A quick trip to the supermarket, an afternoon at the grandparents or a full day out: with a baby, you never leave the house empty-handed. A well-packed changing bag makes the difference between a relaxed outing and panic in a public toilet. With this checklist, you won't forget a thing.
Changing
- Nappies: count on about one nappy every two to three hours, plus a few extra.
- Baby wipes, also handy for sticky hands and spills.
- Nappy cream.
- A changing mat.
- A few nappy bags for dirty nappies.
Feeding
- Bottle feeding: a clean bottle, measured powder in a dispenser and warm water in a thermos flask. Or breastfeeding and a nursing cover.
- A burp cloth or muslin square.
- For older babies: a bib, a spoon and a snack.
Clothing
- A complete spare outfit: bodysuit, sleepsuit and socks.
- An extra layer or cardigan, because the weather changes quickly.
- A hat: in winter for the cold, in summer for the sun.
- An extra top for yourself. Sooner or later, you'll be glad you brought it.
For soothing
- A dummy and a spare dummy.
- A familiar cuddly toy or plaything.
- A thin blanket or muslin square.
For you
- Phone and charger or power bank.
- A bottle of water and something to eat.
- Hand sanitiser.
Tip: restock the changing bag as soon as you get home. That way, it's always ready to go and you won't have to think about it next time.
What to look for in a changing bag?
A good changing bag keeps everything organised, so you don't have to dig around while your baby is crying in your arms. These are the features that make the difference:
- A backpack style, so you have your hands free.
- Plenty of pockets, with separate spaces for nappies, feeding and clothing.
- An insulated pocket to keep bottles at the right temperature.
- A wet pocket, so a dirty bodysuit doesn't soak the rest.
- Pram clips, so you can hang the bag on the buggy.
- Water-repellent fabric that you can easily wipe clean.
Our changing backpack has all of this, and it comes with a foldable changing mat, an insulated bottle holder and pram clips.
Ready to go?
Heading out in the colder months? Read how to keep your baby nice and warm in the buggy. Prefer babywearing? Have a look at choosing a baby carrier.
Frequently asked questions
How many nappies should I bring?
A safe guideline is one nappy for every two to three hours you're out, plus two extra for unexpected moments.
How do I keep bottle feeds at the right temperature on the go?
Bring warm water in a thermos flask and the measured powder separately. This way, you can prepare a fresh bottle the moment your baby gets hungry.
