As a parent, especially a new parent, it is important to know what to pack in that critical diaper bag when you take that trip, whether it’s to the local mall or a family-fun, extended trip to one of the amazing family destinations around the country. Knowing first hand the frustrations of a first time parent when you need that extra diaper, or when your son throws his critical binky into the garbage and you need a backup, it is imperative to have the right baby items to carry, yet, at the same time, you want to be as efficient as possible for fear of carrying a heavy baby bag around all day.

When taking a short trip, like to the mall or the local grocer, you should always have the basics: diapers, wipes, sippy cup/bottle. In addition to these critical items, you should carry different forms of entertainment: binky, rattles and teethers. It’s always important to have duplicates or multiples of the items you may need the most.

For longer day trips, like a trip to the zoo, or a Children’s Museum perhaps, you will need to pack all the essentials including the items listed above (multiples depending on the length of the trip) and other useful items such as nursing wrap, receiving blanket, burp cloth, an extra change of clothes(or two) in a zip lock bag (useful for all kinds of dirty situations, i.e., dirty diapers and/or clothes) and, of course, hand sanitizer. I always carry a spare swim suit and travel size sunblock as an increasing number of water related features are popping up everywhere (i.e., splash pads, kiddie pools, splash zones at the zoo and or museum).

For overnight and extended trips, packing a diaper bag takes on new meaning. And it might not be a "diaper bag" you are packing, as it is an actual suitcase. If you are planning a couple days, you will need to stock up on diapers and wipes. Maybe you will have access to a store or pharmacy, but it is always smart to be well prepared. Essentials for a long trip or vacation, including diapers, wipes, overnight pull-ups or other types of training pants and the correct size of swim diapers (the last two are sooo hard to find at hotels and resorts!), are critical.

Because of this experience, I developed the Nanny Caddy.

Rest assured that we all forget the baby essentials more times than we care to admit! This is what drove me to create Nanny Caddy. It is my hope that Nanny Caddy will provide you with all the necessities of your diaper bag while you are on the go. Also, I hope it will bring you peace of mind that you're covered if you forget something or just simply don't want to pack your diaper bag.

Now go have some fun!