baby bag

part three of the "survival" web rants

now that i'm a parent, the day-to-day contents of my bag (as well as the bag itself) have changed.  that notwithstanding, i now carry a diaper bag for my son.

the diaper bag

i actually own four diaper bags, three of which are rotated in and out of use.  one was a gift, two were new-mom hospital freebies, and one was a gift to myself (and a total score!).

the bags that i use are vinyl-lined (things leak, even if they claim not to do so).  all three have exterior pocket(s) for holding bottles; the pocket(s) can also be used to hold:

the bags that came from the hospital also have insulated mini-bags (and freezable icepacks) for keeping things cold--we usually carry food in them, but i'm getting ahead of myself.  because almost every mother in central PA has the same diaper bags, i make sure Alexandre's name is Sharpied into everything.

the events lined up will determine the bag used.  for most outings, i use either the yellow or blue bag due to size and mini-bag.  but if i'm feeling particularly image-conscious, i will use the leopard bag.

contents

the amounts vary slightly depending on the day's plans.  but my absolute must-haves for a diaper bag are:

how do i fit it all in?  advance planning.  i try to keep everything down to small sizes.  diapers can be flattened pretty compact.  it's easy to find travel size containers of baby powder and hand sanitizer.  disposable bibs are just made of paper, so they don't really take up any space.  baby wipes can be purchased in travel sizes--i see them all the time in little throw-away packs of ten or so.  but what i did was buy a travel-size pack in a plastic case, and i simply refill the case after each outing.  our makeshift first aid kit is kept in a snack-size baggie, snacks are either put into a separate snack-size baggie or a small Tupperware container.  i try to keep the change of clothes compact--one-pieces when i can.  if it's not possible to use a one-piece outfit, i'll try to carry a tee-shirt or onesie, a pair of pants, and a pair of socks.  when i remember, i throw a toy or two into the diaper bag (but it's easier just to hand it to Alexandre directly).

tips

moving on up

at some point, you may outgrow your diaper bag (we're getting close to that day).  i've noticed that a lot of parents go out and buy a bigger diaper bag.  this seems stupid to me.  because at some point the child will outgrow it.  and you'll have to buy yet another bag.

what i've decided to do is buy a backpack for Alexandre.  the one we're looking at is the Fast Break Jr. by Land's End.  it's made specifically for small children.  right now, it'll take the place of the diaper bag.  it's big enough to be an overnight bag for going out of town, or it can hold a few days' worth of essentials for day care.  and if it's not completely destroyed, Alexandre can use it when he starts kindergarten.

           the perils of internet dating (coming soon)

          am i pretty on the inside?

           part one:  getting through the day

           part two:  surviving at a show

           part three:  minding the monsters (you are here)