by Elaine M. Doxie

Created on: September 04, 2010

Many a new parent is baffled by this thing called the diaper bag.  It holds diapers, bottles, and so much more.  It can make you feel as if you are packing for a week long vacation every time you leave to go to the grocery store. The question is, what do you really need in your diaper bag, and what can you do without?  The answer to this question depends on where you are going and how long you are going to be there.

If you are running errands to the grocery store or around town, you really don't need very much.  For these trips, you need three or four diapers, baby wipes, one or two bottles, and a pacifier on a holder.  You also may want a burp rag, but that's about it.  You can use the extra space in the diaper bag for your wallet, keys, checkbook and other things that you need personally.

If you are going to the mall, or anywhere that you'll be gone up to half the day, you will want to add a couple of extra diapers, two bottles, plus a small container of extra formula and a couple of bottled waters to make the formula with.  If your baby is young enough, you will want two burp rags at this point in time.  Increase the pacifiers to two instead of just one.  You may also want to pack a plastic bag in case of dirty diapers.  You will also want to add a blanket to your repertoire, in case baby falls asleep and you need to cover her up.  Your personal needs should still fit in the diaper bag so you won't have to carry a purse.  If you will be gone more than half the day, all you will have to add is a couple more diapers and an extra oufit.

What if your baby is going to Grandma's house for the night?   This requires a little more packing.  Your personal things come out of the diaper bag and you put everything in there that you would for a day trip, plus you will want to add a pair of pajamas, a thicker blanket, a comfort item like a stuffed animal and don't forget a thank you note for Grandma for giving you the night off.

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