I used to pack my handbag with whatever would fit - alongside the usual stuff, I'd take a bottle of deodorant, a bottle of perfume or body spray, a full sized hairbrush, sometimes a second pair of shoes - it was ridiculous.
Bird's changing bag started off the same way when she was born. It was always completely full - I packed loads, including my full makeup bag, into the changing bag. Obviously, it didn't take long for me to realise this was not going to work.
So I've managed to wean myself off of some items, and have only what I believe are the essentials in the changing bag.
The changing bag I'm currently using is called the Koto changing bag and I am obsessed with it! I just love everything about it. This is the 4th changing bag I've had since Bird was born... Yes, I know... I'll be doing a separate review on all 4 changing bags at a later date.
So first, here is my beautiful bag in all its glory:
I'll get stuck in with the contents now.
Changing mat - most changing bags come with one. The Koto bag has one with a green floral print which matches the fabric on the inside of the bag and pockets. I always put this down if I'm changing Bird at someone else's house, and I use it on the plastic pull down things in toilets and changing rooms.
Nappies! One of the most important things, obviously. We use Tesco Ultra Dry, currently in size 3. We've tried loads of different brands but have always come back to these as we find they fit Bird the best. Plus, they have a super cute little owl on the front, and I love owls!
Wipes. We usually go for Pampers because they're thick enough not to stretch and fall apart, but don't have a horrible dry feel we've experienced with some other brands.
Nappy bags. We're not fussy on the brand, and usually go for the shop's own brands because, let's face it, does it really matter what sort of bag you're going to use to dispose of a dirty nappy?
Nappy cream. I'll either use Sudocrem or the store brand from Tesco. I think they're as good as each other. Sudocrem is thicker whereas the Tesco brand has more of a "mousse" consistency but that does help it to wipe on more easily. Both last a really long time so we've only ever had to buy about 4 tubs in the space of 11 months.
A "messy bag" - again, some changing bags come with one of these, and what a brilliant invention! This has come in extremely handy whenever there's been a "poo-splosion!" I use it to keep dirty clothes or bibs. It's a simple plastic bag, with either a zip or zip lock seal. Love it!
Spare clothes. I always make sure I have a spare vest, two spare babygrows (or one and a top and bottoms), a cardigan in case it gets cold whilst we're out, and a spare pair of socks because my little madam loves to pull her socks off. Having two extra outfits may seem over the top, but TRUST ME... There will be times when you need them!
Bird's Personal Health Record Book. Again, this may not seem necessary, but I know I'd forget to grab it on the way out the door for check-ups so it's easier to always keep it tucked in the bag.
Factor 50 sun cream. The weather here is so temperamental, I find it's best to be prepared for all eventualities.
A sun hat. Again, the likelihood of needing it throughout the year may be slim in the UK, but I'm obsessive and would much rather be prepared.
Hand sanitiser. I found an alcohol-free one called Mucky Mitts in Sainsbury's and it's great. It's in a spray tube and was made for kids, so I can use it for myself and Bird without worrying that it'll damage her sensitive skin or that she'll put alcohol-covered fingers in her mouth!
A muslin. Preferably brightly coloured so it can be easily found amongst everything else in case of a poo/wee/sick related incident!
Personal belongings. I keep my phone, purse, keys, miniature diary and pen in the changing bag, along with some hair ties, a mini hairbrush, a mini perfume, some handcream and some paracetamol. It sounds like a lot, but at least I don't keep a mini dry shampoo in there anymore! (Yes, I used to do that).
Some small toys. These are my saviour sometimes. I change them up regularly so she doesn't get bored, but I usually take one or two little books and a few handheld toys for Bird to play with.
My breastfeeding cover by Bebe Au Lait. . This was lent to me by a friend and I really love it. Now that she's older, Bird tends to wriggle about under it, although she breastfeeds much less frequently now that she's on solids so I rarely need to feed her when we're out and about, but at the beginning it was great. I felt securely covered up but was able to look down and see my baby as I fed her due to the boned part at the top.
So there you have it, the contents of my changing bag!
I hope this was helpful/enjoyable.
Love, Gina Xx
No comments:
Post a Comment