New parents have a lot of questions:
How can I help my spouse connect to our baby while I’m pregnant?
Can you hold your baby too much?
Do I count the time between feedings from the start of a feeding or the end?
Is green poop normal?
What should I pack in my hospital bag?
Other common questions relate to diaper bags, like what you should pack in a diaper bag or if you even need one.
Do we need a diaper bag?
Yes! Do you leave your house without a purse or at least a wristlet? (If you do, I don’t know how you do it.) Diaper bags are just like purses—they’re great for holding everything you need when you leave home; except this time you’re storing things for your baby and a few things for you.
Babies require A LOT of stuff, especially newborns, and you need a convenient place to put all the diapers, wipes, etc., even on those short trips to the grocery store.
Emotional Benefits of Getting Outside
Spending time in nature with your baby can strengthen the bond between you. The simple act of holding your baby close, feeling their warmth, and sharing new experiences together can create strong emotional connections. It’s also a wonderful way to reduce stress and improve your mood. When my littles were extra fussy, I’d take a walk around the neighborhood. Even though I don't live in an area with trails and surrounded by nature, simply behind outside changed everything. A little vitamin D does wonders!
Cognitive Development
Nature is a sensory wonderland for babies. The different sights, sounds, and smells can stimulate your baby’s senses and promote cognitive development. Watching leaves rustle, hearing birds chirp, and feeling the texture of a tree bark can all contribute to their learning and development.
- Pajamas. Bring at least two pairs. Baby knotted gowns work great because they are comfy to wear day and night, make diaper changes super easy, and won’t irritate baby’s umbilical cord stump.
- Socks or booties. Baby’s feet and toes easily get cold. Plus, you never know how warm or cool the hospital will be.
- Mittens. Some babies come out with long, sharp nails. If the clothes you brought don’t have built-in fold over mittens, bring a pair or two of your own.
- Hats or headbands. Hats help your newborn stay warm. The hospital will provide a hat, but if you want something a little cuter, bring your own. And if you’re having a girl, you can always bring a soft, stretchy newborn headband for her to wear, too.
- Burp rags. Whether nursing or bottle-feeding, burp rags are very helpful during and after feeding time.
- Blanket. The hospital will provide blankets, but it may be nice to have your own, especially during skin-to-skin time and on the drive home.
- Going home outfit. What you choose will depend on where you live and the season, but make sure it works with a car seat and is picture-worthy!
- Pediatrician’s contact information. Your doctor or nurses will ask you about the pediatrician you plan to use. You’ll also probably have to fill out a form for the hospital that includes his or her information (name, address, and phone number). If you have it already written down or saved on your phone, it’ll be easy to provide that information.
- Diaper cream. The hospital will have some in case you need it, but in my experience, I didn’t love what they gave us. We had a nice nurse who got us a better diaper cream while my son was in the NICU, but we later found out it cost us almost double what we would’ve paid for one at a drugstore.
- Nursing pillow. This won’t fit in your diaper bag, but it’s a must-have if you plan to breastfeed.
The hospital will have diapers, wipes, baby wash, and lotion, but if you have a certain brand you want to use, then you can bring your own. It’s actually not a bad idea to bring a small extra bag to put all the free (kind of) stuff in that the hospital will send you home with.
Choosing the Right Baby Carrier
When it comes to selecting the best baby carrier for summer adventures, there are several options to consider.
Types of Baby Carriers:
- Wraps: Perfect for newborns, providing a snug and secure fit.
- Slings: Ideal for quick and easy use, offering good ventilation.
- Soft Structured Carriers: Versatile and comfortable for both parent and baby, suitable for longer trips.
What should you pack in a diaper bag for everyday outings?
Once you bring your baby home from the hospital, you’ll want to repack your diaper bag, and then double check it before every outing. Here’s a list of diaper bag essentials:
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Diaper cream
- Portable changing pad
- Hand sanitizer
- Extra clothes
- Food for baby (bottle, formula, pumped breast milk, baby food, etc.)
- Bibs
- Burp cloths
- Small extra sacks or wet bag (for dirty diapers, clothes, or pacifiers)
- Extra pacifier and binky clip (if your baby takes one)
- Extra lightweight blanket
- Baby wrap
- Small toys and/or books
Now that you know the essentials for your baby, here’s what to pack in the diaper bag for yourself:
- Extra nursing friendly t-shirt
- Nursing pads
- Nursing cover
- Snacks and water (especially if you’re breastfeeding)
- Wallet
- Small makeup or toiletry bag for personal care items.
