Whether you’re a first time mum, a seasoned pro or somewhere in between the two, your third trimester is when your pregnancy journey is due to come to an end and your motherhood journey is about to begin. It’s both an exciting and a challenging time as you start to think about welcoming a little one into your world whilst battling the dramas of pregnancy. Even if you’re not feeling an endless need to pee, have an achy back, struggling with your balance or unable to paint your toenails, transitioning from pregnant mama to baby mama is about to rock your world!
Before you get to meet your newest family member, you need to get the task of childbirth out the way. The inevitable experience of childbirth is individual and unique to every woman who goes through it and preparing for the biggest challenge of your life can be both exhilarating and terrifying at the same time.
Around the 30 weeks mark, you’ll usually be asked to start thinking about your birth plan. This includes where you’d like to give birth ideally, whether that’s home, a midwife-led childbirth centre, women’s hospital or your nearest hospital with a maternity unit. Other decisions to make include questions about how you want to give birth, water birth for example or elective caesarean. Talking to women who have been through this before will help with the decision making process or if you’re more of a Googler, then read about it online. There are so many resources available to help expectant mothers.
After you’re cracked your birth plan, it’s time to start thinking about packing for your hospital stay. You may have elected for a home birth, in which case, no maternity hospital bag is needed. You may have to think about whether you want to hire or buy a birthing pool, who you might like to be with you for your labour, contingency childcare for existing children and what supplies you’ll need at home to prepare for the birth of your little one
Do I Need a Changing Bag?
Young babies need their nappy changed up to 12 times a day and older babies need changing at least 8 times daily. So, if you’re wanting to leave the house, a baby changing bag is certainly essential. Not only is a changing bag useful for nappy changing when you’re out and about, but it also keeps everything neatly organised in pockets and compartments, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting important items and you are able to quickly grab what you need.
How to Choose a Baby Changing Bag
When it comes to choosing a baby changing bag, there are lots of options on the market and it’s difficult to know which is best. Ultimately, choosing a changing bag depends on your preferences for convenience, style and budget. From baby changing backpacks and pram bags to baby changing tote bags and handbags, there is a unique style of baby bag to suit your specific needs.
Before you buy a changing bag, you should consider the reputation of the brand and your preference for the shape and style of the bag as travel bags designed for parents with young children will be more functional than standard rucksacks. If you and your partner will both be using the changing bag, you should also consider getting one that you both like. It’s a good idea to share the load!
Here are some of the things you should look out for when choosing a baby changing bag:
- Lots of compartments and pockets
- A detachable, washable or wipe-clean changing mat
- Washable or wipe-clean lining
- An adjustable, padded shoulder strap
- Clips for attaching onto a pram
What to Pack in Your Changing Bag:
1. Bottles
If you’re not directly breast feeding and you plan to make up formula when you’re out you should pack sterilised bottles, formula powder measured out in a sterilised container and a flask of hot water that’s just been boiled. You should use boiled water for a hot shot to sterilise the formula, then boiled cool water to top it up. Pre-made formulas are a good idea when out and about as they can be heated as required. It’s recommended that formula should be used within 2 hours if untouched and 1 hour if started although this advice does change frequently.
2. Snacks
When your baby gets older and you go out for longer, you’ll need to pack food for them to eat as well as a spoon and a bib. You could pack a pot or two of puree in a cool bag in your baby backpack, as well as something like carrot sticks depending on the age of your baby. Also remember to pack a drink, some snacks and anything else you might need for yourself!
3. Muslin cloth
A breastfeeding shawl or muslin cloth is a practical addition to any baby changing bag. Keep at least 2 in your bag and consider buying small and large ones as having different sizes is useful. They can help you feel more comfortable and relaxed when breastfeeding in public and can be used for mopping up if your baby burps up milk or dribbles after a feed. They are one of the most versatile items for baby changing bags and can even be used as a sunshade on hot days.
4. Changing mat
Foldable changing mats are a baby changing bag essential as they allow you to change your baby’s nappy just about anywhere. They won’t take up too much room in your bag and are super easy to clean. Alternatively, some baby travel bags and changing bags come with built-in changing mats that you can detach for ease of use on the go.
5. Nappies, wipes and nappy bags
Depending on how long you’ll be out for and how old your baby is, it’s a good idea to keep between four and six extra nappies (or liners and covers if you’re using cloth nappies) in your changing bag. You should also pack plenty of baby wipes and leakproof nappy bags as you’ll need to clean up any mess after changing your baby, and they will certainly come in handy. A wet/dry bag is endlessly useful for disposing of used cloth nappies and can double up as a bag for soiled clothes, disposable nappies and wipes too.
6. Nappy rash cream
It’s a great idea to have nappy creams and ointments in your baby travel bag just in case your baby needs them. Nature’s Divine Organic Baby Balm can help gently nourish your baby’s skin and soothe nappy rashes and eczema after changing. It’s also safe for use from birth onwards.
7. A change of clothes
Babies can go through several clothing changes per day because they often dribble or spit up. At times, your baby’s nappy can also leak which will mean you’ll need to put your baby in a change of clothes to keep them clean, dry and avoid any nasty rashes. Consequently, at least one change of baby clothes is essential when packing your baby’s changing bag and two or three changes for a full days outing.
8. A dummy
If you use a dummy or pacifier for your baby, store it in a re-sealable bag to keep it sanitary in your baby bag. Trust us, you’ll thank yourself later for packing a dummy. It’s a good idea to pack a back-up or several dummies as they seem to vanish easily and the last thing you need is a screaming baby that wants their dummy, but they have dropped it on the floor, and you have no spares.
9. Entertainment
Easily portable toys are great to have on hand as they are a useful distraction if you need to keep your baby entertained. Toys and rattles can be a great distraction for even the smallest of babies and for toddlers they are an essential. Packing a few toys including teethers for smaller babies, soft books for toddlers and anything that makes noise or is easily grippable in your changing bag can turn sobs into smiles while you’re on the go.
10. Essentials for you
Don’t forget to include some essentials you may need for yourself when you’re out and about – lip balm, hand sanitiser (for when you don’t have access to a sink), gentle skincare products, breast pads, and some tasty on-the-go snacks. If you’ve got enough space, it’s also a good idea to carry a spare top to change into in case a baby burp turns into something worse! It happens!
To sum it up, baby changing bags are lifesavers for parents on the go. With features like insulated pockets, built-in changing pads and separated compartments, changing bags are perfect for keeping all your baby’s essentials organised and easily accessible so you can quickly grab nappies, wipes and other items without any hassle. We hope this blog has provided insight on all the items you’ll need in your baby’s changing bag to ensure your outings with baby and young children are as stress-free as possible.
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