What to carry in your baby's pram bag

Your pram bag is your little base camp: if it’s well packed, you’re out of the door in two minutes. The key is to carry just what you need and keep it organised in smaller bags, so you don’t have to empty it every time you’re looking for something.

For a short walk (1–2 hours)

• Nappies: two or three, in a nappy wallet that keeps them clean.
• Wipes, in a wipes case so they don’t dry out.
• Travel changing mat: for changing your baby anywhere without laying them on cold or dirty surfaces. The travel changing mats fold up and take up very little room.
• A muslin, for your shoulder, for wiping or for shade.
• A dummy if they use one, attached with a dummy clip so it doesn’t end up on the ground.
• Your own things: keys, phone and purse or wallet.

For a day out, add

• A complete change of clothes (bodysuit, sleepsuit or outfit, and socks) in a multi-purpose bag, which then does for the dirty clothes.
• Food: a bottle or whatever they need for a feed, water for you and, if they’re already eating, a snack in a snack bag.
• Nappy cream and hand sanitiser.
• An extra layer: a swaddle or a cardigan, because it gets cooler towards evening.
• A bag for used nappies.

How to organise it

• A bag with compartments saves you rummaging. Our pram bag has inside and outside pockets, a coated terry lining that’s easy to clean if something spills, and two straps: it hangs from the pushchair or can be worn across the body.
• If you’re only going out for a short while, the Compact pram bag (37 × 22 × 12 cm) carries the essentials without the weight.
• Keep one pocket for each thing (nappies, food, your own things) and always stick to it: that way, anyone who goes out with the baby can find everything.
• Restock when you get home, not when you’re leaving: it’s the trick to never running out of nappies.

Pram bag or maternity bag?

The pram bag is for every day: light, and hung from the handlebar. For long days out, nursery or weekends away, a bigger maternity bag is more comfortable. Lots of families have both. If you’re getting ready for your baby’s arrival, you might also find the guide on what to pack in your hospital bag useful.