Packing a diaper bag with baby essentials can seem daunting with so many things a little person “needs”! We’re here to help with our checklist of diaper bag must-haves.
What’s in your diaper bag, mama? Whether you’re heading out with your newborn for the first time or you just want to fine tune your packing so you aren’t lugging around unnecessary stuff, check out our list of essential must-haves (including discounts just for Sassy Mamas!):
What to Pack in your Diaper Bag: FREE Printable Checklist
Click here to download our Diaper Bag essentials checklist in print format.
Hand sanitizer: The importance of a good germ-killing hand sanitizer can’t be argued with, especially during a pandemic. You’ll want to make sure your hands are squeaky clean before handling your baby or preparing their food/milk. Sanitizer also comes in handy for after changing your little one if there isn’t a public restroom nearby, and as a general germ buster after using public transport. Look for a sanitizer with a minimum alcohol content of 60% to be effective against germs. Ah Yuan hand sanitizer (exclusive to Unity Pharmacy) has 75% Alcohol (Ethyl) Concentration and is effective on hands as well as surfaces so you can spray your changing mat after use to disinfect. Plus we like the addition of essential oils peppermint, patchouli and lemon grass. Find this kid-safe sanitizer and plenty of other baby and child essentials at Unity Pharmacy, the retail pharmacy chain of NTUC FairPrice. The Vivocity flagship store has the widest range of Mum & Kids products so it’s a great place to start shopping for baby essentials.
Sunscreen & Sun hat: Protect your little one’s skin from the harsh sun with a sun hat and an effective child-safe sunscreen (free from parabens, phthalates and unnatural fragrance). Badger is a brand we trust for suncare and Badger Baby Sunscreen SPF30 ($37.50/87ml) gets the highest “1” rating from Environmental Working Group for its effectiveness combined with safe ingredients. Unity Pharmacy is the exclusive stockist for Badger in Singapore and has a great variety of health and wellness-focused brands at competitive prices.
Changing Mat: This is a must whether on the grass in the park or any public changing table. The brilliant Skip Hop Pronto Changing Mat, available at one of our fave online stores WOW MOM, is a sleek, compact clutch that features a wipe-clean, zip-off changing pad, built-in pillow, translucent wipes case and mesh pocket that holds up to four diapers plus creams and other essentials. Call it the ultimate diaper changing tool and one that your partner will feel equally comfortable grabbing to do their share of baby changing.
Diapers/Nappies, Wipes and Waterproof Bag: Make sure you pack enough diapers to last your outing (and remember swim nappies if you are going to a waterpark/pool). You’ll need wipes, too — and it’s handy having a spare plastic bag for soiled diapers or dirty clothes.
Mosquito Repellent: Dengue is a constant worry so protect your little ones with baby-friendy mossie repellant. Older kids can use a formula with DEET (DEET of up to 30% can be used safely in children older than 2 months) but for younger bubs or children with sensitive skin try DEET-free Badger Anti-Bug Shake & Spray ($23.50/118.3ml) or Ah Yuan Wild Mugwort Insect Repellent ($19.90/95ml). both exclusive to Unity Pharmacy. If you have any concerns on ingredients, specialised pharmacists at Unity Pharmacy can give out health-related advice (in person, on the website or even on their Instagram!).
Muslin blanket: Muslin swaddle blankets are super versatile and are a handy must-have for outings with kids. MOMO + BUBS swaddles are 120cm x 120cm, making them large enough to perform multiple duties when you’re out and about. Use them as a cover for your stroller when your little one naps on-the-go, as a liner for your stroller in case of nappy leaks or spit-up (it’s much easier to wash a swaddle then your stroller), as a lightweight blanket if they get cold in the air-con, or as an impromptu nursing cover or picnic blanket. Made with 100% organic cotton of a high yarn count, MOMO + BUBS swaddles are extra soft and snuggly (with no formaldehyde in dyes making it safe for little ones). What’s more, when you buy from MOMO + BUBS you are supporting Singapore Children’s Society as $10 from the sale of each swaddle set is donated. Plus scroll down to how to get 10% off everything at MOMO + BUBS.
