Packing a diaper bag depends upon two things: the length of the trip and the age of the child. Many moms, new and old, make the mistake of packing everything but the kitchen sink.
A trip to the grocery store? Feed and change the baby before you leave; you don't really want to brave a public restroom with a baby and his gear if you don't have to, right? If your toddler still isn't potty trained, you should probably wait till after lunchtime and naptime as well - no one wants to take a cranky toddler on a shopping trip.
Suppose you decide to visit a friend for a couple of hours; in this case you may wish to pack a few toys, a bottle, and an extra diaper or two. You don't need jars of food and three pacifiers and an entire package of diapers - but don't forget the wipes, and perhaps a blanket for changing. Your toddler may need a snack, too.
If you're very brave and plan to be out and about, running errands for most of the day, of course that bag should be fully loaded. But really, for even a six- or eight-hour venture, you only need two bottles, maybe three diapers, and a few toys; older children, of course, will need a couple snacks not only for nutritional purposes, but for entertainment value. Don't forget the wipes, of course, and a blanket or two; and for that length of time you may wish to bring an extra outfit, just in case.
If, of course, you're going to be traveling farther than downtown or spending the day with friends or family, you may wish to bring a stroller to make getting about easier. You may also wish to invest in a port-a-crib, as holding a baby for lengthy periods can cause one's arms to shake and ache; besides, it provides a safe place for babies and toddlers alike to take their naps.
Many moms pack too much "stuff" for even the shortest trips around town; this not only weighs down the diaper bag, but one can run the risk of forgetting about jars and bottles and never returning them to the refrigerator. Pacifiers can become lost, cute outfits never see the light of day, and so forth. Babies are heavy, especially when strapped to a carseat - make things easier and pack lightly.
Seriously are you going to change your baby five times in a two-hour shopping trip? Why? Are you going to feed a baby, who normally has one bottle every four hours, four times during the afternoon? Plan ahead, and don't worry about running out of something; unless you're traveling to the far reaches of the Arctic, there will be convenience stores along your route
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