As your baby gets older, what you put in your diaper bag changes. For instance, some parents swap out a baby wrap for a structured front baby carrier once their child is around 6 months old and has good head control, so they can hold their baby but have their hands free to shop. Just remember to consider your baby’s age, stage, and every scenario you may encounter and then pack accordingly so you’re prepared no matter what happens while you’re out.
Tips for Organizing Your Diaper Bag
A well-organized diaper bag can make outings with your baby much smoother and stress-free. Here are five tips to keep your diaper bag functional and ready for any adventure:
1. Use Compartments and Pouches
Opt for a diaper bag with multiple compartments or use small, labeled pouches to organize items. Dedicate each section or pouch for specific needs, such as diapers and wipes in one, feeding supplies in another, and extra clothes in a third. This way, you can quickly grab what you need without rummaging. You can also purchase a diaper organizer for your diaper bag to keep all the loose items together.
Advantages of Using Strollers for Nature Adventures
2. Pack Essentials in Travel Sizes
Save space and lighten your bag by packing travel-sized baby products like lotions, diaper cream, and hand sanitizer. Small refillable bottles are great for liquids, and they fit easily into side pockets.
3. Keep a Restock Diaper Bag Checklist
Create a checklist of essentials—diapers, wipes, spare clothes, snacks, bottles, and a pacifier. Review this list after each outing and restock the bag as needed. This habit ensures you’re always prepared for emergencies.
4. Use Waterproof and Easy-to-Clean Bags
Choose a bag made of waterproof material or line it with waterproof pouches. This keeps messes contained and makes cleaning easier in case of spills or leaks.
5. Prepare for Weather and Location
Tailor your bag for the outing. For sunny days, pack sunscreen and a hat; for cooler weather, include a warm blanket or jacket. A foldable changing pad is also a must for on-the-go diaper changes.
Can I use any bag as a diaper bag?
Many handbags and backpacks can double as diaper bags. Some parents choose to use a large bag they already have and just buy a diaper bag insert organizer so they have more pockets and organization inside their bag. With that being said, a diaper bag is a great purchase—or something to add to your baby registry—for even the most minimalist of parents.
While a stylish tote is made for a woman’s everyday necessities, it tends to lack all the necessary interior pockets for a baby’s everyday necessities. Today’s diapers bags are as fashionable as the purse you use now, but they’re more functional for this new stage of life.
Does your favorite tote have insulated bottle pockets or an insert to store your portable changing pad in? A diaper bag does. Is your expensive fabric shoulder bag easy to clean from spills and spit up? Most diaper bags are made with easy-to-clean outer materials and a waterproof interior lining.
And moms, consider your partners. Are they going to carry around your purse when they take your baby on a daddy-daughter date? I’m guessing their reaction would be something like this…
A diaper bag backpack is a perfect option here because you can easily find one that’s sporty enough for him but still cute enough for you and that’s convenient and comfortable for both of you.
Combining Baby Carriers and Strollers
For the ultimate flexibility, consider using both a baby carrier and a stroller on your outings.
Combining both options allows you to adapt to different situations. Use the carrier for more rugged trails and switch to the stroller for smoother paths or when your baby needs a nap.
Transition Tips
- Smooth Transitions: Plan stops where you can easily switch from carrier to stroller.
- Pack Light: Only bring essentials to make transitions easier.
Tips for a Successful Adventure
Planning Ahead
- Route Planning: Choose baby-friendly trails and parks. Check local mom groups or outdoor groups and get recommendations for the best outings for kids.
- Check Weather Conditions: Avoid extreme heat or unpredictable weather. Even with our most breathable carriers, when it’s hot, it’s hot. And having two bodies against each other in the heat will be naturally hot and sticky already.
- Packing Checklist: Include diapers, snacks, water, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit. These all-position carriers have storage pockets where you can fit some of the items easily!
- Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Pack healthy snacks to keep energy levels up and bring plenty of water for both you and baby.
Summer adventures with your baby are a wonderful way to create lasting memories and enjoy the beauty of nature together. From baby carriers to strollers, Ergobaby products are designed to provide comfort and ease for both you and your little one. So, gear up, get outside, and explore the world with your baby by your side.
Ready to embark on your own summer adventures? Check out Ergobaby’s range of baby carriers and strollers to find the perfect match for your family’s needs. Visit our website today and start planning your next outdoor excursion!