As any new mother can attest, a diaper bag is one of the most important "baby" items in her arsenal. Since babies are unpredictable and require quite a bit of care, parents have to carry any number of baby items with them whenever they venture out of their homes. Thankfully, a diaper bag is designed to hold all the essentials and more.
It used to be the case that these totes all came in the same basic model: a large plastic shoulder bag with one large, central inside pocket and several smaller pockets on the outside. They were usually covered in childish designs and weren't considered very attractive. Fortunately, times have changed and the diaper bag now comes in several different varieties. From a solid color backpack to a corduroy messenger bag, there are styles to suit all tastes.
Of course, the most important items to be carried in a diaper bag are diapers. In fact, most are big enough to hold at least a dozen of the thickest diapers on the market. In addition to diapers, the bag has space to carry baby wipes, diaper cream, diaper rash ointment, baby powder and any other item you need to keep your child clean, dry and comfortable.
One of the other large pockets on a typical bag is big enough to carry several changes of clothes. A baby blanket should also be packed in the bag, along with bibs, burp cloths, wash cloths and anything else your baby uses on a daily basis. One of the smaller pockets should be able to hold several pacifiers, while another can hold some of your baby's food and snacks. The bag also has several cylindrical shaped pockets perfect for holding baby bottles. If your baby is eating solid foods, bowls and plastic utensils should be packed as well.
A diaper bag will usually come with a changing pad too. Don't forget toys and books, as you'll want to keep your baby occupied and amused. Some people have blankets, toys and pacifiers that never leave the bag. This ensures that parents won't have to hunt around for them every time they need to pack up to go out.
No matter what type of diaper bag you choose to hold your baby's necessary items, just be sure to choose one that's safe, comfortable to carry, and large enough for all the essentials.