The Ultimate Packing Tips for Days Out with Baby Essential for mums
Leaving the house with a baby or toddler can feel like a military operation! These packing tips for days out with baby have made getting out and about so much easier for me. I’ve learnt that having a well-stocked changing bag makes all the difference when preparing for a little day out. I spoke recently about how important mindful motherhood is. Things like this help aid that.
We cannot preempt any spontaneous poo explosions or tantrums that might delay us. But we can pack our bag and car so it’s one less thing to worry about. Let’s face it, nothing delays us more than a spontaneous mishap, and then, through the chaos, we have to remember everything which starts any day out on the wrong foot. So having a few packing tips and tricks can really help when you have a baby.
I live by the saying ‘failing to plan is planning to fail’. I know we can’t control everything.We can be prepared as much as we can. Whether you’re popping to the shops or its a full day out with the family anything can happen! I know not everyone loved planning or being organised; I never used to, but I have quickly realised that a little planning goes a long way. You will have a much better, smoother and fun day if you plan a little ahead. Get organised and sort the bags before the chaos unfolds, even the night prior if you can and your future self will be thanking you!
My Secret to Feeling More Prepared
I like to have it constantly packed so I’m not always doing it before we head out. We keep the same baby or toddler toys in the nappy bag all the time. It’s great because when we’re out or in the car, they feel like new and seem more exciting. And of course, what you need to take will change. As your baby grow. We don’t take things like teethers anymore, but having a little checklist just means I’m not relying on memory every time we head out. Which makes the mental load so much lighter.
I thought I’d share my packing tips and the list that I use every day when we go out. I might even share my holiday packing tips, which are slightly more extreme, but they are a lifesaver. Seriously, we never forget anything because of this, and I have to say it is the best feeling ever. I have it saved on my phone; I tick it off once it’s in the car, and it’s so reassuring and helps me stay calm. I never have to worry about forgetting anything. It has everything you and your baby or toddler could need.
Why I Started Making Lists After Our NICU Experience
I think NICU really helped me stick to lists like this. It seems so basic and obvious I know. However, I went into labour at 31 weeks, I literally went in there with NOTHING! No plan. Not even a spare change of clothes. My waters broke way too early, so we panicked and just jumped in the car and went to the hospital. I felt SO disorganised when baby boy arrived. Nobody told me any packing tips but I had my baby way too early for that anyway. I didn’t have a single thing for me. After I gave birth, the nurse said I could have a shower. I felt so embarrassed that I didn’t even have underwear with me, let alone shower gel.
Straight after he arrived and I was waiting to see him. I made a huge list of things to buy. It got sent to my sister and brought up to us in the hospital. Then we had to remember to bring in laundry from home for things like muslins, hats, bonding squares, etc. My injections, breast pads, adult nappies for me, prem nappies for Bobby. I just didn’t trust myself to always remember things. so, I had to make a plan in the form of lists. It t was game-changing and now I use the same method for days out.
A Little Planning Goes a Long Way!
Leaving the house with a baby or toddler might never go to plan. Having a few systems in place can make a big difference. I find that keeping our changing bag organised and ready to go means it’s one less thing to worry about. Also for emergencies. There was a time when we ended up in A&E. Having a nappy bag ready to go without thinking saved us a hell of a lot of trouble. It would’ve been so frantic otherwise.
Have I missed anything? Obviously, you can add, change, or remove things to fit your family. This is what we have whittled our daily things down to. We do add other things too, depending on where we go. I may make different lists depending on where we go.
I’d love to know your changing bag must-haves! There’s always something another mum recommends that you wonder how you ever went without it!
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