Not what

Tiffany - posted on 01/01/2011

I don't like diaper bags. I don't find they give enough pocket room for what you need and are bulky...at least the ones I have looked at. I actually bought a gym bag at Old Navy last year and ever since then have used that as my 'diaper bag'. I don't carry a purse any more. I have them, and if I'm out with a friend I'll bring it with my snacks and water in it...but on a daily basis I don't use one, just my pockets lol. In my diaper bag I have 3 outfits, a sweatshirt, 6 diapers, small first aid kit, wipes, my camera, a few toys, tylenol, vitamins, sunblock, sunglasses, both our chapsticks, blanket, socks, pajamas, binky wipes, hair ties, brush, carseat manual and then I put my daughters little penguin cooler in there as well with her juice and milk in it. I bring her snacks as well. I don't bring anything but that bag, but I keep a lot in it lol. The bag has 3 straps...one long adjustable one so I can swing it over my shoulder and then 2 smaller ones that you can carry it in your hand. I keep the shopping cart cover and reusable bags and hooks in the car and when we go shopping, I leave the diaper bag in my car. I don't lug it around in the store unless I'm at the mall but then I have her in her stroller so I put it underneath.

Beth - posted on 12/31/2010

I guess I am the odd one out. I usually only head out to run errands, and I make sure both kids (2 years, and 7 months) are fed and changed. I just bring a few bibs for my spitty daugher. I just bring my cart cover instead of a diaper bag. I put my son in the front of the cart and my daughter in her carseat in the back of the cart. Other than that I just bring my wallet and keys. With 2 kids 17 months apart I travel light!

Nicki - posted on 12/31/2010

'Kay I have 5 (10, 7, 2, 2, 1) and I carry what's considered a small diaper bag. It has just the basics in it and I toss in my wallet that has anything I might need in it. If I'm in the grocery store I don't even carry it in with me... though if I'm gone all day I'll toss in a few extras. Some people just like having a big bag or want their pretty bag. I'm not much of a purse person so I don't like dragging bags around anyway, much less taking half the house. We all do things differently, no harm in that! Have a great day yall!

Julie - posted on 12/31/2010

LOL - I know what you mean... I hate carrying stuff. So when I am with my young daughter I have a small diaper bag. Wipes, a few diapers, maybe some snacks and a change of clothes. My wallet & cell phone. But without the kids just my wallet & phone. My question is to those women with LARGE bags??? do you use everything in that bag???? They say you should never carry more than 15lbs.

Melissa - posted on 12/30/2010

I am exactly on the opposite end of the spectrum. I didn't feel like I could carry a purse when I had a small baby, carrier and a diaperbag, so I just carried a wallet the size of a small makeup bag...I could fit my cell phone and chapstick in there too.

Then, when my daughter got older, I wanted to be more stylist for my own sake and found that a medium size purse was all I could carry and still chase my daughter around the store, lol. For very short trips, I'll carry a diaper or 2 and sample package of wipes in my own purse. I leave the snack in the car. If I am going out for longer than an hour, I'll take a small diaper bag and my purse. The diaper bag is still sparse compared to other mom's who've posted previously and I can usually fit my own purse within it so I have less to fuss with and carry. I find that a single change of clothes is simply a back up in case of something major. To this day (19 months) I have yet to change her clothes since she's been able to walk. (Changing the diaper frequently keeps major spillage at bay). Snacks and bottles are the most used thing. Toys are rarely necessary except for over lunch/dinner eating out.

For all you super prepared mom's: do you really use all those things you carry, or are they for the "just in case" kind of stuff?

Sally - posted on 12/29/2010

We cloth diaper so I need a big diaper bag. If I pack carefully I can get everything into one bag for a shopping trip or church. If we are going to be out all day or I want to briing my knitting, I add a small tote for my things.

