• Home
  • About
  • Shop
    • Custom orders
    • Cards
    • Classes
    • Notebooks
    • Watercolour prints
    • Cart
    • Account
      • Orders
  • Blog
    • Beauty
    • Faith
    • Family
    • Food
    • Me Time
    • Writing
    • Work Life
  • Working with me
    • Project Callout: Our Ways With Words
  • Portfolio
  • Contact
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Finding Joy

Words that uplift and empower | Hand-made Lettering Art & Blog by Joy Adan

  • All
  • Cards
  • Classes
  • Custom orders
  • Home & Decor
  • Notebooks
  • Watercolour prints
You are here: Home / Family / The forgetful parent’s guide to going out with your baby

The forgetful parent’s guide to going out with your baby

7 June, 2017 By Joy Adan Tagged With: mum life, parent guide Leave a Comment

This post was brought to you by Curash, who have been providing expert skin care for over 35 years. Using local expertise and in consultation with Australian mums, Curash has continued to develop the range from nappy rash treatments to shampoo, soap free bath washes, baby wipes and more. You’ll find plenty of useful things to keep in your baby bag – check out their range in baby stores, major retailers and chemists across Australia.

The first trip out of the house with a brand new baby can be pretty daunting. There’s more to think and worry about, and about a million things you need to remember to pack in your baby bag. But don’t fret – the first time can be nerve-wracking, but you will get the hang of it and things will get easier. Sure, you’ll never be 100% ready for everything life (or your baby) will throw (or puke/poo) at you, but knowing what to have on hand can help you manage the inevitable messy situations that come with taking a new human along for the grocery run or a meal out.

In case of emergency…

I’ve been there. Five minutes into the checkout line at Aldi, and your baby starts wailing. You dig into your bag – but the dummy is still in the steriliser at home, or all the snacks were eaten yesterday and you forgot to replace them. You lean towards the pram and get the unmistakable whiff of poo. And what’s that you notice on his leg? Is that a brown stain? Shit. (Literally). You realise the spare onesies you normally keep in the baby bag were used during yesterday’s pooplosion and you forgot to replace them too.

Ah, the joys of going out with a baby. I won’t tell you the number of times I’ve changed dirty nappies and entire outfits in the boot of the car. Or the time I was having lunch in a busy food court with my friend, and my baby threw up all over my shirt and my jacket. The shocked look on my (then childless) friend was priceless. I wasn’t fazed – I just grabbed the wipes from my bag and went on with life – and lunch. If there’s anything motherhood does, it’s desensitising and making you forever prepared for the unexpected exit of bodily fluids.

I’ve written a pretty comprehensive post about what goes in my baby bag, but for the mums and dads who are new to the game, here’s your very own guide. You can also download this checklist (sans commentary) and keep it pinned to the fridge or by the door, so you’ve got can check it before you head out.

THINGS TO PACK FOR BABY

  • Wipes. Lots of them

You will never not need wipes. My sister has a 10 and 8 year old and still carried wipes around in her handbag. They’re the multipurpose friend of every parent I know – great for cleaning dirty bottoms and dirty hands, noses, faces, tables, toys… you name it. Before you head out always make sure your stash of wipes has been topped up. You don’t want to be in the parent room realising you’ve only got 1 measly wipe to get through the giant mountain of poop on your kid’s butt. My recent favourite discovery is the Curash Water-only wipes. I love these things – perfect for going out because they don’t have any random chemicals that might end up on your kids’ sensitive skin or on their food (if you’re using them to wipe up dirty hands or spoons).

Curash has a range of water-only wipes, and a tube of nappy cream and healing ointment - perfect for when you're on the go
Curash has a range of water-only wipes, and a tube of nappy cream and healing ointment – perfect for when you’re on the go.
  • Nappies

When you’re heading out for the entire day with a newborn, remember they poop pretty much every time they eat (so every couple of hours) so pack what you need and then some extras. You will eventually thank your lucky stars you packed those extras.

  • Change mat

I keep two disposable ones in my nappy bag, so if one gets filthy, I can chuck it out and reach for the other.

  • Nappy rash cream

If you’re short on space, opt for the mini tubes or reusable tubs you get in sample bags during baby expos or from the hospital. Personally, I find the best ones have the flip or snap-lock lids (so you can open and close with one hand, while the other keeps your baby from wriggling off the change table).

Both Curash's Nappy Rash Cream and Healing Ointment come with a flip lid (hurrah!)

  • Nappy bags

Good for smelly nappies but also handy for throwing in dirty (i.e. puked or pooed on) clothes.

  • Multi-purpose healing ointment/pawpaw ointment

To soothe flare-ups and angry skin and very useful as a barrier or healing cream for babies with eczema, dribbly babies (apply under their chin or the neck to prevent redness) or babies who are out in the cold for long periods.

