Packing a Well-Stocked Diaper Bag

The weather is warm, the sun is shining and it's time to pack up the baby and head outside. Packing a well-stocked diaper bag is key to a less-stressful trip with baby. Be ready for anything with this checklist.

___ Diapers: Take more than you think you'll need, as many as one for every hour of your outing. Better safe than sorry!
___ Small box or travel pack of wipes: These aren't just for baby, but for your hands, too.
___ A tube of barrier cream or diaper-rash cream
___ Several cloth diapers or other cloths for burping, spit-up, and other messes
___ An extra shirt, pants, and pair of socks for baby
___ An extra shirt for you
___ Baby sunblock
___ Baby's bottle, if she uses one -- to keep things sanitary, you might put the nipple in a plastic bag
___ At least one toy
___ A favorite comfort object
___ If baby is on solids, a container of baby food and a baby spoon, or else a container of snacks, such as cereal or crackers
___ A bib
___ Two extra pacifiers (if baby uses them) stored in a clean plastic bag
___ A cell phone for emergencies
___ An index card with your name, address, and phone number, should the bag get lost
___ An index card with the pediatrician's number, a neighbor's number, and a number where your spouse or one of baby's grandparents can be reached
___ A changing pad -- many diaper bags come with one
___ A few large plastic bags for sealing and tossing dirty diapers, or taking home soiled clothes
___ Water and a snack for you

It may seem like you are packing for a weeklong vacation, but trust me you will be well-prepared.