Katharine - posted on 12/29/2010

I use a medium/large size diaper bag. I live in such a small town; we only have one grocery store. So, we are forced to leave town and drive an hour to the city just to get the extra stuff we can't get in town or even better yet, get it a hell of a lot cheaper. So dd’s diaper bag has to last us the whole day, while we’re out of town. In my bag I have:
For dd:
12-15 diapers
Diaper rash cream
3 Travel Wipe containers
Diaper pad (the public baby changing stations are just gross and I don’t want dd to be laying on it)
Hand sanitizer
Small bottle of baby lotion
Baby Sunglasses
Nose spray
A package of Boogie Wipes (awesome stuff btw)
Nose aspirator (dd has a runny nose all the time)
An extra lovey (dd can’t sleep without one)
Toys
Two sets of clothes
3 Ziploc bags (for dirty clothes)
Plastic container full of Cheerios (dd favorite)
Extra snacks
Sippy Cup
Sippy Cup holder for the shopping cart (that way I don’t have to chase after her sippy cup or her toy)
DD lunch and dinner
For me:
My wallet
My cell phone
Epi-pen
Chapstick
Lip gloss
Gum
Zune
Inhaler
Hair Clip
In town, I use the same bag but I put a lot less stuff inside: I usually have 3-4 diapers, 1 travel wipe container, nasal spray, nasal aspirator, Boogie wipes, baby sunglasses, container full of Cheerios, 2 sets of clothes and 3 Ziploc bags. I usually just carry my wallet and cellphone.

Kylie - posted on 12/28/2010

i've got a hand bag, that is a leather backback, and is alittle smaller then an A4 paper. while my 2 year old son has a backpack that fits on the pram and has everyting he would need, like medicine(he has sever allergies), nappies, bandaides, creams, wipes, a water bottle, a change of clothes, and nappy sacks. however when my daughter is born in may i think i will either have to try and fit my son stuff in a nappy bag (about A3 size) or have two bags...i learned the hard way with my son, if i don't prepare for everything it will happen!

Corinne - posted on 12/28/2010

Wow! My kids are 4yrs and 2yrs old and I'd forgotten how much stuff gets crammed into those bags. I only carry a medium sized handbag with me and I can get everything in it. I usually have: tissues, wipes, hand sanitizer, Devons juice and snack, bottle of calpol, spare trousers and undies (only if he's unwell), my notebook and diary, bank books, handcream, lip balms (x3), purse, keys and phone. Think that's it. I don't drive so when they were little I had a pretty big pram and it all got crammed in the bag and stuffed underneath, I also had a sling rucksack for when I used the baby sling. Forgot I'd had so many bags.

Candyce - posted on 12/27/2010

When my son was still using a stroller (until he was 2 1/2), I carried a diaper bag with a half pack of diapers, wipes, snacks for him and me, toys, crayons, coloring book, book for me, sippy cup, juice or water, change of clothes, etc. I still had room left over, but it was quite a large bag. Now, I just carry my large purse with snacks, toys, coloing things, water, books, napkins, etc. He's 4 1/2 now.

Blessed Be

A - posted on 12/26/2010

Wow, I must be weird. My diaper bag is small, medium purse size. I carry in there about 10 diapers (two sizes), onsie, sleeper, socks, extra pants and extra shirt (two sep sizes), bottle with liners, two bottles of formula, wipes, two bottles of water and some snacks. Not sure how I get it all to fit in the tiny bag (I have 3 kids aged 8 weeks-5 years) but it works. My purse is a separate bag.

Rachelle - posted on 12/25/2010

I don't have a traditional diaper bag I have a medium size duffle bag. I have a 2 year old and a 9 month old with one due any day. I like being prepared for anything and everything. So I carry diapers, change pads, extra cloths, snacks, sippy cups, bottles, bibs,wash cloths, diapers cream, wipes, the baby food, tylenol, benedryl, hand sanitizer, health cards, immunization records( so I always know where they are) pacifiers, toys, spoons for the baby, my cell, my wallet I don't carry a purse. When my daughter was first born I carried a bottle bag because she drank so often that I needed it. I don't carry a purse.

Sarh - posted on 12/23/2010

I often wonder the same thing! I'm not a purse kind of gal, but I do carry a medium sized diaper bag.
What is in my diaper bag...
-6-8diapers
-wipes (I carry a pack of Pamper's.... baby wipes are great for EVERYTHING!)
- 2 outfits for him (he is a spit up baby)
-an extra shirt for me
-2 pairs of nursing pads
-snacks for him (now that he is 6 mo)
-keys
-wallet
-phone (or most often my pocket)
There is a little bag thing that is attached to the inside which contains....
-Desitin
-Q-Tap (Tylenol)
-Motrin (will be added now that he is 6mo)
-travel sized deodorant
-antibacterial cream (neosporin like)
-spoon
-boob cream (GREAT for his dry skin due to sucking his thumb)
-travel sized baby lotion
and I'm sure I'm missing some things.
I also often have snacks for my almost 5yr old and my coupons and WIC checks. Hubby throws random crap in there too!