  • Travel pack of tissues

Much like wipes, these will always come in handy.

  • Extra/spare clothes

Bring a light jacket or extra layer, especially for bubs who are often more affected by the cold temperature than we are. One set is fine – just remember to replace the dirty stuff as you need to.

  • Teether/Pacifier (or both)

My trick is to keep these attached to the key fob on my baby bag – that way I can see if it’s missing.

  • Pram toys

Something bright, soft, with things bub can chew and distract himself with while you’re waiting to pay for your groceries.

  • White noise / music machine

Playing white noise is a great way to soothe or calm an upset or tired baby, and get them ready for sleep. I used to use my phone but it got really annoying when I’d be trying to get bub to sleep in a cafe or while walking around the shops and then it would ring/buzz with a message and wake him up. So eventually I bought a battery-operated white noise and music machine for about $20 at a baby store and kept it clipped to the baby capsule so it was ready to do its magic whenever we are out. It plays white noise, a heart beat, lullaby music and waves.

  • Small muslin blanket

Multipurpose – use sit as a baby blanket, burp cloth, feeding cover or to wipe up big spills or messes.

THINGS TO PACK FOR YOU

Flat lay of things to pack for mum: wallet, keys, phone, hand sanitiser, moisturiser, snacks, sunnies

Yes, sometimes I’ve walked out the door without my house keys or phone. Or I’ve halfway to the station and realise my wallet is still on the dresser and have to circle back. Mummy brain is a thing.

  • Wallet
  • Phone
  • Keys
  • Sunnies
  • Hand sanitiser
  • Water bottle
  • Snacks
  • Hand moisturiser
  • Headphones

You may be wondering how on earth all these things actually fit inside one baby bag. My answer: POCKETS. Get yourself a baby bag that has a spot for everything. My one (purchased from BagyBags on Etsy) is the bomb:

Empty baby bag - lots of compartments inside
Empty baby bag – lots of compartments inside
Full baby bag - with room on top for my drink bottle
Full baby bag – with room on top for my drink bottle
All packed and ready to head out
All packed and ready to head out

THINGS TO PACK IF BABY IS BOTTLE FED, EATING SOLIDS OR CUTTING TEETH

Choose an insulated lunch box with a clip-together handle (so it’s easy to either hang off your baby bag or pram).

  • Bibs

Pack several – kids are messy little shits gems. I keep 2 in my baby bag because he always seems to be teething and therefore drooling, then pack more in his lunchbox for his actual meals.

  • More wipes

Lots of wipes. You can never have enough wipes.

  • Bottles/cup
  • Formula/breastmilk
  • Ice pack
  • Spoons

That’s spoons plural because baby will want one to hold while you’re trying to feed him, and will probably keep throwing it on the ground and getting it dirty. So you’ll always need more than one.

  • Food

Ah snacks. My kids are bottomless pits (the 5 year old doesn’t stop eating). So have something healthy on hand that will keep them happy and fill – sliced up fruit, yoghurt pouches, rice cakes, rusks – the list goes on. Just make sure you’ve got something or all hell will break loose when they’re hungry and you’ve got nothing.

THINGS TO KEEP IN THE CAR

  • Wipes. Lots of them

For all the reasons stated above. Best stored upside down, so the top ones are always moist and ready to use.

  • Spare nappies

Because sometimes you just run out of the ones in your bag. Maybe bub was extra pooey that day, or you stayed out for longer than you intended, or you just forgot to top up your baby bag stash. Whatever the case, better to be prepared.

  • A spare change of clothes for everyone

Because sometimes the mess doesn’t end up on baby, but on you. Or all of you. And don’t just back a top, pack an outfit. I’ve had entire meals end up all over my front and on my legs – in such situations, changing my top alone isn’t going to cut it. So I’ve got a little drawstring bag with spare undies, a bra, top, leggings and a dress that I can change into in case of drastic emergencies.


Before you freak out and think going out with your baby is some crazy ordeal that requires months of planning, don’t stress – you’ll get the hang of it. I’m only providing this list because sleep deprivation causes me – and many other mums I know – to forget. Which reminds me, have I left something out of this guide that’s critical? Hit me up in the comments below.

The most comprehensive guide to going out with your baby - a complete checklist for bub, you and even spare things for the car.
Like this post? Pin it now!

You might also like...

Hi

Joy Adan

I'm Joy. I'm a 30-something, storytelling, coffee-drinking, book-devouring, ocean-obsessed freelance writer, brush lettering enthusiast, speaker and content producer. You'll find some of my stories and art here, along with my advice about attempt at balancing the creative career + family life hustle.

Don't miss a beat - subscribe below and join me on this crazy adventure!

