What to pack in your nappy bag (photos)

Pack one nappy for each hour you'll be out, plus a few extra, just in case. If you're using cloth nappies you may also need liners, covers and a wash bag so you can bring nappies home to be washed.

You can store small amounts of wipes in a plastic or waterproof bag if you're not going out for long. They're perfect not just for nappy changes, but also for sticky hands and dirty surfaces. Sample sizes of nappy rash cream often work well and take up less space (just refill them when they run low).

Many nappy bags come with a reusable change mat, or you can buy one separately. Some parents like the disposable ones for travelling. A hand towel or old-style cloth nappy from home will also do.

Washing your hands with soap and water is best after changing a nappy, but sometimes there's no time or place to do this. A travel-sized bottle of hand sanitiser is the next best thing. It can also be handy if you have a toddler with grubby hands who needs to have a snack.

Pack a few for storing dirty nappies, clothes, blankets and so on. Just make sure your child can't get to them, as plastic bags (including the biodegradable versions) pose a suffocation risk. For extra safety, tie a loose knot in the bags so your child can't open them.

If you use formula, it's best not to prepare it before you go. Instead, pack portions of pre-measured formula powder, clean bottles and a thermos of boiled water that's cooled a bit.

Expressed breastmilk can be kept at room temperature (no warmer than 26 degrees) for around six hours.

Nursing covers give more privacy than the basic blanket-over-the-shoulder approach when you're breastfeeding, and are especially useful when your baby starts getting easily distracted while feeding.

Depending on the age of your child, this could include a jar or pouch of baby food, or finger foods. Bring spare bibs and spoons as, no doubt, a spoon will be flung across the café and her sweet potato puree will be smeared across her bib.

Make sure the cup has a no-spill lid to avoid leaks.

You can use a muslin or old-style cloth nappy to cover your baby, or as a change mat, nursing cover, bib, napkin, shade, burp cloth or peek-a-boo prop.

Stroller clips are handy for keeping the blanket, muslin or nappy in place when you're using it as a shade or cover on the pram (be careful not to block airflow, though). Clothesline pegs work nearly as well.

You never know when vomit, drool, spills or poo explosions will mean you need a change of clothing. A cardigan is handy if the temperature drops or you visit somewhere with air-conditioning. And if your toddler is toilet training, you'll need spare underwear, pants, socks and possibly even shoes.

Pack a spare dummy or comfort item in case one gets dropped on the street, or a dirty floor, or into the swimming pool, or off a balcony, or behind a bookcase or …

Even on cloudy days, children's skin needs protection from the sun's rays. When the weather's colder, pack a beanie.

There will be days (weeks even) where your child has a runny nose. Tissues also make great napkins, placemats and stand-in wipes. They can even be folded into paper hats and other objects when you need to keep a child entertained.

Choose toys based on your outing and your child's age. A toddler going to a restaurant often requires a lot of entertaining distractions, while a four-month-old may be happy with one rattle.

In a resealable or waterproof bag, pack adhesive bandage strips, antibiotic cream, pain reliever (for you and your child), paw paw ointment and other basic first-aid supplies.

If you're not carrying a separate handbag, make sure to pack your essentials, too! These may include purse or wallet, keys, phone, sunglasses, pen and paper, snacks, mints or gum, lip balm, bottle of water and maternity pads (if you're using them). You can include a spare shirt or a handy scarf, which can cover up a variety of messes.

You may also want to stash a book or magazine, to while away time when your child is feeding or napping. If you're short on space, download an eBook reader app on your phone or catch up on your favourite podcasts. Don't forget to pack your headphones, too!

Make sure you have the phone numbers of your family's doctors programmed into your phone, and your Medicare card in your purse.

Look for a bag with waterproof lining and multiple compartments to help keep the contents clean, orderly and easy to find. Think about your lifestyle and try different bags on for size, comfort and likely convenience. You're not limited to babyish prints these days, so go for fun colours or patterns, or choose something more sophisticated.

Some styles are versatile – handy if your partner will be taking your child out on adventures but isn't partial to floral handbags. And consider other types of bags. A backpack or satchel may suit you better than a traditional nappy bag, especially when your child becomes mobile and you need to chase her around.

Prevent leaks by packing medicines and snacks in resealable plastic or waterproof bags. And by using more of those handy bags to pack similar items together, such as all meal-related items or nappy change-related items, you'll have everything at your fingertips when you need it.

Consider having two nappy bags: a small one for quick trips and a larger one for longer outings. Some parents keep a basic nappy bag or changing supplies in the car at all times (just remember to change the nappies over when your child goes up to the next size).

Get tips on buying the perfect nappy bag.