Top Ten Tuesday - Packing a Diaper Bag

Let me just start by saying I don't like carrying diaper bags. But as a mother of 3, I have no choice. I always manage to get stuck with the little extras: keys, gum, wallet, phone. None of these things belong to me. They belong to my S.O. who refuses to carry a man bag as I have quietly suggested for years. Getting dressed and out the door with 3 little ones under the age of 6 has its challenges so always having a diaper bag packed and either waiting at the door or sitting in the car, will save you a whole lot of time.

Here are a few essentials to keep in your diaper bag:

10. Toys

Packing two or three small toys to keep the little one active can come in handy if you ever find yourself with idle time while you're out and about. Bam Bam is 9 months and starting to get into that busy phase so keeping a couple of secret weapons in the bag can buy me a good 20 minutes.

9. BabyLegs

These little leg warmers are great when you experience temperature changes on your outing. The crazy thing about L.A. is it can be 90 degrees when you leave the house at 11am, but if you come home after the sun goes down, it may deep well into the low 60s. It doesn't matter what season - winter, spring, summer, fall. Having BabyLegs handy is a great way to combat the changes in temperature.

8. Snacks

If your kids are anything like my kids, they graze. They never sit down and eat a complete meal. So by the time we are 30 minutes into our outing, they're already whining about hunger. Most of the time I'm prepared for their tomfoolery with fruit or graham crackers or something messy like apple sauce (I'm a gluten for punishment). Other times I just let them starve so they can learn a lesson in eating when you're fed. Nonetheless, for the most part, packing snacks is smart.

7. Small plastic bag/small grocery bag

For kids of diapering age, it's a good idea to keep some sort of small plastic bag near by in the event of one of those Code Red diapers that cannot be disposed of in a person's home other than your own. Especially if that person doesn't have kids. You know the Code Red diapers, not intended for amateurs or first time moms. The one where the boo boo has somehow made its way up the center of your childe's spin and the smell makes you hack and gag. It is not for the weary!

6. Munchkin Formula Dispenser

After three kids, I have found the ultimate life saver. I wish I could say this was my discovery but it was my 4 year old Mini Me that discovered this in the Target baby food aisle. My little shopper suggested I get this Munchkin Formula Dispenser and I only got it to appease her. Unbeknownst to me, this is the greatest invention EVER! You can pour three bottles worth of formula in the compartments, pack your water, and make fresh bottles on the go. Such a simple concept but then again, the best inventions are usually elementary.

5. Blanket

Blankets serve multiple purposes. They are used for warmth, protection against germy surfaces, or just a comfort item for baby. Take them where ever you go. There is always a use for them.

4. Change of clothes & Ziplock bag for soiled items

I can't tell you how many times I've been caught out there without a change of clothes. You think your kids are potty trained and they will give you sufficient amount of time to get him/her to the bathroom. However, they get caught up in something exciting and dare not inform you of their need to relieve their bladders until the very last second. I'm embarrassed to say that I have spent more than my fair share of money buying replacement clothes because I've run out the door without backup.

3. Diaper Bag Buddy

The Diaper Bag Buddy is like an emergency kit similar to one you might keep in your car. It is jam packed with organic diaper rash cream, natural aloe vera gel packs, organic face & Body Moisturizer, Latex Free Junior Bandages, natural tush wipes, a one time use thermometer, organic shampoo & body wash all wrapped up in a 100% recycled carry anywhere case. With kids, you never know what might happen at any given moment. The best thing about the Diaper Bag Buddy is that 10% of profits go to the disabled community.

2. Changing Pad

Because it's always a mystery where and under what conditions you're going to have to change a diaper, a changing pad is your baby's tushy's best friend. Especially if you have one of those Code Red diapers.

1. Diapers!

I say this as if it's a no-brainer but I have walked out of the house (many a day) without ONE diaper in my possession. How does that happen? I just don't understand me. It has even happened recently with baby #3. You would think I would have all of this down packed by now but there's a big part of me that's still sorta fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants. Just wing it. I think I'll get it in order by the time I have grandchildren.

Which brings me to the disclaimer I should have put out there at the BEGINNING of this post. Even though I have pretty good ideas on how to pack diaper bags, I don't necessarily follow my own suggestions. But I will say, the days that I am organized and all of the above are on deck are the days that flow the smoothest. Hope I've helped at least one person out there. Tah tah!