Those Luvs diaper commercials couldn’t be more funny or true. You know the ones I’m talking about. They show a new mom or dad struggling with the many every day obstacles of parenthood. Infant sleep, diaper changes, breastfeeding in public–to name a few–and then they fast-forward to that same mother/father with their second child meeting the same challenge–though a challenge no longer! They have figured it out and handle it with ease.
One of these commercials shows a mother getting ready and a packing up all the beloved “baby items”. With her first child, you see her cramming an overflowing diaper bag with all the baby gear you could imagine and she’s shoving an umbrella on the over-sized stroller just in case. With her second child, her baby is on her chest in a baby carrier, toddler walking beside her, and she grabs a couple diapers and a handful of cheerios on her way out the door. You can watch the video here.
A LOT OF NEW PARENTS WONDER WHAT TO PUT IN THE DIAPER BAG. ADVICE FROM A MINIMALIST MOTHER OF TWO: DON’T OVERPACK!
The extra baggage is heavy and overwhelming. Here is a list of what to have in the diaper bag for an infant:
1. Diapers and wipes (a wet bag if you cloth diaper and if your baby is prone to get diaper rash then some diaper ointment or coconut oil in a small jar)
2. A change of clothes for baby – accidents happen! And for young babies, a receiving blanket.
3. Changing pad (most diaper bags come with this)
4. Bottles and formula/water if you are a formula feeding family or exclusively pumping
5. 1-2 small baby toys/teethers
6. Pacifier (if your family chooses to use one)
7. Water and snacks (for babies over 6 months)
8. Your wallet and keys (if you keep them here to avoid carrying a purse)
SOME NEW PARENTS ASK, “BUT WILL A PACIFIER RUIN MY BABY?”
Let’s talk about this! For very young babies, pacifiers or artificial nipples of any kind can cause nipple or flow confusion if the mother chooses to breastfeed. Most lactation experts as well as the AAP advise to hold off until the baby is at least 3-4 weeks old and the milk supply/breastfeeding relationship is well-established.
In the early days, it can be easy for a young baby to skip a feeding if they are satisfied enough by a pacifier. However, while there might be some potential risks to pacifier use, such as premature weaning, thrush, ear infections, or dental problems, there’s an awful lot of benefits too.
PACIFIERS CAN BE A GREAT WAY TO NURTURE YOUR BABY.
Babies have a strong urge to suck, so pacifiers can help babies to feel better when they are in the carseat or their mother needs a break or isn’t home. Likewise, the AAP recommends pacifier use for prevention of SIDS.
Our postpartum doulas are experts in baby care, so they can help pack that diaper bag with the best products on the market.