Joanne - posted on 12/22/2010

We went on the Buse today 8, 5, and 20 month old we had a back pack with 2 nappies, change mat, wipes, tissus, my purse or " wallet" house/car keys two water bottles one per child and 20 month held her drink cup my mob phone lives in my pocket, if were going out for the whole day nappy bag same stuff as well as a change of clothes, powder and nappy bags.

Annie - posted on 12/22/2010

Wow you carry more than I do. I know what you are saying though. When my son was little I carried everything now. I only take that I know I am going to need. 3 diapers wipes, a few toys, a sippy cup, anti bacterial wipes, chap stick, my wallet and some snacks. Oh and of course keys.

Angy - posted on 12/22/2010

i use a diaper bag, diapers, wipes, change of clothes, my wallet, keys in pocket adn phone in pocket, not tomuch.... lol diaper cream, and all necessities

Brittany - posted on 12/22/2010

I have a purse and a diaper bag... although my diaper bag is actually a mini back pack. It's amazing how much you can fit in a tiny space. I have about 8 diapers, a blanket for changing on, a nursing cover (which I can actually take out now as my daughter doesn't nurse in public anymore), wipes, desitin, gloves, a sippy, and a change of clothes (which is often left out).

The only reason I have two bags is that there isn't a safe place for me to put my wallet and keys in the backpack. I actually plan on getting a new one for the next one. I just need a zippered pouch for wallet and keys, so I can find them quickly.

I think the only times we've packed more was at conventions and Disney World. But we just used a bigger back pack instead of the diaper bag. My wallet then goes in a separate pouch.

I've seen moms have a naptime bag (whatever that is), a toy bag, a diaper bag, a purse, and a bag for their older child (like 3 and up).

We do have a toy bag but only for church and we do it that way so we can leave it in the car. I think with a better organized diaper bag we could easily get rid of it.

Jeannette - posted on 12/22/2010

I usually carry around my purse and diaper bag. But I usually don't even bring the diaper bag if we are just going to the store or library. I'll bring the diaper bag and leave it in the car if we are going to be gone for 3 hours. Of course if we are gone all day or to the park, then I carry it along. Anyway, all I ever carry is 3 to 4 diapers (depending on how long we will be gone), wipes, an outfit change, a few toys. Again, depending on how long we will be gone, I will throw in some food/puffs and a cup of water.

Natasha - posted on 12/21/2010

I have 3 kiddos under 5 and only carry a med sized sling backpack. I have a change of clothes for my 2 younger ones, about 6-8 diapers, wipes, changing pad, bib, burp cloth, nursing cover-up, baby food, spoon, keys, wallet, chapstick, and water. I don't have time to mess with more than one bag and wrestle with 3 kids when we go out.

Lydia - posted on 12/21/2010

I still use my pre-baby purses. I got a really nice changing mat that folds up small and has pockets for diapers and wipes. So I got that and some changing clothes, a bib and my wallet, keys and phone. That's about it. I am a minimalist. I reorganize the bag at least once a week.

Bethany - posted on 12/21/2010

I guess my bag is on the larger side, it hangs over my pram handle and reaches from one side of the pram to the other, looks more like carry-on luggage actually,



I use terry square nappies that are folded and ready, and I usually have 2 of those, or three for a whole day out. Along side them is a zip lock baggie of nappy sacks (small plastic baggs for dirty nappies), a little packet of wipes, a little tube of nappy cream, a little bottle of hand sanitiser. Next to that is a compartment with a little purse with bandaids, a few panadol, a few sudafed, fem hy, tissues (ever been in the toilet and then realised there is no paper?), safety pin or two.



Next compartment is mine, all mine, my purse/wallet, shopping bags that roll up small x 2, a little clear zippered toiletry bag with all my bits and pieces. When I'm going out by myself, I just grab my purse and phone and the little clear bag that has all my stuff in it and stick it in my normal sized handbag, no fuss.



