I knew I wanted a bag big enough for all the baby essentials but I wanted something that didn't look too 'changing bag' like. I'm not really a fan of bags that look like changing bags, if that makes sense. I don't like baby related pictures or words like 'yummy mummy' emblazoned across changing bags. I was quite stumped with all the choices until I discovered Mia Tui bags. They sell elegant changing bags, that don't HAVE to be used as changing bags. Perfect. The bag I have is called Ella and is exactly what I needed. What I really like about it is the fact I will be able to use it once the Little Man no longer needs a hoard of goodies transported with him every time we leave the house.
So ... what do I have in my changing bag?
I'm a little bit anal when it comes to my changing bag. I like it to be organised and my hubby is not allowed to touch it or take anything out of it, if he values his life!
For The Little Man -
Bottles - I always have at least one bottle in my bag, usually closer to four! We use Dr Brown's bottles to try and help with The Little Mans wind. Powder Holder - I take powder formula with us so we can make a feed up where ever we go.
Pre made formula - I always have at least one bottle of this when we go out. It's quick and easy and means the Little Man doesn't have to wait to be fed. They are an ingenious invention.
Dummy - The Little Man sometimes uses a dummy to help get him off to sleep in the car. He isn't a fan of being in his car seat unless the car is moving so the dummy helps pacify him until we get moving.
Nappies, wipes and nappy bags- We are currently using Kiddicare Just4Bums nappies which I think are great. They only cost £19.99 for a massive box of 180 which are designed to last the month. We've just moved the Little Man up to size 3 nappies, he seems much more comfortable and happy. I usually use Huggies wipes as I buy in bulk from Amazon when they're on offer. I picked up the cheapest nappy bags I can find. I think we're using Sainsbury's at the moment which cost about 15p for 100. Miamoo Cheeky Cream - The Little Man hasn't had nappy rash before but the slightest sign of any redness and I put a bit of this on his peachy bum and it's back to normal.
Change of clothes or six! - I always have at least two full outfits. The Little Man has had some horrendous explosive nappies and a change of clothes is essential. It's nice to be able to change his top if he does a sicky dribble too.
Bibs - The Little Man usually wears a bib to prevent his top getting sticky and wet. He's suffering from Reflux at the moment so is often sick after a feed so a bib is an essential piece of kit. I usually have a good stash of them in my bag.
Muslin Cloth - These are the best multi tasking baby item we own! They can be used for all sorts, a bib, a comforter, a wiping aid or even a sunshade. I love them. I like to buy funky colours. The wash so well and dry super quick.
Toys - Our selection of toys today include Sophie le Giraffe, a squeaky elephant and a super soft bunny rabbit. The Little Man loves the elephant and can usually be found sucking on its tail while he's in his car seat. I'm still not massively keen on the Giraffe toy, it looks far to similar to a dog toy. I'm sure it will come in more handy when he starts to teeth though.
Hand cleansing gel - I carry a bottle of this at all times. It's great to use before and after a nappy change as well as if I have to do anything near The Little Mans mouth.
Infant Gaviscon - As I mentioned The Little Man is suffering from Reflux so we have to put this in each feed.
Sterimar Baby - This is to help clear The Little Mans nose. He always seems to have a bit of a snotty nose so this is a quick and effective way of clearing his nose without me having to have a poke about or try and pick them out with tweezers.
Dettol Wipes - I like to carry some kind of antibacterial wipe so I can clean anything that The Little Man might come into contact with that might look a bit grubby, think dirty hanging facilities!
And for Mammy - I never take a separate bag for me because my changing bag is usually too heavy to start with. If I'm lucky I might remember to squeeze in a few items for me.
A snack - In this case a banana, but it might be some crisps or some chocolate. I often forget to eat before I leave the house with the Little Man so I try and remember to take something to eat while I'm out and about or in the car.
Paracetamols/Pro Plus - I usually require one or the other.
Perfume - To disguise the smell of baby sick/baby poo on me/the car/the pram/the car seat.
A mirror - To check my foundation and concealer have covered my big black eye bags, I don't have sick in my hair or something stuck to my face.
Handcream - I think my skin hates baby wipes. Since I started using them my hands have become really dry so I have to moisturise regularly.
Lipbalm - I get cracked lips really easily so I like to carry lip balm to try and prevent it before it starts.
As The Little Man is still only 10 weeks old we just carry the small baby essentials. I imagine as he gets older the contents of my changing bag will change a lot.
What do you carry in your changing bag?
*This project is sponsored by Kiddicare, and we were kindly given a £50 Kiddicare voucher in exchange for sharing our #whatsinmychangingbag post*
