The diaper bag is an indispensable companion for new parents. It makes everyday life so much easier and ensures that everything is within reach when changing diapers on the go. Whether on a park bench, in a café or on a long trip - with the right diaper bag you are well prepared. In this blog post you will find out what you should look out for when choosing a diaper bag, which basics should definitely be in it and how you can adapt the contents depending on the situation and time of year.
The basics: What should go in the diaper bag?
A well-packed diaper bag is essential for stress-free trips with your baby.
In the beginning, new parents often pack a lot of things - and you will probably do the same. Over time, however, you will learn from your daily experiences what is really necessary. To ensure you are well prepared when you travel, there are a few basic things you should always have with you:
- Diapers : These are of course the heart of every diaper bag. The amount depends on the length of the trip, but 3-4 diapers are usually sufficient.
- Wet wipes : A must-have for cleaning baby's bottom quickly and easily on the go, especially when there is no running water available.
- Changing mat : A water-resistant mat is essential for changing diapers on the go. It can be easily cleaned and protects your baby from dirty surfaces.
- Hygiene spray : This allows you to disinfect both the changing mat and your hands – especially important if there are no clean surfaces nearby.
- Diaper bags : For storing used diapers – washable versions are particularly environmentally friendly.
Milli's tip: With Milli's magic wipes you can protect your baby's delicate skin from irritations and skin irritations even when you're out and about. This ultra-thin and nourishing wound protection pad combines the benefits of creams, ointments and medicinal wool in one pad. No more painful creaming, annoying greasy fingers and sticky diaper changes. Thanks to the practical packaging, they fit perfectly in any small diaper bag - ideal for when you're on the go.
Nice-to-Haves: Prepared for all eventualities
In addition to the basics, there are some additional utensils that can be useful depending on the situation:
- A change of clothes for the baby - whether it's a small mishap while eating or a full diaper: one or two mishaps are bound to happen along the way. So it's practical to have a change of bodysuit, pants, sweater/shirt and tights with you.
- Spare top for mom or dad – sometimes the burp doesn't land on the burp cloth, but directly on the parents' clothing. A spare shirt can help here.
- If you are not breastfeeding or your baby has already been weaned: Think about bottles, baby food, etc. - because hunger usually comes at the most inopportune moment. Spoons and bibs are also important if you want to feed on the go.
- Toys and pacifiers: To distract and calm your baby when he or she becomes restless.
- Drinking bottle and snacks: Not only for the baby, but also for mom and dad, to be prepared for those little hunger pangs in between meals.
- Breastfeeding accessories: If you are breastfeeding, you should always have a muslin cloth or a nursing scarf with you.
Milli's tip: Don't leave packing your diaper bag at the last minute! This way you avoid unnecessary stress and the risk of forgetting something important that you might then have to buy again.
The list may seem quite long, so try out which things are actually useful for your everyday life with the baby. Because even with the diaper bag, the more the better doesn't necessarily apply! Otherwise it will just be heavy and confusing. Experienced moms in particular often reduce things to the essentials and rely on their improvisation skills. Over time, you will find out which things are indispensable for you and which you can do without.
Seasonal adjustments and emergency pharmacy
Depending on the season or weather conditions, the contents of the diaper bag should be adjusted.
- In summer, you should bring a hat to protect your baby from the sun, sunscreen with a high sun protection factor, sunglasses and a refreshing water spray for babies. Also remember that in hot temperatures, you need to drink plenty of fluids.
- In autumn and winter, a hat, scarf and mittens are important. An additional baby blanket is also useful, even if your child is sitting in the warm footmuff of the stroller. Good insulation protects against the cold and prevents the baby from sweating and catching a cold.
- Remember to take a small first aid kit with you, especially if you are travelling at the weekend. Even if your baby starts out healthy, it can unexpectedly get a fever, toothache or diarrhea. With a thermometer, fever-reducing suppositories and sea salt solution, you are well prepared and can react quickly in an emergency, even at night. If your child is already a little older, pack skin disinfectant spray, wound and healing ointment and adhesive bandages in different sizes for minor injuries.
Diaper bag to go vs. full-day trip
The size of the diaper bag should be based on your daily routine. For short errands, a small bag that holds the essentials is sufficient. For longer trips or weekend trips, a larger bag or a diaper backpack that offers enough space for all of your essentials is recommended. It is important that the bag is well organized so that you can quickly find what you need.
