Parenting Article:

Nappy Bag Essentials - the first year!

By: Melissa Khalinsky

For most first time Parents, the idea of carrying around a nappy bag can be very daunting. Which one should you buy? What should you carry with you? Is that little thingy really necessary? Here are some things I discovered after I had my kids.

The Nappy Bag
We were given a fantastic nappy bag. It was blue, white and yellow check, which hubby considered "manly" enough to carry around too. It also had a zip out change mat, which meant I always had a change mat wit h me. The change mat could also detach completely if necessary.

Inside there were a number of pockets on the side of varying shapes. A small packet of wipes and a box of nappy sacks fit in very well, as did nappy rash cream, bonjela, a dummy and all the other odds and ends we tended to collect as time went on. There was also the odd occasion I put my keys, purse and mobile in there.

There was also a pocket on each end, great for a spare bottle or drinking cup, and one thin one on the front where I kept the kids health centre book, and numerous other pieces of paper I collected!

As Nathaniel grew and I didn't need to carry quite so much , I alternated between a small carry bag that fit one nappy, wipes, nappy sacks and a couple of bickies, and a larger handbag wit h two pockets, one for nappies, wipes, nappy sacks, snacks, etc and the other for my purse, keys, mobile, glasses, etc.

Nappy Bag Essentials
There are a lot of things you can carry in your nappy bag. The essentials at all times were:

• Nappies
• Wipes
• Nappy Sacks (to throw nappies away without smelling!)
• Bib

When I had a newborn, I added:

• Cloth nappy for spit-up cloth
• Change of clothes for Baby
• Clean T-Shirt for me (in case of leaking or baby sick!)
• Breast pads
• Rattle or other toy, in case a distraction is needed
• Dummy
• Nappy rash cream

As my babies grew, and breastfeeding became more established, I didn't carry around a top for me or the breast pads, however, I added:

• Snacks once the kids were eating solids
• Spoon in case we were caught out at mealtimes
• Sipper cup (one that doesn't leak when held upside down!)
• Teething Gel

Once my kids turned one year old, I was able to down size my nappy bag. Now I tend to carry only 1 or 2 nappies with me, along with wipes, nappy sacks, snacks and a sipper cup.

There are also times I can go out, and don't need to carry the nappy bag with me at all!

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