Whether a day trip or a transnational odyssey, if you’re bringing along an infant (yours, we hope), packing the dreaded nappy bag is a rite of passage.
But there’s no need to dread the tread. These hacks will transform your nappy bag into a model of efficiency, so you can concentrate on other things.
Repurpose Formula Containers
A resourceful way to stay hyper-organised? Reusing old formula containers. They’re stackable, which makes them perfect for organising smaller items such as snack packs, toys or food jars. This saves the small stuff from bag purgatory and saves you from spending your trip rummaging through chaos.
Many of the bigger formula containers also have fold-out lids that can serve as an impromptu feeding tray on a blanket or at a picnic table.
Pack ‘Doodie-Free’ Bags
Pack stacks of unused nappies in 4L Ziploc bags. After filling a bag, push from the bottom up to flatten the nappies and whoosh the air out before zipping the bags shut. You can also use a straw to suck the air out if that’s your style. Double bag the nappy Ziploc inside a few extra Ziplocs.
This conserves space so you can pack more nappies. More importantly though, it gives you a relatively-odour free receptacle for a poopy load if you aren’t near a bin, keeping your nappy bag “doodie-free.”
Sequester the Dummy
Even when leashed, the business end of a dummy can rub up against some unspeakably germ-laden places. Case in point: Last weekend on our way to the airport, my son dropped his favourite dummy on the train station floor (Fun! Now Daddy gets to pay for an exorcism!).
Therefore, keeping a stash of reserves on deck is a must. All it takes is a carabiner and some twine. Tie a bowline with the twine onto a nappy bag handle, then load dummies onto the carabiner and clip it through the loop. In case of emergency, yank out a backup with the quickness.
Keep Teething Toys on the Rocks
Our son is teething, so one of the most essential nappy bag hacks we devised is to pack an insulated water bottle (our Klean Kanteen has endured many a trek) with ice and water and leave some room at the top for clean teething toys.
You’ll stay hydrated, while baby gets to gum up while chilling out. Now nobody gets to complain.
Pre-Roll Outfits
You don’t like a cumbersome, overstuffed suitcase, do you? Why should baby’s travel wardrobe be any less efficient?
Pre plan your outfits and minimise space by balling up socks and tucking them into the ankles of a pant leg. Layer outfits together, fold in half, and roll up, creating little “burrito” outfits.
These pre-assembled outfits are easier to pack, easier to change baby into, and reminiscent of delicious food. Everybody wins!
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