The Nappy Bag

 

Before I had kids I had no idea what a nappy bag was, what was kept in one and why a separate bag for ‘nappies’ was necessary.

Whilst pregnant I scoured through the pregnancy magazines, researching everything I would need and a nappy bag was on every list. I saw some really beautiful, stylish bags. Under further investigation I also discovered that some of these stylish nappy bags were ridiculously expensive. Some were up to three or four hundred dollars. I cannot for the life of me justify spending that absurd amount of money on a bag to hold nappies, I don’t even spend that on handbags or luggage for myself!

After looking around in some local stores I discovered that there was a very big range in prices when it came to nappy bags. Some were extremely expensive, these were your brand name, designer bags. But there were some very reasonable priced bags in shops such as Toys r Us, Mothercare, Big W and Target.

I was given my first nappy bag as a gift at my baby shower. It was great and did a great job for most of the first year, until the zipper broke and we needed to purchase another.

I considered all my options. I looked in all the shops at all kinds of bags, not just specifically ‘nappy’ bags so to speak but also at big duffel bags and shoulder bags. Considering we needed almost double the space inside as we needed two of everything for the twins, we needed a decent size bag, (this could very well  be why the zipper broke on our first bag, we just may have tried to shove too much in it).

I also wanted a bag that was at least a little bit stylish and that my husband would also feel comfortable wearing over his shoulder as he is usually the one carrying it when he is there (so girly colours and floral patterns were out). It also had to have a long enough strap to fit over the double pram so I could hang it on the back when It was just me or we were out walking.

I ended up finding exactly what I was looking for in Big W and at the great price of $50.

The length of the strap was perfect. It was stylish and black so it would go with all my outfits (hehe) and hubby would be fine with carrying it too. There was a good amount of space inside and a clip to keep the top closed so nothing fell out (this always happened when hubby picked it up and threw it over his shoulder). I was a very happy mommy when I found it.

Apart from the actual bag itself, as a first time mom I also needed to research just what I was supposed to be carrying in my nappy bag.

There are lists available on the Internet, and sure enough I read most of them! But after a few short months of being a mom I found my own list of essential items I needed to have on hand for every outing.

Here are my must haves:

1. Nappies (This is a given right?!). Of course I needed twice as many so these take up the majority of my available space.
2. Baby wipes.
3. Disposable nappy bags.
4. Hand sanitizer. You can get little bottles and it is great if there are no taps around to wash your hands.
5. Nappy rash cream.
6. At least one spare pair of pants, a top and singlet for bubs.
7. A pair of socks.
8. Tissues.
9. A change mat. Some bags come with one. You can even buy disposable ones too. You don’t want to have to lay bub on the floor to change them.
10. A hat for bubs.
11. A jumper (depending on the weather).
12. A small first aid kit. Including baby panadol.
13. A few bibs. Whether it be for eating if bub has started solids or for wiping up vomit and dribble after breast or bottle feeds.
14. Suncream.
15. Dummies (if you use them).
16. A wrap (and a spare one too if bub is being wrapped).
17. A blanket.

Then depending on your babies age and feeding routines, you may need:

1. Bottles.
2. Formula in a container.
3. Spoons.
4. Water bottles or sippy cups.

I would also recommend you have a few small toys for bub to play with. Maybe a small board book and a rattle or favorite toy also.

A few healthy snacks for bub (if they are on solid foods) can be a life saver when they are unsettled and playing up in the middle of the supermarket.

So now you see why my bag needs plenty of space. Especially when I need double of some of these items.

What are your nappy bag essentials?

Ang