Whenever you go anywhere, whether it be the park, or the zoo, or to a party or on a trip, a diaper bag is an essential carry along that needs to be equipped with absolutely everything you will need no matter what situation comes. A diaper bag requires a measure of foresight, as well, as you have to be prepared for absolutely anything your little one might need or that might come up. Your little one has many needs and you need to make sure the diaper bag is stocked properly.

The obvious thing, of course, is diapers. The diaper bag needs to be stocked with the proper amount of diapers so that your baby will be assured protection no matter what comes along. Babies need frequent changes, anyway, and having a great stock of diapers handy is essential. Always keep about five to ten diapers in the diaper bag, even when it is just at home, because you never want to be without extra diapers. And then, make sure you have wipes, as well, at least one or two travel cases of wipes, and then make sure you keep some baby powder and lotion on hand, as well. These things are needed for changing the baby. Try to get new ones just for the diaper bag, instead of packing the ones you have at home. This will ensure that you never forget it. Though most diaper bags come with a baby changing mat, be sure you have one if it doesn’t, so that when you go to public restrooms, you will have a clean mat to place on the public changing table.

Keep a change of clothes, at least two or three, in the diaper bag in case of spills or any other kind of mess. And make sure to keep something for cool weather and cold weather, in case. Also, keep a blanket there in case your baby gets cold or needs it for naptime. You want to make sure to keep an extra pacifier there, too, in case your baby loses the one in his or her mouth, and you want to make sure to toys, too. If you are in the car too long and your baby gets cranky, having a colorful rattle or a teething toy might be just the thing to soothe and calm him or her down.

Finally, be sure it is stocked with food. Milk bottles, formula bottles, all kept in coolers, or even cereal mixes, water bottles, and bowls and spoons. Keep some jar food handy, too, if your child is old enough, some that have meal flavors like chicken noodle and even some that are just fruits or vegetables like peas and carrots or a number of other kinds that your child can choose from. No matter what, be sure that it is well stocked so that wherever you are, you will have the tools to care for your baby no matter what the situation you are.