What's in your baby bag? A parents guide.

Newborn & Toddler:

Here we speak to parents Jamshid and Dave who both have newborns and toddlers about what’s in their bag

Jamshid

Jamshid, a dad from Sydney, NSW, has a one-month, 14-day-old baby named Rohan and a 4.5-year-old daughter named Hannah. Both parents work full time, and Hannah goes to daycare and preschool. The family enjoys various activities like dance class, swimming lessons, and taking walks for coffee or shopping.

Essential items for a day out with a newborn in Jamshid's baby bag include baby formula, nappy bags, changing mats, bottles, boiled water, extra clothing, a dummy, nappies, tissues, and baby wipes. Jamshid packs an average of 4-5 nappies for a full day out.

For toddler Hannah, Jamshid packs a variety of drinks and snacks.. He also brings two extra pairs of clothes for both Rohan and Hannah.

Dave

Dave, a dad from Sydney, NSW, has a 3-week-old baby named Azzadeen and two toddlers. Both parents work full-time, and the toddlers enjoy going to the park, taking picnics to the beach, and cycling to nearby parks for variety. Dave takes the baby in a buggy and goes for a stroll when not cycling with the toddlers.

Essential items for a day out with newborn Azzadeen in Dave's baby bag include nappies, wet wipes, change of clothes, a spare muslin wrap or towel, spare nappy bags, water bottles, snacks for children (and parent/s), Sudocrem, change mat, and an extra bib. Dave packs an average of 5 nappies for a full day out.

For the toddlers, Dave packs snacks such as yoghurt pouches, cheese strings, rice crackers, and peanut butter wraps. He also brings one change of clothes, but a couple of extra pants, particularly if they are toilet training.

When visiting the park or beach, Dave packs the essentials mentioned above and always remembers to bring snacks, water, crayons, and some paper for the toddlers. For long car rides, he suggests drawing pads, crayons, and a clipboard for the toddlers, and a scratch art pad for younger kids. He also finds a good CD that the baby likes to be helpful.

Dave recommends having plasters (preferably Frozen-themed), a thermometer, and hand sanitiser in the baby bag for emergencies.

Babies:

Here we speak to parents Adam and Ashka who both have babies about what’s in their bag

Adam

Adam, father to 1.5-year-old Sylvie, lives in Sydney, NSW. Both he and his wife Rachel are back at work full time, with Sylvie attending daycare five days a week. The family enjoys playing sports, visiting playgrounds, and taking the pram for longer walks.

For a day out with Sylvie, Adam packs essentials like nappies, wipes, a change of clothes, snacks, a water bottle, a change mat, sunscreen, a hat, a dummy, nappy cream, and a rain jacket if needed.

He packs around 4-5 nappies for a full day out. Snack-wise, Adam packs cut-up fruits, homemade pancakes, savoury crackers, cucumber, and capsicum for Sylvie. He always brings a spare pair of pants and socks for accidents and packs at least one spare outfit.

For visits to the park or beach, Adam packs the same essentials as mentioned above, with the addition of beach-specific items like a bucket & spade, kids towel, sunshade, swimming costume, and a mini paddleboard.

For long car rides, Adam includes Sylvie's favourite teddy/soft toy and picture books. They also travel with a mini first aid kit in the car containing essentials like bandages and gauzes.

Ashka

Ashka, mother to 19-month-old Ocean, lives in Sydney, NSW. She has been back at work for over a year and is currently working four days a week. She and Ocean enjoy visiting parks, playgrounds, zoos, and aquariums, as well as neighbourhood walks spotting animals.

Ashka's baby bag essentials for a day out with Ocean include plenty of snacks and baby wipes. She packs 2-3 nappies for a half-day outing and six for a full day. For snacks and drinks, Ashka tries to pack fruits and vegetables, yoghurt pouches, rice cakes, and water in a straw sippy cup.

A change of clothes is not necessary for half-day outings or trips to the playground, but Ashka packs a full change of clothes and a towel for full-day outings or eating out. For visits to the park, she brings water, snacks, nappies, nappy cream, and wipes. For the beach, she adds sunscreen, a hat, a towel, and beach toys to the list.

Last word:

Taking cues from these real-life parents can help you pack the perfect baby bag tailored to your child's age and needs.

Whether you have a newborn, baby, or toddler, knowing what items to include can make a day out smoother and more enjoyable for the whole family.

Remember to consider your child's specific preferences and requirements, and always be prepared for the unexpected. With a well-stocked baby bag in hand, you'll be ready to face any adventure that comes your way.