What should you put in your diaper bag when you go out?

Leaving the house with a newborn requires preparation. At the very least, much more than when going out alone.

Especially when feedings are spaced two hours apart. No time to waste, let's get this show on the road!

Between diapers, feedings, naps and unexpected events, you quickly learn that preparing your diaper bag before going out can greatly reduce the stress of having to manage a situation that is a little out of control.

Whether you're pregnant or still adjusting your postpartum routine, here are 10 essential things to put in your diaper bag before leaving home.

Essential items for a worry-free outing

Whether you're going to the grocery store, a medical clinic appointment, or visiting a friend, some items are simply indispensable.

• Diapers and wet wipes : you can't leave without them. Bring more than one, you never know when your little one will have their next explosive poop.

• Portable changing mat : a compact model is perfect for quick changes in the bathroom or on a table. The bag offers a convenient folding changing mat option with snap fasteners.

• Spare clothes : choose a few changes of clothes. One or two pairs of pajamas, or why not choose a Bodysuit Sweater with matching Essential Grow-With-Me Pants ? That would be a nice change from pajamas!

• 1-2 wet washcloths in a snack bag : small bags like Kantalou 's are a great option for slipping in a small washcloth. This way, you avoid using a disposable Ziploc bag and the rest of your bag's contents stay nice and dry.
  

• A sterile bottle with ready-to-feed formula: if you're not breastfeeding, I used to bring ready-to-feed formula. That way, if I was caught off guard or my baby had a meltdown on the way home, I always had formula to pour into a bottle, which didn't require mixing. It saved me several times!

• A muslin/comfort blanket : bamboo and cotton muslins were my eldest's favorites, while Perlimpinpin's bamboo rayon comfort blankets won my youngest's heart. They are thin and easy to carry, and also ideal for breastfeeding in complete privacy.
  
  
• A pacifier : if you have a baby who likes a pacifier, you need to add a pacifier and its faithful pacifier clip in a pouch in your bag.
  
  
• A small sensory toy : if your baby is old enough to manipulate objects, it's a great way to entertain and stimulate them while waiting in the waiting room. If your baby is younger, attach a toy to their car seat with high-contrast colors like red, yellow, black, and white to capture their attention. Warm colors are the ones your infant will see from the first few months.

And don't forget you, Mom...

• Snacks and a bottle of water : because yes, we tend to forget about ourselves. Bring some snacks and a bottle of water (or a coffee in a thermos, why not?) to offer yourself a little comfort during this wonderful disruption of routine.
  
  
• A small, gentle hand sanitizer : because our little ones are still fragile. I liked having sanitizer on hand after handling a grocery cart or various doors at the doctor's office. The Attitude brand offers a great option, made in Quebec.

You have everything you need to break out of your routine!

Does all this worry you?

I was always reluctant to go out in the first few months with my oldest child. I was afraid of having to deal with a crying baby in public; I felt a great deal of anxiety about experiencing that.

A friend told me, "You know, Pam, if it doesn't work, you go back home. Take it one step at a time, one small outing at a time. You don't need to go very far."

A simple outing to the park, a trip to the grocery store, or even a visit to a friend can truly do you a world of good. The benefits are real, I promise you.