Mum-of-two Amber Voller shares the items she won’t leave the house without
The only thing harder than leaving the house with a baby? Staying in the house with a baby.
Yes, fresh air, hot coffee and adult conversation all become precious commodities once you become a parent.
But one week into my own motherhood journey, I learned that getting out of the door was easier said than done. Once I’d showered and dressed, got the baby changed, clothed, fed – and inevitably changed again – then packed up my handbag and the baby bag, it was usually time for another feed. And then it would start raining.
Aside from going out in my PJs, I quickly figured there was only one way I was ever going to be able to leave home again.
Prep. The. Changing. Bag.
I’ve since spent a few minutes each evening replenishing my stash, ready to take on whatever life (or my baby) throws at me the next day. Whether it’s a quick park visit or a longer day trip, I’m able to fly out of the house at a moment’s notice – seizing my opportunity in between bottles, naptimes or my three-year-old’s endless snack requests.
Emily Sud, mum to two girls under five, agrees. ‘I definitely feel more confident getting out and about when I know that my changing bag has been packed in advance. I also find it helps to organise items into pouches within the bag, so I can grab things at a glance when I’m out.’
Which changing bag should I choose?
‘I like hands-free bags – backpacks tend to be easiest as you can wear them with a baby carrier, too, but cross-body options also work,’ says Shan Brown, mum to Malaya, three, and Amari, one.
‘And remember to choose something that complements your own style as you’ll be wearing it every day.’
Bags specifically designed as changing bags are best as they tend to be waterproof and have plenty of compartments, such as thermal bottle pockets.
Some changing bags can be fastened to your pram handle, but if not, you can buy buggy clips for easy access when you're pushing.
But what exactly should you store inside? Read on for my definitive checklist – you can find all the items at Asda.
For nappy changes
Foldable changing mat
Baby wipes
At least four nappies
Nappy sacks
Mini nappy cream
For feeding
Two dribble bibs
A large muslin – this can double up as a blanket or something for the baby to lie on
If breastfeeding:
Nursing breast pads
Nipple balm
If formula-feeding:
Sterilised bottles – always pack one or two more than you think you'll need
Compact vacuum flask of boiling water – fill before you leave and use within a few hours
Formula – I like travel pots with compartments for powder, or ready-to-feed liquid milk
If feeding expressed milk:
Sterilised bottles
Breast milk (you'll need a separate bag for this – once cooled in the fridge, it can be stored in a cool bag with ice packs for up to 24 hours)
If weaning:
Baby food – I find pouches easiest on the go as you can squeeze directly onto a spoon
Soft spoon
Plastic bib
Infant-friendly antibacterial wipes to clean highchairs (or dropped toys and dummies)
For yourself:
Purse
Phone
Keys
Tissues
Hairband
Cereal bar or snack
Hand sanitiser
Compact bottle of water – many bags will have a side pocket for this
Lipstick – I don't bring a separate handbag so pop this into my changing bag instead
Portable phone charger – I find it reassuring to carry one of these
Maternity pads – if recently post-partum
Spare t-shirt – for those baby-sick emergencies
Pair of socks – for trips to the soft play
Travel-sized sun-cream, during summer
Sunglasses, during summer
Other essentials:
Full outfit change for the baby – vests and sleepsuits fold up small
