Q&A: DITCHING THE DIAPER BAG

Note: Over the past few months I've received a few emails from readers asking for input regarding diaper bags. Here's my two cents:

I lucked out and had a pretty easy going pregnancy. In fact, the most complicated part of those 39 weeks was making a decision about what diaper bag I'd use when Max arrived. Once October rolled around and the love nugget made his grand entrance, I was still without a technical diaper bag. For months, I looked all over the web at various options. While there were plenty of cute bags available, I couldn't find anything to fit my personality or aesthetic. When I did come across a tote I sort of liked, I had a hard time justifying the price tag. Diaper bags can be awfully spendy and even the best options still look rather dowdy. For me personally, the whole dilemma felt forced. Now I realize this all sounds slightly haughty, but I'm a bag lady who takes her tote game seriously. 

In the months leading up to your baby's birth, everyone LOVES to tell you how your life is going to change and they're right in a lot of ways. They love to remind you of all that you will have to give up and the little luxuries you'll have to learn to forgo. Perhaps I'm just a tiny bit (A LOT) stubborn, but I refused to bid my favorite bags adieu. I don't know about you, but depending on my mood or outfit I like to switch out my accessories. And if my wardrobe is already limited because of the babe, you better believe I'm going to turn to my trusty bags and shoes for a little pizzazz. Over the past seven months I've learned any tote can be transformed to be tot ready.

The first time I ran errands solo with Max, my bag was chock-full of unnecessary items. As a VERY new and inexperienced mom, I wanted to be prepared for anything and everything—even a zombie apocalypse. There was so much stuff crammed into my tote, I almost began to question my decision to ditch the diaper bag altogether. When I finally arrived at the register to checkout, I was one frazzled hot mess. I couldn't find my wallet or the pacifier I placed aside to silence my wailing newborn. It felt like a disaster and my Type-A(shley) personality knew I needed to reassess my bag game BIG time. Later that afternoon when we got home and Max was asleep, I dumped everything out of my tote and started fresh. After many trips into town, I've narrowed it down to these necessities.

THE ANATOMY OF A MOM BAG:

• THE TOTE // You may be devoted to a bag you already own, or you may look at having a baby as an opportunity to treat yourself to something snazzy. Either way, there are plenty of great options available at various price points. For a splurge, I look to my favorites: J.Crew and Kate Spade. I've also had a lot of luck at Target, Zara, and H&M. When I'm not carrying around something colorful or trendy, I rely heavily on my Transport Tote from Madewell—superb quality and a fabulous neutral option. In the event we're traveling long distance and have to bring more of everything, I really love my Market XL Tote from Herschel Supply Co.—so many great patterns and machine washable.  

• ZIPPER POUCHES // Baggu had some amazing zipper pouches in various colors and prints. I have some that I bought awhile back, but after putting today's post together I realized they're not that easy to find anymore. Aw, shucks! Bring them baaaaaack por favor! At any rate, I bought this set from Eagle Creek when we visited my parents and they work just as well. In fact, with the exception of stuff I keep in my clutch, I can successfully fit all of Max's necessities in the medium-sized pouch. When I look at the graphic I created it's hard to believe, but I assure you it can be done. Note: Whenever I go to the store for a few items, I like to keep a foldable/reusable bag (like these from Baggu) in my tote just in case there aren't any shopping baskets available, which always seems to be the case at our Walmart. 

• YOUR CLUTCH // I like to keep my stuff separate from Max's for organizational purposes and convenience. Finding my keys and wallet is so much easier when stored separately. Ain't nobody got time for digging around a "diaper bag" in a state of panic. I've found that it also makes it a lot easier to grab my main essentials if I choose to switch bags, or for special instances when I run errands alone. I typically stow necessities like my wallet, tinted lip balm, and sunnies in my favorite clutch (Blair Ritchey). In case of emergencies, I carry along a Tide Pen and Chewbeads now that Max is teething. 

• DIAPER DUTY // In most cases, we make short trips into town so we don't have to worry about taking A LOT with us because we're always pretty close to home. I like to keep my bag stocked with OXO's travel wipes dispenser, two diapers, a tube of Aquaphor (multipurpose ointment that can be used for a variety of things), one disposable changing pad, and this diaper bag dispenser. After a few blowouts, I quickly learned it's nice to have this dispenser on hand to store dirty clothes, etc. I have a cute travel changing pad that I used initially, but since we rarely use it and it's kind of bulky, I swapped it out for one of the disposable options from Munchkin. Note: The Diaper Bag Buddy featured in the graphic is something I keep in the glove compartment in our car just in case of an emergency.

• ODDS & ENDS // In addition to the items already mentioned, I like to keep an extra onesie handy in case Max makes a mess. I've learned that it's also a good idea to keep a small toy on-hand to keep him entertained, especially if we're waiting to checkout or he's teething. While Max never really took to a pacifier, I keep one in my tote just in case. Sometimes it's nice to shove in his mouth when we're stuck in a long line and he's getting extra fussy. It never seems to work for long, but I figure it's worth a shot. Now that Max likes to feed himself, I typically bring a transition cup along with some formula. I've found it keeps him satisfied when we're working our way through HEB or Walmart. 

• MISC. // When we traveled with Max to visit my parents this spring, I ordered this diaper bag insert and it was incredibly helpful when keeping my oversized tote organized. There were tons of various pockets to hold bottles, diapers, etc. If you don't want to rely solely on zipper pouches, this is an awesome option to transform any tote into a diaper bag.

To all the moms out there, what are some of your necessities? Where have you found cute diaper bag options?