Next compartment, is for snacks, and spare clothes, depending on the outing. Zippered compartment for Charlotte's sunnies and hat.



Outside compartment, digital camera and mobile phone.



I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. I have given things to many mums, some with more than one kiddo, who havn't even had a bandaid or a tissue, let alone things for themselves. I'm happy to give from my supplies, I know what it's like to be without the one little thing that you need at that minute. I replenish when I get home.



Oh, and a little baggie of fruit jubes for rewards, and "positive reiforcment", and for if we're nearly home and I don't want to buy food, but need a blood sugar boost for myself.



oh, and sunscreen

Vegemite - posted on 12/20/2010

wow so much stuff i never thought of before.

Stifler's - posted on 12/20/2010

Tonnes of everything. Mine gets cluttered and I don't bother to look in there and repack it. So I have about 5 spew rags, 8 nappies, spoons, bibs rolled up, dummies, 5 suits etc. In my hand bag I always have the tonnes of reciepts my camera, other crap, pens. I am just unorganised!

Mimi - posted on 12/20/2010

I have a medium coach diaper bag and no purse, 2 sets of clothes for her, 1 shirt for me(she likes to smear food on me), 6 diapers, small wipe case, 1, rash cream, 1 bottle of water,bottle, wallet, snacks, 2 jars of food, spoon

Jacqueline - posted on 12/20/2010

I have a huge bag lol i like to be prepared. Plus my daughter has severe allergies which requires more. Usually 4 diapers wipes, tylenol, diaper cream, medicine bag with epi pen and benedryl, bandaids, extra clothes, water, snack, at least one nonperishable meal for if we are out ( can't just eat off the menu somewhere) covers for the highchair and grocery cart ( she gets hives if one of her food allergies has touched something) placemat, and a few toys lol and if I have room i throw in my wallet and phone

Ramona - posted on 12/20/2010

My son has a toddler backpack and it has all his diapers, change of clothes and wipes, snack cup and juice cup. i leave it in the car and when i go in the store i grap a diaper and his wipe case. . Thats it. The bag will carrry lots more stuff depending on the weather and so on

Alexis - posted on 12/20/2010

I so totally am on your side of things. I don't like carrying luggage around with me and carry one small diaper bag that is stylish. I carry diapers, wipes, change of clothes, food, sippy cup and all of my accessories (IDs, debit cards, shopping lists etc) in it. I don't understand what they are bringing with them either?!?

Amber - posted on 12/20/2010

What don't I have in my purse?!? Chad calls it my permanent carry on :)
I love having a big purse. I think they are gorgeous and like knowing that I have my stuff with me.

I have:
Wallet, cellphone, gum, santizer, pens and pencils, calculator, receipts, eye drops, extra contact case, sunglasses (mine and Christians), lip gloss(x5), chapstick, coverup, fruit snacks, lighter, mini-flash light, keys, Hotwheels cars, hand sanitizer (wipes and spray), kleenex, mints, small hair brush, tampons, camera, allergy medicine, cough drops, Neosporin spray, and lotion.

I think that's everything. I don't see anything else...haha :)

Lisa - posted on 12/20/2010

With my first baby, I carried a large diaper bag with everything under the sun. With our second, we had a small diaper bag that carried the necessities (couple of diapers, change of clothes, wipes and a light blanket). We could also throw in snacks, sippy cups, bottles, etc.

One thing I realized with those big huge diaper bags is that they are typically quilted and have 52 pockets and sleeves making them look like the size of a carry-on suitcase.

We're coming up on baby #3 being due and I plan on making a medium sized diaper bag. My 2 year old has a small backpack that he typically carries that's big enough for a couple of diapers, small thing of wipes, a change of clothes, and a little snack.

As far as my purse, that's probably on the large size and is typically full but for some reason, my family thinks it's a carry-all for whatever junk they want to put in it...I've even found the dog's chew toy that he was hiding from the kids.

Jane - posted on 12/20/2010

i keep a small bag, if i have a big bag, i'll fill it up w/things i don't need it in. i keep a few diapers, one extra outfit and some diaper cream.

