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Streamline your diaper bag

Categories: Just for moms, Baby essentials

What's in YOUR diaper bag these days? If you're like I was when my first son was a baby, your bag is always completely stocked, with enough stuff to prepare you for an immediate evacuation. And then you drag all that stuff with you when you go to the post office or the mall, and you wonder why your back always hurts.

Plus, you're probably carrying a Special Diaper Bag, because isn't that what moms carry?

How about ditching the 40 pound duckie bag and replacing it with something cool and grown-up and light?

Look for a water-resistant nylon bag, one that can be wiped clean; a dark color will show fewer stains than a light color. Steer clear of fabric bags, which will be dirty after the first time you leave the house. Choose a bag with interior pockets, for your cell phone and keys and any other things you don't want to scramble around in the bottom of the bag to find. And think about a bag with a convertible strap, something that you can wear across your body like a messenger bag OR tuck under your arm like a tote. Pictured: Ibiza Convertible Flight Tote, from Hayden-Harnett, $198.00.

Stock the bag with plastic bags for storing dirty diapers and wet clothes (grocery bags work well, as do zip lock bags), hand wipes (or a wet wash cloth in a plastic bag), a diaper (yes, ONE!) and a change of clothes for the bambino (again, limit yourself to one--leave others in your car or the basket of the stroller), and one or two small toys. Keep your stuff to a minimum as well--are you REALLY going to read that novel while you run errands? Leave it at home. Take your wallet and keys and phone and a lipgloss and a small bottle of water.

Potty training? Carry ONE spare outfit and TWO extra pairs of underwear. I always carried an outfit that either of my kids could wear, because I had one who didn't always make it to the potty and another who didn't always get his ice cream all the way to his mouth.

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