The diaper bag....

[FormerlyRae]

How do you handle cloth diapering and the diaper bag?  Do you just keep a ziploc bag for dirty diapers?  Is there anything to keep stains from setting if you do change a dirty diaper when you're out and about?  and I know cloth diapers need changing more often (because its easier to tell they're wet/dirty.  How many do you keep in the diaper bag for a day out?

My mom used cloth diapers with me but used disposables when she was out because it was more convenient.  I dont want to switch back and forth, so I'm totally lost right now.

[mymetrobaby]

A zip lock bag is ok. I use a travel laundry bag that is lined right now. There are bags made just for this purpose though. I plan to buy and try a bag made from bumkins called the "dirty duds tote".  A company  called Babyworks in Portland, Oregon sells them.
Go to babyworks.com to check it out or you can google bumkins and find a store near you. They claim to hold at least 4 diapers which is probably a good number for a day out. If you change the baby right before you leave and count the 5th one as the one he/she wil be wearing home. I have my little one out for a whole day at a time and usually have no problems with 3-4 diapers.
If you do decide to keep disposables around, I suggest looking into a diaper called Tushies. They are still going into a landfill, but they seem to be a better choice than commercial brands

[mymetrobaby]

About stains, you can carry a small spray bottle of biokleen Bacout  or whatever pre-treat solution you already use, if you want to, but I don't think it's necessary. I've dealt with a few blowouts on the go before, clothes and all, I just threw everything into the bag and followed my normal routine with the clothes/diaper when I got home and didn't have any problems. It isn't much different than using the drypail method and, as long as you get to it after you get home, it shouldn't be an issue. Stains are going to be a part of cloth diapering.

[FormerlyRae]

Thanks.
The closer I get to my due date the more unprepared I feel for this task... Now I just have to figure out if I'm really in labor...

[mymetrobaby]

Really, it is a "learn as you go" process. I am just starting out and don't have most of the "necessities" that they say you need and we are doing just fine. Some of the stuff you will realize you need after you've been a situation and are thinking back on it. You are ahead of  the game if you are already asking questions! 
Speaking of figuring out if you are in labor, I was sent home 2 times before they let me stay in the hospital and deliver. I ended up laboring at home and was dilated to a 6 before they admitted me! Enjoy every moment of it, even the painful ones, it is always worth it...

[baby_bam]

i started with disposables on the go too, but recently switched over to my prefolds. it's a minor adjustment... mostly just a matter of having enough of everying... typically don't pack enough wraps.  had to reorganize my bag too but i enjoy doing that anyway:)

my next step is trying to decide if i wanna switch to cloth wipes for home AND on the go.

definately "learn as you go"

[baby_bam]

Quoting FormerlyRae:

Thanks.
The closer I get to my due date the more unprepared I feel for this task... Now I just have to figure out if I'm really in labor...

you'll know ;)

unprepared feeling is natural... i have a nearly 3 month old.. and i STILL feel unprepared.  do the best you can and you'll do great!

[newphillymomma]

Do we as moms ever feel fully prepared?

My DD is  months and I still have my days that I am lost!

[baby_bam]

Quoting newphillymomma:

Do we as moms ever feel fully prepared?

My DD is months and I still have my days that I am lost!

no, i think you're right.  prepared is an illusion.  we take it as it comes and make it up as we go!