Bags of essentials for babies

GONE are the days when you can just jump in the car and go – even just down to the supermarket. With a baby in tow, failing to prepare is preparing for a problem.

At this stage, I think I’ve pretty much got the act of getting out the door with two toddlers down to a fine art and haven’t managed to forget anything too important yet.
I remember thinking with one baby, how people could possibly manage to fit enough for two babies in one bag for a day out but believe me it’s very doable and I actually managed not to need to buy a new baby bag.
When buying a baby bag, buy one with plenty of pockets and which stays securely closed. The last thing you want in the middle of a busy shopping street is all your baby bum creams, baby wipes and spare clothes falling out all over the place.
In terms of baby bags, there’s a huge range available. Many baby travel systems come with a baby bag but I’ve found that they are limited in space and only really carry the bare minimum. I have followed the model of many other mothers I’ve seen out and about with baby and use a small, sporty-type rucksack, with a decent size front pocket and two side pockets. I put the nappy creams in the side pockets, the nappies, towel and change of clothes in the main bag and food items in the front pocket. Drinks are generally better kept in a small bag, the likes of which Avent make.
There are a couple of things that are absolute essentials. Nappies, of course, do not ever leave home without them. Always veer towards the side of bringing a few too many because with babies, especially if they’re teething or are slightly off form, you may have to change them a lot. I’d never go out without at least four nappies for each of my two. After that, bring a packet of wipes, a small tub of Sudocrem (best nappy cream going, in my opinion) and some Caldesene powder.
I always like to bring a towel to cover the changing table with, or if you can’t get to a baby-changing facility, it will prevent any nasty stains on your car seat if the baby has an accident when you’re changing him. A lot of parents use the paper changing mats that Pampers and Huggies do, which are, of course, very handy.
Even if you think you’ll only be gone for a short time, bring a change of clothes. The one time you don’t will be the one time you’ll need them. My advice is to bring a change of bodysuit vest, for a small baby a change of babygrow (easier than packing a whole change of outfit) and for an older baby, a tracksuit bottom and top.
Another tip to save time getting out of the house efficiently with babies and toddlers is to try to have a bag more or less ready to go all of the time. The most you may need to do then is add some food and drink for your little ones, which again takes precise and organised planning. That’s a matter for another day.