Diaper Bag Essentials
Motrin (ibuprofen), Tylenol (acetaminophen), Benadryl & Thermometer: I just want to make a note here … Before using any medication, obviously consult with your Pediatrician. Something that a lot of new moms do not know: Motrin (ibuprofen) should not be used for infants under 6 months of age. It is safe after 6 months; before that, only Tylenol (acetaminophen) is safe for fevers and pain. Benadryl isn’t technically approved before the age of 2, but can be used if you do weight-based calculations. I have always had it with me because you never know when an allergy will ensue. Because your little one has not been exposed to many things, you don’t know what he/she is allergic to. God forbid when you start your little one on solid foods, you discover that your child has a severe allergy (e.g. peanuts, etc.). Sometimes even the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) will suggest this - my friend had this happen to her, and she luckily had it on hand. It can help keep your child’s symptoms at bay until you either get to the hospital or until EMS arrives to further evaluate and treat. I have a rectal thermometer here as well because I feel that they are still the best. Yes, there are forehead and ear thermometers, but they are not as accurate as rectal thermometers.
Skip Hop Diaper Changing Station, Wipes, Diapers and a Travel Diaper Bag Dispenser: Basically everything you need for a diaper change ANYWHERE. The last thing you want is to be stuck somewhere with a full poop diaper and no wipes, so always double check that you have some on hand. I included the travel diaper bag dispenser because there’s nothing more amazing than a hot and smelly diaper in your car until you find a garbage can.
Honest Hand Sanitizer Spray: Not just for you, but for relatives or friends that are going to be holding your baby. It’s easier to just hand this to someone than to ask them to go wash their hands.
Teether: Or any other toy to hand to your baby in the event of a total breakdown.
Pacifier (BIBS are pictured): Anthony wasn’t a big fan of the pacifier until the week before he turned one. I always had one with me just in case, to have him chew on it and to keep him preoccupied.
Camilia Homeopathic Teething Relief Drops: I loved these drops because they really did help Anthony with his teething pain temporarily, or when the pain wasn’t too bad. I like that they are homeopathic and don’t use numbing agents. I personally don’t like to use anything with benzocaine in it because it numbs your mouth, and I know that when I leave the dentist after a procedure I have a hard time swallowing, so I didn’t feel comfortable giving it to Anthony.
Emergency Mini Wallet: Sure, you don’t need an actual wallet, but I suggest you have some emergency cash with you (like $20). Nothing is worse than being out after struggling to get out of the door and realizing you don’t have your wallet with you… Oh, and you’re out of gas. Just plan for that to happen at least once. I’m speaking from experience here.
Lip Balm: I’m suggesting this because I was always dry after pregnancy, especially when I was breastfeeding.
Eating Utensils (GrabEase ones are pictured): This is for the 6+ month old children that are starting to eat solids. You want to have some utensils on-hand because restaurants usually only have metal or plastic ones that can be dangerous for children. You know that once they see you eating with something, they love to copy. I always kick myself when I forget my utensils at home.
Tiny Tyke Disposable Table Mats: Again, these are for the 6+ month old children. They’re amazing for when they’re starting to eat solids and you want to put food in front of them when you’re out. I also hate how dirty public tables are, so it makes me feel better about putting his food on them. Super easy to use, and makes clean-up a breeze, too. (Well, the table at least; for the food that was thrown onto the floor - you’re on your own)
Baby Bottle (ComoTomo is pictured): Even when I was breastfeeding, I always liked to have a bottle of milk with me in case he was being a pain and wouldn’t latch. I noticed that, at around 6 months or so, it was difficult to get him to latch when we were in public. He was too curious about everything else around us that he was better on the bottle than the breast.
Que Collapsible Silicone Water Bottle: Mamas, we tend to neglect ourselves. I know I’m guilty of this and constantly forget to drink water throughout the day, especially when I’m out and about. This bottle is cool because it’s not only reusable, but it’s collapsible, too. So, as you’re drinking it, it becomes smaller and smaller and fits in your bag no problem. Nursing mamas, WATER IS SO IMPORTANT. Make sure you’re drinking plenty. They have 20oz and 12oz sizes. For 12oz, click here.
Burpy Bib (Aden + Anais is pictured): This amazing thing doubles as a burping cloth and bib. I have been using these since Anthony was born. They don’t take up much room and it’s nice to have with you at restaurants, too.
Not pictured but SO IMPORTANT especially in the first few months: change of clothes for baby and a shirt for you. Blowouts are a real thing and you do not want to be walking around in your shit covered shirt or just a bra.