Change of clothes: Don’t be caught out without spare clothing for your little one! You never know when they’ll have a diaper explosion, or dribble food all over their clothes. MOMO + BUBS has a sweet collection of gorgeous wardrobe essentials. Outfits are practically designed for daily wear, breathable (thanks to the 100% organic cotton muslin), and feature easy access button snaps at the bottom of Kimono-style Onesies for quick nappy changes. MOMO + BUBS is a passion project from a mama named Kim who was inspired by her own journey as a mum to bub Eli (so she knows a thing or three about what families need in the diaper bag!).
Water bottle or/and milk bottle & formula: If your baby is drinking formula make sure you plan out enough for your outing with fresh water to mix. For older babies/kids pack a water bottle to keep your little one hydrated. The OXO Tot Grow Straw Cup ($19.90 on WOWMOM) is a spill proof straw cup that’s great for mess-free drinking, easing the transition from bottle, breast feeding, or sippy cup.
Snacks: Always pack a snack! A hungry baby is not a happy baby and when you’re stuck queuing or late home, having some nibbles on hand will keep the tears at bay (yours and your kid’s!). There’s a reason lots of mamas stock up on organic Piccolo food pouches and snacks from WOW MOM. Piccolo has 100% natural ingredients with no refined or added sugar or preservatives in their Mediterranean style recipes, which include a wide variety of fruits, veg, pulses and grains, healthy fats and dairy, and occasionally meat or fish. It’s always a fave for babies on their weaning adventure.
Feeding on the go: Best not to rely on that café or resto to have baby-friendly cutlery (and they’re handy for picnics and plane travel). The Skip Hop Easy Serve Travel Bowl & Spoon solves all your feeding on the go probs with its convenient travel bowl and spoon set complete with a spill-resistant lid. Plus it’s BPA-free and Phthalate-free.
Bib: Bibs are a must-have to wipe up drool for teething babies, and for messy eaters at meal times (self-feeding or baby-led weaning, anyone?) MOMO + BUBS bibs come in five timeless colours in a chic bandana bib design.
First aid items: You (hopefully) won’t need much in the way of first aid care in your diaper bag when you have a babe in arms. But for crawling or toddling babies you may want to pack a small first aid kit, or at the very least some band aids and pain relief (plus any prescription drugs/allergy medication specific to your child). Badger After-Bug Itch Relief Balm ($15.90/17g) is worthwhile having at hand if your bub gets bitten to soothe the itchiness and prevent scratching. Unity Pharmacy stocks ready-to-go first aid kits plus individual items that you may need and the pharmacists can dispense pain relief and advise on any other medication worth having in your medicine cabinet at home.
Baby Carrier: Soul Slings is a local baby carrier brand that offers lots of baby wearing options for newborns to older kids. You might not be able to technically fit a carrier inside your diaper bag but we find it useful to stash one under the stroller in case your baby wants to be held but you need to be hands-free.
Diaper Bag: Last but never least, you’ll need an excellent diaper bag to fit everything in! We have a little style crush on the Skip Hop Mainframe Diaper Backpack (currently just $99 on WOWMOM – usual price $129!). The sleek, structured frame opens wide — and stays put — making it easy to access everything with a clear view. With a sporty, lightweight design featuring a large main compartment, plus lots of pockets for essentials, it’s easy to know where everything is so you aren’t rummaging around for what you need. We also like the choice of easy-grab double top handles and adjustable backpack straps so you can carry the bag hands-free.
Get 15% off storewide at WOW MOM with code “SASSY15″. Offer valid till 30 Sep 2020. Plus receive a free sample from Piccolo with your purchase. Cannot be used with any other promotions, discounts and offers. Brand exclusions apply.
Get 10% off storewide at MOMO + BUBS – Use code SASSYMAMALOVES. (No minimum spend. Not valid with any other promotions. Valid for one time use only until 1 November 2020).
Happy packing mama! Now you are all prepped for that fun outing around town – where are you gonna take your bub first?