Leaving the house on the first few outings with your new baby can be overwhelming, so we’ve put together a checklist of essential items to pack in your baby's nappy bag, plus a few items you may wish to consider.
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List of Nappy Bag Essentials:
- 2-3x Nappies
Purebaby tip: pack an additional nappy for each hour you will be out in addition to the 2-3 already in your bag. If you are using reusable nappies, ensure you have enough liners, covers and a wash bag to bring these back home.
- 1x Pack of Wipes
- 1x Nappy rash cream
- 1x Change Mat
- 2x Burp Cloths or Bunny Rugs
- 2x Muslin Wraps (great for swaddling, as a cover up or as additional shade)
- 1x Change of baby clothes
- 1x Cardigan (for sudden weather changes)
- 1x Hat or Beanie (depending on the weather)
- 2x Bibs
- 2x Toys or Comforters
- 1x Blanket
- 2x Dummies or Pacifiers (if using)
- Breast pads, nipple cream and nipple shields (if breastfeeding)
- Formula, bottles and an insulated bottle holder (if using)
- Mini first aid kit
Items you may wish to consider:
- Reusable and/or waterproof bags (for soiled clothes or nappies)
- Sensitive skin sunscreen, sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat (for warmer weather)
- Hand sanitiser
- Insect repellent
- Muslin Face Washers (to mop up spills)
- Sleepwear or pyjamas (for longer outings)
Purebaby tip: remember to restock your nappy bag when you get back home, so it’s ready to go the next time you leave the house!
You may wish to consider having two nappy bags, a small one for quick trips and a larger one for longer outings. Items such as wipes and creams often come in large packaging and can be bulky in a small bag, so look for reusable travel-sized packs for your small nappy bag.
How to Organise Your Nappy Bag:
A well-organised nappy bag makes outings with your baby much easier. Use these simple tips to keep everything tidy and accessible:
- Assign compartments – Keep each item in a designated pocket or section to find things quickly.
- Use travel-sized products – Mini, refillable versions of wipes, creams, and other essentials save space and reduce weight.
- Fold items neatly – Store blankets, spare clothes, and nappies like documents in a filing cabinet to keep things organised.
- Prioritise accessibility – Keep frequently used items, like wipes, extra nappies and dummies, in outer pockets for quick access.
- Store rarely used items at the bottom – Spare clothes and emergency supplies can go in the deeper sections of the bag.
When Choosing a Nappy Bag:
When selecting a nappy bag, look for one with waterproof lining and multiple compartments to help keep the contents clean and easy to find. A backpack or satchel may suit your lifestyle better than a traditional nappy bag, especially as your little one becomes mobile and you need to chase them around!
Look for a nappy bag that:
- Fits on or underneath the pram
- Stands upright when placed on a flat surface, so the contents doesn’t fall out
- Is accessible with one hand
- The weight and size doesn’t give you a sore back or shoulders
- If there is an included change mat, ensure that this is detachable for easy use and cleaning
Multiple compartments in a nappy bag are great for keeping your contents separated and easy to find. You may wish to have your spare clothes in one compartment, changing supplies in another and so on. This is especially helpful when you have your hands full and need to access something quickly.
