Expectant and new parents have lots of questions. No wonder, after all, you’re entering a completely new chapter. And that can take time... Here on our blog, we therefore try to answer or address your questions like how do you bond with your baby? How do you encourage healthy sleep habits right from birth? How do you get breast/chestfeeding off to a good start? And what do you actually need to take with you to the hospital when you go? And that brings us to today's topic: packing your baby changing bag. From going to the hospital to your first outings with baby, it’s with you from day one! So, let's get straight to it…
Do you really need a baby changing bag?
First things first, do you really need a baby changing bag? The short answer is yes! Baby changing bags are great for holding everything you need when you leave home. And with babies that’s a LOT of stuff, especially when you have a newborn, and you need a convenient place to put all the nappies, wipes, change of clothes etc., even on short trips.
The exception? When you’re heading out for a short trip with a baby carrier that has lots of storage. If you have a baby carrier with plenty of storage you may be able to forgo the changing bag and fit the essentials (phone, keys, wallet, a nappy or two, wipes, a dummy and muslin) in your carrier. Especially with the addition of a portable changing pad attached to it!
What should I pack in my baby changing bag for the hospital?
Your baby changing bag’s first is probably a great option for your hospital bag: plenty of room and easily organised! To take the stress out of packing we’ve made a handy list of things to pack for baby, but don’t stress if you forget something, the hospital will likely have certain things already and if you live nearby then your spouse or grandparents etc. can probably run things in. Here’s our hospital bag checklist:
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Pajamas/Onesies. Bring at least two. Knotted gowns work great because they are comfy to wear day and night, make nappy changes super easy, and won’t irritate baby’s umbilical cord stump. And swaddlers or sleeping bags are great to have to hand in case it’s cool in the hospital.
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Socks. If you’re using outfits that won’t cover baby’s feet then socks are a good choice to keep baby’s toes warm.
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Mittens. Some babies come out with long, sharp nails. If the clothes you brought don’t have built-in fold over mittens, bring a pair or two of your own.
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Hats. Hats help your newborn stay warm. Your hospital will probably provide a hat and some stipulate types of hat you can use, but if you want something a little cuter, bring your own.
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Muslins. Whether nursing or bottle-feeding, muslins are helpful during and after feeding time.
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Blanket. The hospital will provide blankets, but it may be nice to have your own, especially during skin to skin contact.
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Going home outfit. What you choose will depend on where you live and the season, but make sure it’s not bulky so it fits safely in a car seat.
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Nappies. Have a stash of nappies to hand for baby, it might be worth having a couple of size options in case baby is bigger or smaller than expected.
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Nappy cream. Not all babies need a barrier cream but it’s a handy thing to have to hand in case.
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Nursing pillow. This won’t fit in your baby changing bag, but it can help your feeding journey get off to a flying start if you’re planning to nurse.
What should you pack in a baby changing bag for everyday outings?
Once you bring your baby home from the hospital, you’ll want to repack your baby changing bag, and then double check it before every outing. Here’s a list of baby changing bag essentials:
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Nappies (as many as you need then a couple of spares)
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Wipes
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Nappy cream
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Hand sanitiser
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Spare clothes
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Food for baby (bottle and formula/pumped milk, baby food, snacks etc. depending on age/how you feed them)
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Bibs
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Muslins
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Small extra sacks or wet bag for dirty nappies and clothes
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Extra dummy and clip (if you use them)
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Lightweight blanket
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Your wrap or carrier
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Small toys (including teethers!) and/or books depending on baby’s age
And here’s what to pack in the baby changing bag for yourself:
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Spare t-shirt (the opportunities for spills/stains/spit-up are endless!)
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Nursing pads if you’re nursing
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Snacks and water
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Small makeup or toiletry bag for personal care items
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Personal essentials like phone/wallet/keys etc.
As your baby gets older, what you put in your baby changing bag changes. For instance, some parents swap out a wrap or newborn carrier for a more structured carrier but either will likely fit in your bag. Just remember to consider your baby’s age, stage, and every scenario you may encounter and then pack accordingly so you’re prepared no matter what happens while you’re out.
Tips for organising your baby changing bag
A well-organised baby changing bag can make outings with your baby much smoother and stress-free. Here are five tips to keep your baby changing bag functional and ready for any adventure:
- Use compartments and pouches: Opt for a baby changing bag with multiple compartments or use small, labeled pouches to organise items. Dedicate each section or pouch for specific needs, such as nappies and wipes in one, feeding supplies in another, and extra clothes in a third. This way, you can quickly grab what you need without rummaging.
- Pack essentials in travel sizes: Save space and lighten your bag by packing travel-sized baby products like nappy cream and hand sanitizer. Small refillable bottles are great for liquids, and they fit easily into side pockets.
- Keep a restock baby changing bag checklist: Create a checklist of essentials - nappies, wipes, spare clothes, snacks, bottles, pacifiers etc. Review this list after each outing and restock the bag as needed. This habit ensures you’re always prepared for emergencies.
- Use waterproof and easy-to-clean bags: Choose a bag made of waterproof material or line it with waterproof pouches. This keeps messes contained and makes cleaning easier in case of spills or leaks.
- Prepare for weather and location: Tailor your list for the outing. For sunny days, pack a mineral sun cream (for babies over six months) and a hat; for cooler weather, include a warm blanket and mittens.
Can I use any bag as a baby changing bag?
Many handbags and rucksacks can double as baby changing bag. Some parents choose to use a large bag they already have and just buy a baby changing bag insert organiser so they have more pockets and organisation inside their bag. With that being said, a baby changing bag is a great purchase for even the most minimalist of parents. Whatever you choose, the best baby changing bag has these features:
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Is easy to carry. A couple of different ways to carry a changing bag makes it more versatile. Think rucksack straps and a handle.
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Is easy to clean. Mess is inevitable with a baby or toddler so a bag that can be easily wiped is a truly necessary requirement.
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Keeps bottles and snacks at the right temperature. Many changing bags come with insulated bottle pockets. When baby is older you can pop an ice pack in these to keep drinks and snacks cold on a warm day.
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Has plenty of pockets/compartments. While a stylish tote is made for your everyday necessities, it tends to lack all the necessary interior pockets for a baby’s everyday necessities.
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Suits your style. It’s easy to find a nappy bag that’s as fashionable as a regular handbag these days, you don’t have to sacrifice your personal sense of style.
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Works for everyone. If you have a partner then consider their needs too.
A baby essential - the baby changing bag
We think a baby changing bag is a must-have for any new parent. And there are plenty of options out there to choose from. Part of the fun of pregnancy is checking out all the cool new stuff you can choose from so why not visit a store and pick a few up to get a feel for what you like? There’s options for every need and budget but whatever you choose you can be sure it will get plenty of use - trust us!