Tips for Designing Diaper Bags for Your Next Family Trip
Strengthen your SUVs, stock up on SPF, and read all airport codes from JFK to LAX: It’s travel season.
Whether it’s a day trip to the beach or a transnational odyssey, if you’re taking a baby with you (we hope it’s your baby), packing a horrible diaper bag is a rite of passage.
But there is nothing to be afraid of the protector. These tricks will turn your diaper bag into a performance model so you can focus on other things … like getting your TSA.
Change the purpose of formula containers
A resourceful way to stay super-organized? Reuse of old mixing containers. They can be stacked making them ideal for organizing small items like snack bags, toys, or food cans. This saves you the little things from purgatory bags and saves you the hassle of wasting time swarming through the chaos.
Many of the large formula containers also have hinged lids that can be used as an impromptu feeding tray on a blanket or on a picnic table.
Package of bags “no pipe”
Pack stacks of unused diapers in per gallon Ziploc bags. After filling the bag, press up from the bottom to flatten the diapers and release the air before closing the zipper. You can also use a straw to suck air out if that’s your style. Place the Ziploc in a few extra zippers twice.
This saves space so you can pack more diapers. More importantly, it gives you a relatively odor-free receptacle for dirty cargo if you’re not close to the bin while keeping your diaper bag “non-bloom”.
Sequester pacifier
Even on a leash, the working part of the nipple can rub against some incredibly microbial-infected places. Case in point: Last weekend, on the way to the airport, my son dropped his beloved girlfriend on the New York subway (fun! Now dad has to pay for the exorcism!).
Therefore, it is imperative to have stocks of reserves on the deck. All you need is a carbine and some twine. Adhere to the handle of the bag for diapers ribbon with twine, then load the dummy onto the rifle and secure it through the loop. In an emergency, quickly retrieve the backup.
Keep teething toys on rocks
Our son has teething, so one of the most important ways we’ve come up with is to pack an insulated water bottle (our Klean Kanteen has survived a lot of hikes) with ice and water and leave some upstairs space for clean teething toys.
You will stay hydrated while the baby relaxes. Now nobody can complain.
Pre-Roll Outfits
Don’t like a bulky, stuffed suitcase? Why should a child’s travel wardrobe be less efficient?
Plan your outfit ahead of time and minimize space by combining socks and tucking them in to the ankles of your pant legs. Fold the outfits together, fold in half, and roll up to create small burrito outfits. These pre-assembled outfits are easier to pack, easier to dress up in a baby, and feel like a delicious meal. Everyone wins!