Tips for Diapering While You’re Out and About

There is so much preparation involved in taking your little one out of the house. Even a trip as simple as the grocery store requires thoughtful planning. As a parent, you always have to be prepared for the unexpected that could happen when you are away from home. One of those things that will most likely happen while you’re out is the need to change your little one’s diaper. Diapering can get tricky when you aren’t in the comfort of your own home, but it doesn’t have to be.

There are several things I’ve learned along the way while changing three children out and about. Check out my top five tips.

1. Use plastic bags to dispose of the dirty diaper
Wondering what to do with all of those plastic bags from the grocery store? Put them in your diaper bag to use for all of those dirty diapers. Once you are finished changing your little one, place it in the bag, tie it, and then look for a trash can to properly dispose of it. If you don’t have an accessible trash can, you can keep it with you until you do. By tying it securely, it helps to block the odor from escaping.

2. Find a good spot to change the diaper
Look for a restroom for a changing station. If there isn’t one around, I’ve gone to my car before to change the baby in the backseat. If that still isn’t an option, ask someone at your location where an appropriate place would be to change the diaper. I’ve also reclined the stroller seat all the way down to use as a diaper changing station.

3. Buy a portable changing pad
You always want a layer between the surface you are changing your baby and your little one. I always keep a portable changing pad in my car so that I have one on hand when I am on the go. Most diaper bags come with portable changing pads within the bag. If you happened to forget one while you are out with baby, I’ve used a blanket or even my nursing cover for my baby to lay down on.

4. Keep your diaper bag fully stocked
It’s a good idea to invest in a diaper bag that you love, like this Minnie Mouse diaper bag, because you will be using it every day when the baby comes. Every night before I go to bed, I check my diaper bag to see what needs to be restocked. It’s so nice knowing that when I get up in the morning and head out of the house, there is everything already in there and I don’t have to run around the house packing it. I always make sure to have plenty of Huggies diapers and wipes in my bag. Wipes can be used for so many other things other than wiping your baby and can even help you clean your hands once you are finished changing the diaper. I also pack my bag with antibacterial lotion to put on my hands after changing the diaper. Keep an extra set of clothes in the diaper bag for those unexpected moments. I also have diaper rash cream handy for those occasional times that my kids are a bit irritated on their bottom.

5. Get a wet bag
When you have a baby out and about there are so many unexpected moments that can happen. I carry a Bumkins wet bag with me at all times for dirty clothes, shoes, diapers, and more. It’s great waterproof protection that will keep anything that is wet or dirty clear from everything else that you have.