Inside My Baby Bag

I’ve had a couple of requests on Instagram lately for a look at what I carry in my baby bag, ask and ye shall receive my friends…

The Bag – is not actually a baby bag at all, it’s a tote from Stella & Dot but it has so many inside compartments and pockets that it’s great for carrying the endless supply of things you need every time you leave the house.

Nappy Changing – I always carry a fold-up travel changing mat with muslin tucked inside. Mainly because the plastic trays in public changing rooms are not very comfortable and some of them can look pretty grim. I also use it when I go to people’s houses, I’d much rather we make a mess on the muslin cloth than my parent’s carpet.

I have a clear zip case to keep all my nappy changing items together making it easier to just grab the bag when I’m out, inside I carry; 3 or 4 clean nappies, packet of water wipes or sensitive wipes, cotton wool pads, disposable nappy bags and a couple of spare breast pads for me. Normally, I prefer to wash Amelia with warm water and cotton wool pads but when you’re out shopping this isn’t always an option so I always have the wipes with me just in case.

Spare Clothes – It’s true that you learn from your mistakes and trust me you will only ever have one nappy blow out and not have spare clothes in your bag. I never go out without spare clothes now. They’re nothing fancy, in fact they’re as plain as possible to help them match with what she’s wearing if at all any of her outfit can be saved. So in the clear bag with pink zip we have; plain vest, white socks, plain pink bib, white hat and a full body baby grow.

Milk – Whilst I am breast feeding I am not very good at it, Amelia always latches on but it takes a mountain of pillows and I have to be sat in just the right position etc…so the thought of trying to do this in public is horrifying. For that reason I express and take pumped milk with me in bottles. Always two, even if I am only popping out for a short time and there’s no way she will drink that much. It’s a security thing, I know I have more than enough with me so there’s no need to worry.

If you’re wondering, the bottles we use are by MAM, anti-colic self sterilising bottles. We have found Amelia latches to them really well and they haven’t caused any nipple confusion either which is a bonus.

Muslins & Blankets – Always, always, always carry muslins, they come in handy for everything. Remember earlier I said you’ll never leave the house without spare clothes…I have definitely had to fashion a dress out of a muslin following an almighty poop disaster. I always carry a super large one like this one from aden + anais. If you haven’t checked out their site you must! Their muslins are just beautiful and they’ve just launched a metallic range that is to die for. The super large muslin I have here is actually called a swaddle on their website as these are larger than their traditional muslin squares. I also carry a smaller muslin that is easy to use for little spills and wiping up dribble. The one pictured I picked up from The Little White Company and it is one of my most favourite baby buys to date.

Given it is currently winter, Amelia is always covered with a blanket when we go out so this isn’t in my baby bag as such but it is part of the ‘never ending stuff’ we have to remember to take.

Toys & Comforters – Amelia hasn’t quite reached the stage where she wants a toy to hold yet and she certainly doesn’t have any favourites so the ones I carry vary every time we leave the house but I try to take something to cuddle (the pink bunny comforter) something to chew (Sophie La Girafe) and something to entertain or learn (Freddie the Firefly).  I also take a dummy with me but this is often tied to the straps of her car seat or the handle of her pram so that it is on hand when needed but can’t get lost. At the moment Amelia doesn’t really like a dummy, she will take it for a second but then spit it out. She much prefers to suck her thumb which is easier for both of us but I still take the dummy just in case.

Miscellaneous – Other items I carry include a buggy bag clip to attach my bag to the handle of my pram, a bottle of water for me, a spare shopping bag or two cause I’m not paying 5p for one in the shops and Amelia’s red book when we have an appointment coming up. I’m so paranoid about leaving it at home that I tend to put it in my bag about a week before our appointments just to be sure I can’t forget it.

So there we are, that’s everything I carry with me when I leave the house with Amelia. It’s a lot when you break it down isn’t it, how someone so little needs so much stuff is beyond me but God forbid the day you don’t take it all…

If there are any other posts you would like to see, please leave a comment below and let me know. I will see what I can do…

Rachel xx