The choice of the right diaper bag depends entirely on your everyday life. For quick errands or short meetings, you don't always need a large bag - a compact model that only contains the most important things is often enough. And this is exactly where Milli's small, practical diaper bag comes into play.
In this handy bag you will find enough space for your emergency kit - ideal for short trips. It holds everything you need for a quick pit stop: a diaper, wet wipes, a bodysuit and of course a pack of Millis. Perfect for visiting friends, the playground or a quick shopping trip.
Important features of a good diaper bag
When choosing the right diaper bag, you should pay attention to a few important points:
- Size and capacity - A good diaper bag should have enough space to store all the important baby items as well as some personal items. When you are out and about with your baby, you not only need diapers, but also bottles, snacks, a change of clothes, baby's security blanket and your own essentials such as a wallet and cell phone. Many parents find it impractical to carry both a diaper bag and a handbag. Therefore, it is especially important to make sure that you buy a diaper bag that is large enough and offers enough storage space.
- Size according to needs - Consider how many baby items and personal items you will need on the go before choosing a diaper bag. It can also be a good idea to think about future needs if you are planning to have another child. A larger diaper bag is then advantageous in order to meet future needs without having to buy a new bag. Depending on whether you want to travel in a minimalist way or whether you want to be prepared for all eventualities, you should choose the size of your diaper bag accordingly.
- Organization and compartments – A well-organized diaper bag can save you a lot of stress while on the go. Bags with different compartments, zippered pockets, open areas and external bottle holders are particularly practical.
- Carrying comfort and options - In addition to organization and size, a diaper bag should also be comfortable to carry. Adjustable and wide shoulder straps or a backpack option are recommended here. Consider how often you will be out and about with the stroller. A diaper bag can be conveniently attached to the stroller, leaving your shoulders and hands free. A diaper backpack may not be suitable if you carry your baby often, as carrying a baby and backpack can be stressful on your back in the long term.
- Comfortable changing mat - A soft changing mat is another important point. It allows you to change your baby comfortably while on the go without sacrificing comfort. A good changing mat makes a big difference whether you are changing on a park bench or in the damp grass. While it is important that the diaper bag matches your style and your stroller, the focus should not only be on aesthetics, but also on the well-being and comfort of the baby.
Advantages over normal bags
In everyday life, a diaper bag quickly proves to be extremely useful and practical. While handbags offer a lot of space, diaper bags are designed specifically for the needs of babies. Many conventional bags can easily turn into a confusing "black hole" in which small items get lost or are difficult to find. This can quickly become impractical when dealing with the baby. Diaper bags, on the other hand, are specially designed so that everything has its own place and have an intelligent layout with several, clearly structured compartments. This ensures that diapers, wet wipes, bottles, pacifiers and a change of clothes are always within reach without having to search for a long time. This is an invaluable advantage, especially in hectic situations where things have to be done quickly. Another option is diaper backpacks, which offer more flexibility in everyday life. They are available in a variety of styles, from simple models to those with modern prints and patterns, so there is something for every taste.
If grandma and grandpa or the babysitter are stepping in, it is particularly practical to simply hand them a pre-packed bag. Fathers also often have to decide whether they want to take a handbag with them when they go to the park with their child, or whether they want to keep repacking everything. It makes sense to choose a diaper bag or diaper backpack that both parents like and that can also be used for other purposes later on.
Many diaper bags have additional child-friendly features that are worth their weight in gold in everyday life. These include integrated pacifier straps, insulated bottle holders or even removable changing pads. These small but fine details make the difference and ensure that you are well prepared in every situation.
Another key advantage of diaper bags is the material. They are often made of robust, washable fabrics that can easily absorb the occasional spilled bottle or drink. In comparison, normal bags are often less durable and more susceptible to stains and damage. The easy-care material of the diaper bag ensures that it stays beautiful and hygienic for longer - an important factor in everyday life with a baby, where things are not always clean.
Conclusion
A well-organized diaper bag is more than just a practical accessory for new parents - it quickly becomes an indispensable companion in everyday life. Whether on a short walk, a trip to the park or on longer trips, the right diaper bag ensures that you are always well prepared. It not only offers enough space for the most important baby items such as diapers, wet wipes and a change of clothes, but also for your personal items. Make sure that it is functional, comfortable and tailored to your needs. This way you are always well prepared on the go and can enjoy time with your baby without any worries.