All the essentials you need for your nappy bag

Babies are small, but require a huge amount of things that you’ll need to carry! So once you deliver your newborn, wherever they go, their nappy bag goes too.

Nappy bags need to be lightweight and have plenty of pockets for ease of access. You also need a nappy bag to be made of waterproof and hard wearing material, as you’ll be carting it around all over the place. It’s also good to have an outside clip, so you can attach it to your pram. If possible buy a bag with adjustable straps so you can wear it as a backpack.

There are plenty of gorgeous nappy bag options on the market now from neoprene tote bags, to gender-neutral backpacks and leather totes.

Always keep your nappy bag packed and get into the habit of repacking after every outing, otherwise you’re likely to forget something vital next time you’re out.

It’s also a good idea to put a name tag on your bag, which is especially important once your child begins day care. Perhaps consider putting your name, address and phone number inside in case it goes missing – although as it’s probably surgically attached to you this is unlikely!

Essentially you need nappies and wipes for your nappy bag but due to the unpredictable nature of babies and the high chance of spills and mishaps, you’ll need all sorts of other things too.

What to pack in your nappy bag

Nappy bag essentials for baby

• 5 nappies (you can never have too many!) – Comfy Koalas Monthly Box Premium Bamboo Eco Nappies
• Nappy wipes (in a resealable pack) – Rascal + Friends Sensitive Wipes
• Change mat, if one’s not built into your bag
• Nappy rash cream
• Tissues
• Nappy sacks for soiled clothes and/or nappies
• Cloth nappy
• Change of clothing (singlet/onesie/socks)
• Muslin or flannel wrap, depending on the time of year
• Hat or beanie, depending on the time of year
• Bib – for dribbles and spit up
• Small toy or two, such as a rattle or a cloth book
• Sunscreen suitable for babies

Nappy bag essentials for parents

• Phone/wallet/keys
• Phone charger
• Drink bottle
• Reusable coffee cup
• Snacks and drinks (for yourself; and for baby gets older)
• Change of clothing (in case of spillages/sickness)
• Reusable undies (for unpredictable return of period)
• Hand sanitiser
• Hygiene wipes such as Summer’s Eve Feminie Cleansing Wipes, which can be used on hot days or after exercise.

Top tips for your change bag

• Disposable nappies are essential for when you’re out and about. The Comfy Koalas Premium Bamboo Eco Nappies are highly absorbent, ultra-comfy, and dermatologically tested, oh and they come in a monthly subscription so you can rest assured knowing you’ll always have a supply on hand.
• Pack products for minor emergencies such as band-aids, a thermometer, a saline nose cleaner like FESS Little Noses Nasal Spray and Aspirator and sterile wipes like Little Eyes.
• If you’re using disposable nappies, it’s still a good idea to include a cloth one in your baby bag – they’re handy to throw over your shoulder to protect your clothes.
• If you’re a frequent user of public transport or a keen walker, it might be worth considering a backpack-style baby bag rather than an over-the-shoulder one – that way you can keep your hands free.
• In warm weather, pack an extra singlet; in cool weather, extra clothing.
• Changing dirty nappies is a messy business – just in case you’re stuck somewhere without access to soap and water, keep a pack of Pigeon Anti-Bacterial Wet Tissue Wipes or Aqium Antibacterial Hand Sanitiser in your baby bag.
• In summer, have a pair of nappy togs or a swimsuit in the bag, plus a small super-absorbent towel and extra sunscreen.

Mum’s tip

Tania is mum to a toddler and a newborn. She says “I bought a nappy bag that doubles as a change mat, which was really handy.”