What's in my Changing Bag- Baby & Toddler Edition

Now that I'm a mum of two, my changing bag has reverted back from a backpack full of snacks and a few nappies (when it was just Isla) to a whole sack of "just in case" items and "you never know" essentials.

Since there is a risk of either child ruining their clothes/needing the toilet/being hungry at any moment, I like to ensure I have something for all occurrences and keep the bag ready to go so I don't have to do the mad scrabble before we leave.

I got my bag off of Amazon- a brand called Kidzzone- and it looks close enough to handbag to still be fashionable, with a lovely waterproof inside and lots of pockets to lose biscuit crumbs in.

For the toddler:

• Spill Proof Cup: We use both the Nuby variety and the Munchkin 360
• Snacks: For nutrition and bribery purposes
• Spare pants and shorts/trousers: Potty training has gone well, but we still like to prepare for an accident just in case
• Spare outfit: Because you never know
• Fold up raincoat: If it's cold, Isla will wear a coat out but I like to keep something waterproof handy in case she isn't under the raincover on the pram
• Sun cream: This is for the baby too, to keep them both protected
• Sunglasses: For the rare sunny day
• Toys: We usually have a handful of cheap toys that Isla can fiddle with if she is stuck in the pram for a long time
• Plasters: Isla is a little bruiser and scrapes her knee every other day

For the baby:

• Nappies: I try to keep at least 5 in here for a day out, around one an hour and a half although he rarely needs changing that often
• Wipes: helpful for both the toddler and baby, for everything from bums to hands to wiping tables
• Nappy Cream: We use most brands, but at the moment we're using E45
• Muslin Clothes: For spit up, dribble, and Archer loves them to snuggle as he falls asleep. Also good as a cover for breastfeeding if it's windy or I want to cover up a bit
• Spare Outfit (x2): For the inevitable poo or puke explosions
• Spare dummy: Archer can shoot a dummy two metres through a crowded area, never to be seen again. 
• Sun & Winter hats: I keep both handy because British weather is ridiculous and unpredictable
• Coat: An easy to add layer if it gets cooler
• Nappy Bags: Great for stuffing dirty nappies in till you find a bin, and also to use as wet bags to bring home any soiled clothes or toys
• Travel Changing Mat: For if we can't find a baby change- any surface becomes suitable or cleaner at least

For mummy:

• Purse
• Hand santiizer
• Reusable breast pads
• Nipple cream
• Snack
• Sterilising anti-bac surface wipes

What's in your changing bag? If you have anything you can't live without let me know!

Steph xo

Archer's 11 Week Update

This week marks Archer entering his last week classed as a newborn. He was only 3 weeks early, so we don't adjust his age for milestones- so yes, when he hits 12 weeks old at the end of this week he will officially need to get himself a proper baby job because he will be an infant.

It's had me all sorts of emotional- especially since he has officially outgrown his preemie, newborn, and 1 month clothing. Putting it all away I've realised I will never have another fresh baby (we're done with two!) and he's started to look and feel huge to me.

Length: >61cm (51cm at two weeks)

Weight: >13.5lbs and to be weighed next at 13 weeks (6lb 12oz at birth)Clothing size: 0-3 months and Up to 3 Months

New this week: Purposefully kicking his piano play mat, sleeping in his own bed for most of the night, having a "bed time" and sticking to it, keeping hands open and not in a fist when playing, able to smack toys hanging above him

Likes: sitting up with support, squealing and cooing at daddy, chewing his fists, the elephant hanging toy on his swing & playmat

Dislikes: getting out of the bath and dried, the majority of dummy brands, when mummy puts him down during his nap

Mummy & baby product shout out this week: Fisher Price Kick & Play Piano Mat. I hate the music, and he loves it. It takes up room as we now have two mats in the living room, but it's been so worth it. He absolutely loves it and the second we put him on it he starts to kick and pant with excitement. The toys dangle at the perfect height for him too. He's getting more into toys now so it's nice to have something so colourful to stimulate him.