples Corner Get Fit Me Time Products and Pointers Your Cooing Two-Month-Old Track the milestones and developments of your two-month-old baby.       Teething Truths and Myths Find out which symptoms are -- and aren't -- associated with teething.       Common Causes of Infertility A look at common conditions that can hinder pregnancy, and ways to treat them.       Great Stuff Crocodile Creek Placemats See all Product Reviews in this category The content on these pages is provided as general information only and should not be substituted for the advice of your physician. Copyright © 2008 Studio One Networks. All rights reserved.   Web MomtoMomChat.com Site Design by RMH Web Design