When we had our first baby I had no idea how much gear it would take to get out the door. Now that I have a system for packing the Diaper Bag I want to share it with all of you.

I love my Skip Hop Diaper Bag. It has made it beautifully through four children and is still in great shape. Mine is nothing fancy, but it does its job. The bag cost a few dollars more than some other diaper bags, but for me I knew we were gonna have more than one baby so it was worth it to buy something that would hold up over the long haul.

Once you have your diaper bag you want to pack the basics. You need diapers, wipes, diaper cream, and a changing pad. What I discovered is that when I am away from home my baby likes to poop out of her diaper. So I pack an extra outfit or two to change her into. I also pack a gallon-size plastic zipper bag with a scoop of Oxi-Clean in the bottom. When the baby dirties an outfit I put some water in the bag and then add the outfit (make sure you zipper that bag shut tight) and let it soak in the bag until I get home and put it in the washer. Because the baby likes to dirty her outfits this way I also put a travel-size container of baby wash in the diaper bag. If I need to I can give her a quick bath.

If you are out in public areas you might want to include disposable changing pads in your bag. You can cover the changing table in the public restroom (I use my regular changing pad underneath too) and if the baby does poop or pee while you are changing her you are going to throw the pad away anyway. Include scented diaper trash bags and a travel-size container of anti-bac hand-sanitizer in your diaper bag; both are great to use if you have an emergency change in the car or at some other inconvenient location.

Other items I add to the bag include Infant’s Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen and a thermometer. You may want include an extra pacifier, burp cloth, blanket and season appropriate clothing such as hats, etc. Don’t forget any feeding items you might need such as bottles and formula.

What to Pack Checklist:

• Diapers
• Wipes
• Diaper Cream
• Changing Pad
• Zipper Bag w/ Oxi-clean
• Extra Outfits
• Travel Size Baby Wash
• Disposable Changing Pad
• Diaper Trash Bags
• Travel Size Anti-Bac
• Extra Pacifier
• Burp Cloth
• Blanket
• Seasonal Clothing
• Infant’s Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen
• Thermometer
• Feeding Items (Bottles, Formula, Ice Packs)

The post The Diaper Bag | What to Pack appeared first on Alanna George | The Craft Nest.

I have babies on my mind this month, so I decided to cover baby related topics for the month of January. I have a couple baby related crafts planned if all goes well.

The first topic I want to cover is what baby gear you really need. This is all based on my personal opinion, but after having four babies I like to think I know something on the subject. Thinking back and looking at what I use daily I have compiled a list of the items you really need. This does not include items such as clothes, diapers, blankets, sheets etc.

(Also, check out the links to these items in the left side-bar.)

Baby Gear Items You Need:

• Bouncy Seat
• Sound Machine
• Burp Cloths
• Nursing pillow – I like Boppy
• Playmat – I like Tiny Love’s Gymini
• Stroller
• Car Seat
• Car Seat Mirror
• Diaper Bag – I like Skip Hop’s Deluxe Duo
• Changing Pads
• Crib or Co-Sleeper – I like the Arm’s Reach Co-Sleeper
• Baby Carrier – I like Baby Bjorn or Moby Wrap
• Baby Bath Tub
• Diaper Pail – I like the Diaper Champ (requires no special bags)

Baby Medicine Cabinet:

• Infant’s Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen
• Saline Drops
• Gas Drops
• Thermometer
• Bulb Syringe
• Nail Scissors

Items For You:

• Nursing Pads – I like Lansinoh Disposable Nursing Pads
• Daytime Nursing Bras – I like A Pea in the Pod Soft Cup Wireless Nursing Bra
• Maternity Sleep Bra – I like A Pea in the Pod Full Coverage Nursing Sleep Bra

The post Baby Gear | What You Need appeared first on Alanna George | The Craft Nest.