Q&A: QUESTIONS & ASHLEY

Lately I've received a handful of emails regarding the baby gear we've used with Max and what I'd recommend to new and expecting parents. With just five months under my belt, I'd hardly call myself an expert on the matter; however, I do know I wasted a lot of money on stuff we barely used—most of which was purchased to "prepare" for his big arrival. Ha Ha! Go figure. While 90 percent of the essentials mentioned in today's post were purchased AFTER Max was born, I feel confident suggesting them to anyone with a bun in the oven. Each baby is different, but you can't go wrong with the following basics:

• Newborn Sleeper Gowns // I had NO idea how much I'd love these until Max arrived. We had a couple of gowns on constant rotation in the early weeks. It was pretty much the only thing he wore when he was at the house. They made diaper changes so much easier especially late at night when nobody's got time or the patience for snaps and buttons.

• The Miracle Blanket // Flyboy is a swaddling master, but our little Houdini always managed to break out and that's when he'd wake up. Nooooooo! Once we started using The Miracle Blanket (around two months), we noticed that Max would sleep for 6+ hour stretches at night. It was especially handy in the middle of the night when we were too tired to achieve the perfect swaddle. In the event you or someone you know is dealing with a colicky baby, I would recommend this in a heartbeat. It was one of the few ways in which we could soothe Max when he was incredibly fussy.

• White Noise Machine // We started out with an app on our phones, but ended up purchasing this sound machine when we realized how much Max enjoyed the white noise. Sure it might sound like we live in a wind tunnel at night, but that's a small price to pay for some sound snoozing. I also think it's one of the main reasons Max can sleep through anything.

• 4moms Mamaroo Swing // Hands down, my all-time favorite baby essential! I attribute any productivity that's gone on in the past few months to this miracle device. We ended up purchasing ours about a month after Max was born, and our life improved the moment it arrived at our doorstep. Sweet freedom!

• Puj Foldable Bath Tub // Hi, my name is Ashley, and I can't stand clutter. I'm rather picky about how items are stored. Oh, and I get all sorts of anxiety whenever items waste perfectly useful space. Woot! Type-A(shley) in the house! All confessions aside, this foldable tub is a dream come true. It was especially handy in the early days when Max was tiny; it offered some security and structure whenever we'd bathe him in the kitchen sink. I typically store our Puj on a hook that's hidden behind my bathroom door. I adore the simple design and that it's user-friendly. No space issues or clutter around here, my friends! I'm also really excited to use it on our upcoming trips because it's so compact.

• Cloth Diapers // As I purchased items to prepare for Max's arrival, my mom suggested I buy a pack or two of white cloth diapers. It didn't take long for me to realize why they would become so handy for spit-up, blowouts, and burp cloths. The plain white color makes it easy for me to throw into the wash with our bath towels and bleached if necessary.

• Aden + Anais Swaddling Blankets // We received these as a gift and ended up buying another set after we realized how invaluable they were around our house. They're perfect for swaddling and tummy time, but also double as a great nursing cover and burp cloth. We have one staged in every room and bag. 

• Bibs // Run, don't walk, to the nearest Ikea and stock up on these cheap bibs. For less than four dollars, you get a pack of three. These striped necessities are not only soft, but they wash up like a dream. 

• Ergobaby Carrier // We purchased a few different carriers (Baby Björn, Solly Baby, etc.), and this is my favorite. In the beginning, I was a little hesitant to invest in an Ergo carrier, especially when it already felt like we were dropping money left and right on baby crap. Oops, I meant gear! If I would have just ordered this one from the start, I would have saved us some time and money. I think what I like most about the Ergobaby 360 is that it offers back support, which the others seemed to lack. It's no secret that Max is growing like a weed, and since Flyboy is tall and I'm short, we needed a comfortable carrier that would suit both of our body types. This is a keeper that's worth the investment.

• Toys // Max wasn't too terribly interested in toys for the first few months; however, he started to enjoy this Haba Magica Clutching Toy and this Oball Infant Rattle around the three-month mark. I also keep this Plan Toys Bird Rattle in my purse for whenever we're at the store and he needs something to chew on or play with.

• Organic Cotton Blanket // Can you ever have enough blankets? I didn't think so. I ordered this one from The Honest Company, and I absolutely adore it! Perhaps the textured polka dots might give it away? This sweet throw is perfect for cuddling and napping. It's been especially handy this winter whenever Max and I are out and about running errands. It's the perfect weight to keep him warm and drape over his car seat.

• Nuna Pipa Car Seat // Deciding on a car seat and stroller seemed like the most overwhelming task when we were preparing for Max. I'm SO glad we got the Pipa Car Seat and Pepp Stroller. This top-rated Nuna car seat is superior quality, lightweight, and easy to install. I especially love the canopy. When the stroller adapters are attached to the Pepp Stroller, the Pipa Car Seat can be used. Flyboy and I have been impressed with the stroller's smooth ride and compactness when folded. It's also lightweight, easy to set up, and close down.

• Boudreaux's Butt Paste // Around the three-week mark, Max got a diaper rash, and this paste took care of it within a day.

• The Honest Company Diaper Bundle // Frequent diaper changes are bearable when you're working with eco-friendly diapers adorned with adorable prints. Who's with me?! I also love the convenience of having the diapers and wipes mailed to our doorstep each month. It's one less thing to have to remember or juggle when we go grocery shopping.

• The Happiest Baby on the Block DVD // Dr. Harvey Karp's how-to video is a must for any new parent. I can assure you, it's SO worth the painful 80s hair styles! After watching the DVD one night, I could instantly see a new confidence in the way that Flyboy approached Max. We both learned new ways to soothe him effectively.

If you find yourself overwhelmed in the baby aisle or defeated by confusing customer reviews, just know that so many of us have been there and we survived. Remember that you don't have to have it all figured out. You already have just what your baby needs. With time and a subscription to Amazon Prime you'll figure out the rest! I promise.