Very obviously, Miss A decided that was the best time to nurse (no cover), poop (no wipes), spit up post the nursing (no burp rag) and also cry with colic. That day I came home and wrote a list. And stuck the list on my dressing mirror! Since then, I have come a long way and leanrt so many things. Now my bag has a lot of first aid stuff (which kid doesn't fall), snacks (because they get hungry) and entertainment. Vidya Balan didn't lie when she said all we Indians need is Entertainment, entertainment & entertainment! The context was vastly different but you get the gist.
So here are a few pointers for your diaper bags!
1. 0-12 months
These babies basically need diapers and wipes. Because the day you have less diapers, they manage a blow out. So always keep 4 or more diapers and wipes. And if you use cloth diapers you need wet bags to store them to bring home to wash. Others, please be kind enough to carry those scented diaper disposal bags like these here, and tie up dirty diapers in them. It's extremely yucky and unhygienic to see dirty diapers tossed into the rubbish bin without proper wrapping.
You can use some zipper bags to store everything in one place. This way, at the busy airport or the mall or any other place, you won't need to find each thing separately. Just grab the pouch with diapers, wipes and diaper cream. Also keep sanitiser and mat in this same pouch along with a hand wash liquid if you like. Another good idea is to carry the lotion, soap etc in travel sized bottles and refill them as and when you need, which saves space in your bags.
Another pouch can have the clothes and socks. One more pouch for some food items and you are good to go. Nursing cover, or a dupatta can be multi purposed as a car seat cover and sorts a lot of issues right from prying eyes to crazy food spills down your top! Don't forget to carry medicine for colic, travel sickness etc.
2. 1 to 3 years
These little ones need a lot of entertainment and food and also some comfort toys. This is a time when kids start getting really independent and this is a good time to have snack boxes like these so that kids can be encouraged to eat by themselves. Also remember to carry water bottles for them along with a cap or some sort of sun cover as well as a mosquitto repellant and sunscreen. Carry a bib or an apron to keep them clean while eating as well. These days we get fabulous wipe away silicon bibs. Just be careful with the silicon bibs though, sometimes they may cause allergies at the neck.
3. 3 years plus.
At this age most kids are potty trained. However from experience I have learnt that they also catch UTI quickly. Hence please include a seat sanitiser like Pee Safe or toilet liners. Also carry extra inner wear in case of accidents because you know, tiny bladders can only hold in so much! A lot of snacks, some bribery things in case you need to bribe them for an injection or anything. These kids will also do well with some paper and crayons or chalk.
You might also need a small first aid pouch with the basics like band aids, a small nail clipper, and some ointment and antiseptic swabs. These little ones are naughty, they run, fall, get shoe bites, and what not. It's best to keep such things handy so that you can kiss little ouchies good bye.
What's in your diaper bags?