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

DON’T MISS A SINGLE POST! SIGN UP HERE:


Thank you!

You’ve joined Finding Joy’s mailing list. No spam, only love. I promise. 



Like what you see here?

Please keep this writer going.
Show your support:

Buy me a coffee!

As seen in

Essential Baby

Practical Parenting

The Catholic Weekly

2017 Bupa Blog Awards Nominee | Celebrating Health and Care

Find more like this

Tagged With: mum life, parent guide

Categories

Recent posts

  • Inktober Prayer Prompts
  • So much to (un)learn
  • Simbang Gabi – The Best is Yet to Come
  • So blessed, I can’t contain it
  • Starting (again)

Instagram

At the end of each year I go through our memory ja At the end of each year I go through our memory jar with a grateful heart and reminisce and reflect... and though this year had many twists and turns we weren't prepared for, I know there are lots of things to be thankful for... perhaps even moreso. Many of the best things can't and wont ever be captured on camera or in words.

But my thanks goes to all who rode the highs and lows with me and my family, to the many unseen heroes who kept us safe and kept our community strong and healthy. To those who gave what little they could and those who have sacrificed a lot... thank you. From the bottom of this very full, undeserving but entirely grateful heart... thank you. ❤❤

#2020 #thanksforthememories #perfectlyimperfect
Words to take into 2021. ❤ Words to take into 2021. ❤
Merry Christmas friends and family! May your heart Merry Christmas friends and family! May your hearts be fuller than your bellies, even though our guest lists are shorter this year. ❤
A post for all the teachers celebrating the end of A post for all the teachers celebrating the end of term and end of what has probably been the craziest year of your career. 

Thank you for the love  and dedication you've shown for kids under your care, for giving our kids your many, many extra hours and late nights, your creative out-of-the-box solutions for virtual lesson plans, and your bottomless patience and incredible courage. 

May you enjoy a well deserved break and the peace of knowing your legacy grows in the hearts and minds of those you've taught, guided, counseled and nurtured this year. 

Thank you. ❤
Day 1 of our Simbang Gabi (Dawn Mass) Novena: Mr 8 Day 1 of our Simbang Gabi (Dawn Mass) Novena: Mr 8 joined me for 5am Mass this morning. I got really emotional driving into the car park and seeing it was almost full. And as we walked through the doors, I heard singing in the church. Singing!! It seemed that almost every X in the church pews had someone standing by it... the church looked FULL. It's been so long since I've experienced Mass like this - it felt like coming home. 😭😭😭 

If you are looking for a way to prepare your heart for Christmas and turn your focus from buying presents to a experiencing a heavenly presence, then I highly recommend finding a place that celebrates simbang gabi. Last year, I wrote a bit about what this Filipino tradition means to me and my family (check it out at findingjoy.com.au/simbang-gabi). When I wrote that, I had no idea what 2020 would have in store. But even after this truly crazy year, I feel God's hand in all of it. If there's anything 2020 has taught me it's that love transcends distance. We have the capacity to show love and be loved even when those we wish for dearly can't be seen, felt and touched. 

My peace comes from knowing even when I don't see Him, feel Him or understand what's going on... God will always be my Father, and I am forever His child. This is what I celebrate at Christmas. The divine entering the human world.. and changing what we know of love forever. 💜

Image: A square Christmas card propped against a Christmas tree. The card has a midnight blue sky and purple hills. In the sky the words “Peace on Earth” are written in white lettering. 

#FilipinoTraditions #ChristmasTraditions #ChristmasPreparations
I think custom calligraphy orders have been my fav I think custom calligraphy orders have been my favourite thing to make this year - especially when the person commissioning gives me creative license. It was an honour to create this for a very special couple. 💙

Image: The Prayer of St Michael brush lettered in blue ink on a white A3 sheet, with a blue border and painted blue and silver leaves on the top right and bottom left corners.
Friday festivities courtesy of a lovely delivery f Friday festivities courtesy of a lovely delivery from @boomforrgpeople and @missnoblemelbourne
It felt a little bit like I was in Santa's worksho It felt a little bit like I was in Santa's workshop when I was making these Christmas gift bags last weekend. ❤

Order yours now at findingjoy.com.au 
Final date for Christmas orders is 15 Dec (Express Post only). Marsden Park pick up orders must be placed by 20 Dec. 

#shopsmallbusiness #smallbusinessaustralia #loveaustralianhandmade
Follow @joyadanwrites
  • About “Finding Joy”
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • My Account
  • Cart
  • Terms of sale
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

KEEP IN TOUCH - SUBSCRIBE BELOW

Thank you!

You've joined Finding Joy's mailing list. No spam, only love. I promise. 

Copyright © 2021 · Joy Adan · 22 657 108 897