Being a parent is hard; not only do you have to care for and pretty much do everything for them, but it’s also an added stress when you have out-of-town trips. Can you already imagine the dreaded nappy bag looms? We get it; these trips are necessary for a child’s development, but that doesn’t change the fact that they come with the stress of packing too. The endless rummaging to find items, potential spills, and, worst of all, the forgotten essentials. Well, it’s about time to put an end to those days because, in this article, we’ll share with you a few organization tips and tricks to transform your nappy bag backpack into an efficient trove for your peace of mind.
How to pack a nappy bag backpack like a pro: tips and tricks you should know.
Shoving everything down your knapsack won’t do you any good; before everything else, you should start with compartmentalization first. Your bag should be divided into zones, each housing a specific category of items, and in that way, it’s easier to grab what you need when it’s time to change their diaper and other necessities.
Diaper essentials. The first compartment you want to focus on is the diaper essentials; it’s basically the heart of your nappy bag backpack. Make sure you pack a generous amount of diapers, ideally one for every two hours, and a few extras: wet wipes, a diaper rash cream, and a changing mat. Don’t forget to pack a diaper disposal bag too, making sure you contain the mess as best as you can.
Snacks and food. Since they’re still growing, babies and children tend to be snacky; it doesn’t matter if they’re still being bottle-fed or breastfed, so you have to pack a few essentials for this too. For breastfeeding parents, make sure you have a feeding cover among your essentials for discreet feeding. It’s also handy to pack a pre-measured formula in a dispenser, along with sterilized bottles and a bottle brush for easy cleaning. Speaking of cleaning, it can never hurt to pack a placemat for convenient cleaning too!
Entertainment essentials. Given how kids and babies get bored easily, you have to pack a few sources of entertainment for them like their favorite stuffed animal, chewable toys, and even a few age-appropriate books.
Extra-fit compartment. During trips, you never know what can happen, so in case their outfit gets too messy, it’s important to pack an extra fit or two, along with a hat and sunscreen.
Parental provisions. Of course, don’t forget to pack a few essentials for yourself! You must have a few snacks of your own, including a water bottle, to get your energy up and running. Include a small first-aid kit with a few band-aids and antiseptic ointments in case of emergency.
Ziploc bags and pouches are key. To help compartmentalize the items together, it’s best to put them in small pouches and Ziploc bags to keep things organized.
Making your essentials easily accessible for every adventure.
Now that everything’s sorted out, it’s time to focus on another crucial aspect of your nappy bag backpack: accessibility. You don’t want to waste your efforts compartmentalizing things if you’re just going to shove them in the innermost corner of your bag. Here are a few tips to optimize your bag:
Make the most of the utility pockets. One of the great things that come with nappy bag backpacks is how they’re designed with a lot of utility pockets. You should put quick-grab items like your phone and sanitizer in the exterior pockets, while interior pockets should be reserved for the formula or bottles to maintain temperature.
Be mindful of the placement. Make sure you put frequently used items like wipes and diapers within easy reach of your main compartment, including the changing mat in case of emergency “change-now” diaper situations.
Invest in a pacifier clip. If your child is still a baby and clinging to pacifiers, you should invest in a pacifier clip that’s attached to the outside of your backpack for easy access so you won’t have to rummage inside the whole bag.
These are just a couple of general tips you could apply for your nappy bag backpack; you could adjust the contents and essentials based on your family’s needs and personalize your nappy bag packing. Plus, think of the occasion too; for outdoor adventures, sunscreen, and bug repellants are a must. And in case of a weather change, make sure you pack an umbrella or raincoat for safety measures.