Jennifer - posted on 12/20/2010

I usually have a huge diaper bag. I need 6-8 diapers for my 2 month old, because she loves to wait untl I just change her diaper before she does #2. Then she could go through 2-3 more with just that, because she likes to drag it out. LOL Just as I think she is done, and change her she goes more. Then I need a couple pull-ups for my 2-year-old for those "accidents". I usually carry a huge thing of wipes, because of my daughter's pooping, and because they work great for cleaning after meals/snacks (I also have a 6 and 5-year old). Then normally I have 3 receiving blankets (1 for burping, 1 for under kids when I change them, and 1 spare for when my daughter poops on the other one). Then normally I have two clean sleepers for my daughter and an extra pair of pants for my son. 2 formula dispensers, 6 3-oz. bottles, a couple snacks and small toys, a bib, travel thermometer, hand sanitizer, diaper disposal bags, and travel size lotion. I also carry a small purse for my money, chapstick, phone, gum, and any mail/papers that need dropped off somewhere. This may seem like too much to some, but it is all stuff I have used when I was out, or needed to buy while I was out, because I didn't have it along. The diaper bag itself could actually be a little smaller, but my husband got it (trying to be nice), so I guess I have to use it

Medic - posted on 12/20/2010

Wow. I have a pretty big diaper bag but I usually never take it out of the car. In it I have: 6-8 diapers, wipes, change of clothes for both my 11mth old and 4 year old, water bottles, juice boxed snacks for each, tylenol, diaper rash cream, lotion, chapstick, burp clothes, a blanket for each, and a few bibs. But if I need anything I just go to the car and get it.

Erin - posted on 12/20/2010

Wow, I think I'm a pretty unprepared mom compared to most here. I always have my purse (med size) which has the usual wallet, lip glosses, cell phone etc... I rarely ever take the diaper bag out of the van. I usually throw in a few snacks and juices for the kids. If we're going to be walking around for a few hours I'll throw in a diaper and wipes into my purse too.There's also always tylenol and diaper rash cream in the diaper bag too. So if I need it, it's there. But we live 10 minutes outside of town with no public trasportation so we always have our van when out and about. That way it makes it easier to not have so much crammed into my purse.

Susanne - posted on 12/20/2010

3 nappies, 3 vests, 3 pairs of trousers, 3 t shirts, socks, wet wipes, sudocreme, changing mat, nappy bags, breast pads, purse, keys, mobile phone, hat and gloves for baby, gloves for me, camera, baby food, spoon and bibs, perfume and calpol. Sometimes I chuck the carseat raincovers in too.

Ricky - posted on 12/20/2010

toys take up a lot of space.
When I go out for a whole day I carry (for my 19 month old son)
- 6-8 diapers
-wipes
- extra pants, pair of socks, long sleeve and a tshirt and sweater
-diaper disposal bags
-3-5 different toys, size depending on what he picks to bring
- variety of snacks
-water bottle and juice boxes for when he gets tired of water
-diaper cream or baby powder
-and during winter a small blanket

then my purse has my wallet, card holder (SIN cards, care cards, and other id), snack for me, my 2 sets of keys, phone, and other random junk that just ends up in there. Plus I carry my own cloth bags so I dont have to use plastic ones.

His diaper bag does end up looker a lot fuller because by the end of the day I am pulling everything out and it gets messed up and with an super active toddler I have no time to stop and fix it. And if Im in a rush I dont even organize it before I leave.

Vegemite - posted on 12/19/2010

Also I put two band-aids, panadol and bonjela just in case.

♏*PHOENIX*♏ - posted on 12/19/2010

My son has a standard size (Medium/large) diaper bag I got as a Baby shower gift that I carry; I also carry a Large Luis V bag…(it was my purse, but its on the medium side so I use it as a diaper bag now)
I can fit ALL that he needs as well as my stuff in both bags…

But I guss some women NEED a lot of things or feel they need to be prepared for anything that comes there way.

I can’t see why they would need so many bags, unless they have like five+ kids…

~What I have in side~
-6 Diapers
-Snacks for him
-4-6 bibs
-Juice
-Pari of pants and 2shirts
-Toys
For me
-Lip-gloss
-Hairbrush
-Sunglasses