Peace of Mind Through the Perfectly Packed Diaper Bag.

One of the greatest bits of wisdom ever spoken about motherhood was "repack your diaper bag as soon as you get home." It only becomes more important as you add children to your lifestyle. Nothing ruins a last minute run out of the door like having to run around like a crazed game show contestant trying to gather everything you may need. Sure, you can risk heading out without a fully stocked bag but I can promise you as soon as you do your baby is going to demand seven feedings, six diaper changes (three of them poopy) and three new outfits. Had you stocked your bag? The fates would have aligned and you wouldn't have needed any of that stuff.

So maybe that's not completely true but it's an interesting theory and if it scares you into taking my advice? So be it.

If you're a bottlefeeder (which I am) you're going to need to be twice as prepared when headed out if you don't produce milk on tap. Same goes if you have a super spitty baby, if you cloth diaper or have an especially messy pooper/eater/child in general. Since I can really only speak for myself I will tell you I have a waterproof changing pad that holds a minimum of six diapers and at least 20-25 wipes in a slim container. I also have a three part formula dispenser, a smaller single serve formula dispenser, two 2 oz. bottles of ready to feed formula, an 8 oz. bottle of ready to feed formula, a burp cloth, a spare outfit in a ziplock bag, a toy, a roll of multipurpose plastic bags, a reusable bag, gum, chapstick, a small clutch that holds my money, cards and any other little personal items (so I can grab just it if I'm headed out by myself) and a minimum of three bottles, usually four. Two of the bottles are filled with hot water so when lunchtime comes around it's the perfect temperature. (My baby will eat formula of any degree, but slightly warmer than room temperature seems to be her favorite. I have no problem obliging.)

You know, when I write it all out it sounds like a lot. But I promise it's not and it all fits very well. I have never run out of anything and even if a quick trip to the store turns into a seven hour ordeal I am prepared. I also keep a large canvas tote bag in my car with backup essentials including a bottle, a couple 8 oz. bottles of ready to feed formula, an outfit, a burp cloth, a full package of wipes, sunscreen, another changing pad, extra diapers and a pouch sling which can be used as a carrier, burp cloth, blanket, nursing cover and sunshield. Seriously the most versatile piece of baby gear anyone can own next to a muslin swaddling blanket. Hey, I like to be prepared. Boy scout motto and all.

I also have waterproof picnic blanket, bottled water and a stroller in my car at all times. (You kind of want to road trip with me don't you?)

The few times I do panic while out in public are times when I am underprepared. Nothing brings me to my knees faster than having to run out the door last minute with my baby and being unprepared to do so. Obviously we all have to find what works for us, with my first daughter I overpacked like you wouldn't believe. This time around I seem to have found a wonderful system that keeps everyone fed, clean, happy and healthy.

So what's your secret to the perfectly packed diaper bag?