Nappy Changing

Small babies need their nappy changed between 10-12 times a day, so if you’re planning to leave the house without incident, you’ll need a changing bag.  

There’s endless advice out there about what you should—and shouldn’t--pack (often, everything but the kitchen sink), it can be hard for any newborn parent to decide what they really need.  

While you won’t need to drag a suitcase around every time you pop to the shops, there are a few essential items you’ll need to take to make the trip enjoyable for you (and your baby). If you’re struggling to decide, we’ve got you 

Do I need a nappy bag? 

While you won’t need to drag a suitcase around every time you pop to the shops, a good nappy bag is still an essential item. Taking a dedicated changing bag with you will make trips far more enjoyable for you (and your baby).  

You can technically use any bag to hold your change time essentials. However, specially designed changing bags are durable, easy to carry, and give you all the space you need to keep organised, with everything in one place. 

What to look for in a nappy bag 

Struggling to find the right bag for you? We’ve got a few points you might want to consider before you make a purchase:  

• Does it have bottle storage? Built-in, insulated, bottle compartments will keep expressed or formula milk fresh (cool?), ready for the next time they’re ready for a feed.  If your go-to changing bag doesn’t have insulated bottle storage, we’ve got you. Shop our insulated bottle bags here.  
• Does it come with a built-in changing mat? A detachable changing mat means you can comfortably change baby’s nappy anytime, anywhere. A true lifesaver! If you can’t find a bag with a built-in changing mat, foldable alternatives won’t take up too much room.  
• Does it have a dirty nappy compartment? If you can’t throw away dirty nappies immediately (believe us, it happens), you’ll want to keep them separate from their clean clothes and other essentials.  
• Is it easy to clean? Bags made from washable, wipe-clean fabrics make those (inevitable) messy moments much easier to handle.  
• Are there plenty of pockets? Who doesn’t love pockets? For parents on-the-go, nappy changes need to be fast and fuss-free. We particularly love bags with see-through mesh pockets and a light-coloured interior, so we can reach for all our bits and bobs in a flash.  
• Does it suit your style? Consider not only the style, shape, colour and fabric, but whether the bag will feel comfortable for you to carry. Lots of changing bags can be worn multiple ways, come with adjustable, detachable, and padded straps for comfort, or have clips that can be attached to your pram. 

Nappy bag essentials

Let's run through what you'll need to pack in your baby's changing bag so you're ready to pop on a fresh nappy, whenever, wherever.

• A baby care kit: Perfect for popping in your changing bag, our baby healthcare kit comes with 9 essential items to care for your baby at home or on the go.
• A spare outfit for baby: It’s always a good idea to bring—at least—one change of clothes for your baby. 
• Bottles and a bottle warmer: If you're bottle feeding your baby, you'll need a place to store bottles, and room to store a bottle warmer, so you're able to warm their feed to the perfect temperature. 
• Breast pads: Keeping a few breast pads in your changing bag can help to absorb any unexpected leaks if you're breastfeeding.
• Comforters: Soothers and small soft toys can help turn sobs into smiles while you’re on the go (and buy precious seconds for yourself). 
• Hand sanitiser: Pack some good-quality hand sanitiser in your baby changing bag to use when you don't have access to a sink (and keep germs at bay).
• Muslin squares: Our vote for the most versatile baby-care item in your bag, muslin cloths can be used to mop up spills, wipe away dribble, as a nursing cover when breastfeeding, or even as a makeshift sunshade on a hot day. 
• Nappies: This one’s a no-brainer. We’d suggest always keeping 4-8 extra nappies in your bag, just to be safe. 
• Nappy cream: Packing a small tub or tube of nappy rash cream will help keep them comfortable when you're away from home.
• Nappy bags: Make disposing of dirty nappies as quick, easy and mess-free as possible. 
• Suncream:(Particularly important during summer) Baby’s skin is particularly sensitive, carrying a travel-sized tub of SPF and a lightweight sunhat will help protect them from the sun. 
• Teething gel: If your baby is teething, they’ll make sure you know about it. Pop a small tube of teething gel in your bag to help soothe their sore gums. 
• Wipes: Baby wipes are soon-to-be your new best friend. Aside from the obvious (helping with nappy changes), they can be used to clean sticky fingers and mucky faces, and to mop up any messy spills.
• Essentials for you: You’ve got them sorted, but what about you? Packing travel-friendly items like lip balm, hand cream, a reusable coffee cup, tasty on-the-go snacks, and even a spare top (in case an innocent baby burp turns into something worse), can make an essential trip out, enjoyable.