Going out for a walk with your baby can be quite an adventure, especially in the first few months. Gone are the days of tiny bags where you only had to pack your keys, wallet, and phone—now you’ll need a diaper bag or changing bag to carry not only your belongings, but also everything your baby might need for diaper changes.

The key is to plan ahead and know in advance which items are essential. At LILLYDOO, we want to help you with this task, and in the following article we’ll tell you what you should carry in your changing bag so nothing catches you off guard. Will you join us? Let’s get started!

1. GEAR SHIFT

If you’re pregnant, there’s something you should know: babies can get very messy. Luckily, technology has made life much easier, because there’s almost nothing a washing machine can’t fix. That’s why one of the essentials you’ll want to carry for a while is a change of clothes for your little adventurer . At first, it’s a good idea to pack: a bodysuit (or two, depending on how long you’ll be away from home), a T-shirt, and pants. Later, around one year to one and a half years old, they’ll likely stop wearing bodysuits, but we still recommend keeping some spare clothing in case of any leakage. Above all, when they start taking their first steps, it’s very easy for the diaper to shift—and for them to get stained at the park or during meals.

2. PORTABLE CHANGING TABLE

An essential item in your diaper bag is a portable changing pad. You’ll find many different models at any baby store. We recommend choosing one that takes up as little space as possible and is laminated so you can clean it easily . It will be very useful because, even if you can use a changing table in some public places, this accessory helps protect your baby from the surface. Some are padded, which provides extra comfort for your little adventurer while you change the diaper. And if you prefer, you can opt for disposable changing pads. At LILLYDOO we have disposable changing tables that are super soft and perfect for diaper changes outside the home.

3. DIAPERS

You should carry between three and five diapers in your changing bag, depending on how long you’ll be out and your baby’s age. This is important because, as you’ll see, during the first few weeks it’s likely that your baby will have a bowel movement with almost every feeding. As they grow, you’ll notice diaper changes become less frequent over time. The LILLYDOO diapers are especially gentle on your baby’s sensitive skin and help minimize the risk of irritation. We encourage you to choose the ones that best suit your little adventurer.

4. WIPES

Sometimes it can be difficult to completely remove the contents of the diaper from all the skin folds, so it’s a good idea to carry a pack of wipes in your changing bag. Wipes made with 99% water are ideal for the delicate skin of newborns. The LILLYDOO Sensitive Skin Wipes are ultra soft because they’re made of an ultra-flexible material with a lotion of aloe vera and organic olive oil. And, of course, they’re fragrance-free to be as gentle as possible.

5. DIAPER CHANGE CREAM

Even if you change your baby’s diaper regularly and take all preventive measures, diaper dermatitis diaper dermatitis can still appear. Irritated skin can be painful, and the buttocks take longer to heal in the warm, humid environment of a diaper than they do outdoors. Whenever you can, it’s important that your baby spends some time each day with their bottom exposed and that you keep their skin hydrated. almond oil is perfect for nourishing and protecting your little adventurer’s skin. Diaper rash creams can be very effective when there is irritation. So it’s never a bad idea to carry a cream in your changing bag. It’s recommended, however, that you pay attention to the ingredients and choose only creams without parabens or fragrances.

6. DISPOSABLE TISSUES

This is a rule worth following whether you’re carrying a changing bag or a small purse: carry a pack of disposable tissues . You never know when you’ll need them—but, like a change of clothes, the moment you don’t have them is usually the moment you do. Be prepared.

7. A MUSLIN

One item that will probably come in handy at some point is a muslin. This small piece of soft fabric has become a must-have for 21st-century mothers. It can help if the portable changing pad gets stained, if your little one is cold, or if they fall asleep in the stroller and you want to cover them with something that won’t generate too much heat. They are made of cotton, and some are very beautiful. It will be hard to choose just one!

8. A SMALL STUFFED ANIMAL OR TOY

As your baby grows, changing a diaper can become a real challenge : they move, they don’t want to stop playing to have their diaper changed, and it may be uncomfortable for them to stay on their back. When your baby starts walking, some mothers prefer to change the diaper while the child is standing. This takes a bit more practice, but it can be a respectful and practical option. It can be very helpful to always carry a small stuffed animal or toy in the changing bag to entertain your little adventurer when you’re about to change their diaper. Look for ideas that make each small big task a little easier!

9. HAND SANITIZER

Hygiene is always important, but with a small baby, it takes on a whole new meaning. Often, when you go to change your baby, you’ll have access to a bathroom with water and soap to wash your hands. But that won’t always be the case, so we recommend that you always carry a ... bottle of hand sanitizer gel . It doesn’t require rinsing, so you can keep your hands clean before and after each diaper change.