What to pack when leaving the house with a newborn

What to pack when leaving the house with a newborn

The first time you pack for a day-out with your baby it might seem like you're packing for a week-long holiday. But it's best to be prepared and to ensure that you have everything you need in your nappy bag - no matter what situation arises.

Nappies and clothes:

6-10 nappies, depending on the length of your outing
Wipes in a convenient travel case
Changing pad
2 or 3 changes of clothes for the inevitable vomit mess or bowel explosion
2 or 3 extra pairs of socks
Weather-appropriate accessories like a warm winter hat, a wide-brimmed summer hat, and/or mittens
Two blankets -- heavy and/or lightweight, depending on the season
Bag(s) for soiled clothes and nappies

Comfort Items:

If your baby starts to develop an attachment to a blanket or stuffed animal, we recommend buying two of the item - one for the nappy bag, one for home. That way there's less of a chance of losing it and it'll be easier to swap and wash when one gets dirty .

Small board or cloth books
Soothers, if you're using them

Feeding:

For formula-fed babies:

Bottles
Cans or packets of formula
Water if using powdered or concentrated formula

For breastfed babies:

A blanket or cloth to cover you (if you so desire) for public feeding sessions
2-3 bibs
1-2 burp cloths
Easy snacks and water for you

Baby products for safety and hygiene:

Nappy cream ointment
Petroleum jelly
Fever-reducer like baby Panadol (for baby's one month and up)
Nasal aspirator and infant nasal spray
Cotton balls
Travel-size baby wash and lotion
2-3 washcloths
Baby sunblock
Hand sanitiser (for you and guests, not for the baby!)
An emergency card with contact information

KidSpot-2