Packing your baby's diaper bag is a critical and essential process when bringing your newborn out. For daddies, it is like packing your FBO (Full Battle Order) and SBO (Skeleton Battle Order) for mobilisation.

Except that this mobilisation happens frequently.

How long you can stay out at a shopping mall or hang out with your friends largely depends on how equipped you are. 

First Outing

The first time we went out.

We packed

• 4 diapers
• 3 containers of milk powder
• 3 milk bottles

Thinking it is enough for 4-5 hours.

1st Diaper

So French Fries poo-ed while we were registering for the car servicing.

2nd Diaper

Then 2 hours later, she was hungry and we fed her. After feeding her, we decided to change the diaper again. 

3rd Diaper

After we change the 2nd diaper, she pooed. 

4th Diaper

Then sway sway, when changing the 3rd diaper, she peed. So 3rd diaper wasted liao. Then use 4 diapers. So in a span of 10mins. She used 3 diapers. And that is the cue to go home soon.

We stayed in Bedok Mall's nursing room for 1.5 hours. Say out also paiseh. 

Second Outing 

The Second Time we went out we brought 3 containers worth of milk but it was not enough, because first feed was not enough, so we use partial of the 2nd feed. So we are left with the next feeding and we need to head back home.

The Next Outing

And finally, we packed really enough for a 10 hours of outing. Morning 11am go for gynecologist, lunch, then go for baby fair from 4pm to 8pm.  Not forgetting a dinner at 9pm.

No wonder Baby French Fries was so angry! She needed her sleep.

We learnt from our mistake. So now we give you tips on what to have in your diaper bag. 

Diaper Bag Essentials

So what are the essentials that we need in a diaper bag to ensure your outing goes on smoothly and well without panicking. 

1. Diaper

Using a diaper for an infant has many advantages. It can help to keep the baby clean and dry, which can prevent rashes and other skin problems. Diapers can also absorb some of the baby's urine, which can help to keep the home cleaner. And finally, using a diaper can help to keep the baby comfortable.

So for diaper, when you are going out, bring at least 6. Always put the edge facing up so that you can visually see the number of diapers you have.

I was fooled the other time when I thought I brought 5 diapers instead of the actual 4.

Bring at least 5 for a short day trip of less than 6 hours. 

2. A Diaper Changing Mat

Sometimes, you may not have a nursing room to change the diapers. You may be changing the diapers at some benches or tables, or even the car boot. So having a diaper mat will always be useful.

Even with a nursing room, I will always put my own diaper mat. You never know the previous person got clean up thoroughly anot. 

I ever change diaper at the car workshop, because it is raining and I need their shelter. 

So use this mat and place at the car boot. Then change lor. 

Imagine I tell the mechanic 

"Eh brother, can borrow your shelter anot. Need to change my baby diaper"

"Always be Kiasu when it comes to hygiene"

3. Wet Wipes

The most spammable item in your diaper bag. Always spamming and spamming because it seems free. But fear not, I have the best lobang for the most value buy for wet wipes.

Wet wipes are useful for wiping baby's bottom, cleaning the diaper mat, cleaning the diaper changing station, clean the seats or tables. And best of all, when you go restaurant to eat, you can use your own wet wipes instead of being charged a packet for 30 cents.

Bring at least 50pcs worth. Kiasu abit. 1 diaper change use 10 pieces. 

4. Tissue Paper

The 2nd most spammable item in your diaper bag is tissue paper. After using the wet wipes, you need to quickly dry your stuffs. Tissue always come in handy.

The most recommended 2 ply tissue is NTUC Fairprice House brand tissue packs. Still decent on the skin.

But if your prefer 3 ply one, you can take this 3 ply Pursoft Tissue Pack.

5. Hand Sanitizer

Often, we may not be able to find a place to wash our hands. These small bottles of hand sanitizer will come in very handy.

6. Feeding Stuffs 

Milk Powder + Container

If your baby is drinking milk, then milk powder container is essential. I have seen many patterns of milk powder container. 

But I recommend this kind, because it is easy to use, easy to top up and utilize and easy to store.

Best of all, if you need multiple containers, you can just stack them up. 

You calculate lor. 

One container or feeding can tahan 2 hours. So if you buy the one got 3 container. Means you can only be outside for the most 6 hours. 

Bib

When feeding them, you also need handkerchief or bib. 

7. Blankets / Swaddle

This is like jackets to us adults. So it is essential to prepare a blanket for them when the weather turns cold.

8. Spare Baby clothes

It is always good to pack 1 set of baby clothes in your diaper bag. A pair of mittens, socks and handkerchief / bib. Once a while, you will sway sway encounter baby pooing while you change diaper. Then kena all their clothes. So having spares is always good.

9. Ziploc Bags

In army, Ziploc bags are your best waterproofing essentials. You can buy good Ziploc bags from Ikea or here. 

It can be use to hold your baby's extra clothes, milk container if you scare the bottle leak, or diapers.

Alternatlively, you can use a Wet Bag.

10. Nursing Covers

When breastfeeding your little one in public it is always convenient to have a nursing cover. 

If you not shy and do not want to cover your neh neh also can. No need buy, save money also. 

11. Thermo Flask + Hot Water

Buy a good thermo flask that you can always rely on. No leakage, no troublesome thermo flask.

We are using a bottle warmer + thermo flask from Philips. You can use the container to warm your milk while outside. 

With this warmer + flask, you can have hot water and also the ability to warm up your milk anywhere, anytime.

I usually fill 3/4 if I am bringing pumped breast milk or 1/2 if all is formula milk powder. 

No need carry so heavy one lah. Supposedly most places you go also newborn friendly one, and they will have hot water or nursing room one. 

12. Water

A bottle of water just in case you cannot get any water when you are out. You thirsty also can drink. 

13. Diaper Bag

For a diaper bag essentials, you need a bag right? Very obvious right? And not any other bag. A diaper bag that has enough compartment.

One that have compartments for your milk bottles, your milk container, your diapers, and your wet wipes.