Spring cleaning your diaper bag every season can be a sanity saver, especially when taking your little one out and about can be hectic enough as it is. So, set aside 30 minutes each time the season changes to clean out your diaper bag and you may just find that your on-the-go routine becomes a little simpler -- even if your youngster gets more difficult!
Looking for some quick ideas on diaper bag tips, and tricks? Here are our must-haves:
Diapers are must-haves. You don't want to be caught with less than four diapers, that number can climb depending on how long you'll be out of the house and on the age of your baby.
Stick baby wipes immediately into your diaper bag. Be sure you have plenty. Little bottoms can make surprisingly big messes.
Most diaper bags come equipped with foldaway changing pads, but if not, you'll want to add one to your bag -- it will come in handy when you need to change your baby's diaper in a place that you'd rather not put him down.
You'll go for weeks or maybe months wondering why you have those extra clothes in the diaper bag. Don't be tempted to remove them. A day will come when you need to clean up a mess worthy of a sanitation crew, and you'll be glad you have them. Pack a shirt, pants, undershirt, and socks.
If your baby is younger than 6 months old, keep him out of direct sunlight, dress him in light layers, and use a hat to protect the back of his neck and the top of his head. Once your child gets a little older, you'll want to slather him often with a broad-spectrum sunscreen. The SPF should be a minimum of 15, ideally 30.
If you're nursing, be sure to pack bottles of expressed breast milk in a cooler. If you're using formula, bring a bottle with dry formula already in it, or try single-portion packets.
Whether it's a rattle, something that fits perfectly in her fist, or a mirrored gadget, diffuse boredom or meltdowns by thinking ahead and packing a favorite toy. 8. No matter your baby's age, always pack a bib. It can catch spit-up or keep her shirt dry when endless drool spills down her chin while she's teething. 9. If your baby uses a pacifier, you know how important it is to always have one on hand at all times. Never be caught without one.
Whether your kiddo is particularly susceptible to insect bites or not, it's always a good idea to keep some bug spray on hand when you're heading out during spring.
Chances are your diaper bag could benefit from a little spring cleaning, too, we hope our guide is a great balance between being over-prepared and under-prepared.
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