What To Pack In The Nappy Bag For Cold Season

Cold season doesn't stop the school run, the appointments or the visits to grandparents. A small amount of preparation makes leaving the house far less stressful.

The short list

• Single-use saline vials. Easier than a bottle, no risk of leaking through the bag, and no worry about how long an opened bottle has been in there.
• Your aspirator, charged — with any removable tips clean and dry, ideally in a clean pouch or case rather than loose.
• Soft muslins or cloths. More than you think. Congested babies produce a remarkable amount.
• Barrier balm. A constantly wiped nose gets sore fast. A plain, fragrance-free balm around — not in — the nostrils helps.
• A spare outfit for each of you. Feeds during a cold are messier.
• A comfort item for the suctioning routine. Familiar object, familiar smell, less protest.

Doing it away from home

Find somewhere quiet rather than doing it in a busy café — a calm baby is easier to help. Lay them down if you can, saline first, wait, then one gentle pass. If they're fighting hard, stop. A partly clear nose and a calm baby beats a clear nose and a distraught one.

Keeping things clean on the go

Wipe the tip after use and store it away from everything else until you can wash it properly. A rinse under a tap is not a clean — do the full wash and dry when you get home.

The bit no one tells you

You will not need most of what you pack, right up until the day you do. A dedicated small pouch that lives permanently in the bag with saline, a spare cloth and the balm means you're never rebuilding the kit under pressure.

This article is general information, not medical advice. Always follow the guidance of your paediatrician or healthcare provider.