Ok all...

Found out last week I'm going to be a dad to twins in April, so I need advice from the dad's for diaper bags and the stuff to put in it. What worked, didn't work, how to carry it all, etc.

Right now i'm looking at getting a large timbuk2 messenger bag (might go with the laptop version as the fold out changing mat can fit in the laptop slot). Other then carrying diapers, change of clothes, wipes and formula (and/or breast milk).

What else should you EDC for babies???? Remember, i'm a new father but not new to kids. Stuff was always there with everyone else's kids, so never really had to think of what to carry!

Ideas... comments... accept any and all advice!

They didn't have these when my kids were little, but once they came out, it seemed to me that the diaper changing backpacks might be a neat deal. Room for all the goodies, clean place to flop the kid while changing, carried on your back, so you have your hands and arms free to do your share of the kid carrying...

Hi Kris,

I don't want to start any soother wars so I'll just say this, if your kids use soothers, keep spares in your diaper bag, and the car, and the living room, and your bathrobe... Something else I'd strongly suggest is a supply of plastic bags to wrap the soiled diapers in. Even if you dispose of the diapers in an environmentally friendly way, they are indispensible if you have to carry dirty diapers somewhere or if you get a "blowout" and need something to wrap dirty clothes in. (Ah the joys that await you!)

Edit: And don't forget a spare lovey/teddy/blankie. Hell hath no furry like a child who's favorite stuffed animal and/or blankie disappears.

All the best on your wonderful adventure!
jac

Kris,

First, congratulations. Twins are fun (at least as a twin I always thought things were fun, my folks might have a slightly different take on things ).

Now for some ideas for the diaper bag beyond the basics you mentioned.
- at least one set of spare clothes for each kid
- changing pads (washable or disposable) since you never know where/when you will need to change them.
- age appropriate thermometer
- age appropriate medicines (like infant tylenol etc.)
- bottled water (for you or for mixing formula)
- source of music (small mp3 player w/speakers) - great at soothing little ones
- toys/soothers
- camera so you are always ready for the cute moment
- cash / change for quick unplanned purchases
- cloth "burp" rags - basically clean cloth diapers for wiping up after feeding time (or as needed)
- appropriately sized ziplock bags for dirty diapers or clothes
- books (for them), never too early to start reading to the kids.
- toys/soothers
- your usual EDC stuff (knives, lights etc.)

It is a bit early now but if the kids start getting really attached to something make sure you have a least one spare/backup. Nothing is worse than spending an hour wandering the mall looking for your daughters precious "blue puppy" (one of a kind bargain bin toy) that she just put down for a second and now it can't be found. Wailing, crying, screaming, gnashing of teeth and she was upset also.

- Eric

What we used to call "puddle pads," waterproof pads, 'bout two feet square. They are kindasorta rubberised on one side, and fuzzy on the other. Put 'em under the little guys when they sleep, when you are changing diapers, etc. Mucho more better than having to swap out crip sheets at Oh Dark Thirty. They are getting to be hard to find, but we found some for our newest grandson at K-mart (or was it Wally? Don't remember, but I think it was K). Get a bunch of them...

Wipes, wipes and more wipes.

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Talk to your doctor. You are paying a fortune for a little time. Try to get more for your money. Ask for recommendations on what to carry. Also what first aid gear and OTC meds would be good to have along. He or she might be able to point the way to support groups tht you can talk to.

Oh did I mention wipes. Life can get messy real fast.

Like the 'puddle pads' idea...

So, I take it that wipes are important, eh!!!!!

"...wipes are important..."

Oh yeah. And with twins, you're gonna need a pile of them...

I think i'll be getting some supplies up in the states and just shipping them down in a container... Even doing it this way will save tonnes of cash even though I have to deal with customs, paying duty and shipping.

Once we get to the 4-5 month range, we'll start to get serious about buying all the necessary stuff.

But I think i'll get daddy's diaper bag regardless ;-)

+1 on the puddle pads. Nothing too expensive.

Cloth diapers. Even if you are using disposables get some cloth ones. They are great all around cloths for clean up. If you happen to have a boy, a cloth diaper strategically draped while changing a diaper can prevent a fountain (the kid looks small, but they hold an amazing amount!).

Don't go crazy overloading. Just the 2 infants are a lot to carry (particularly if you are on an outing as the solo parent). Say, after a few weeks, they are 10 lbs each. That 20 pounds of kid. We tended to strip down to the bare minimum for short outings - diapers, wipes, food & feeding supplies.

While the messenger bag may be good for looks, going with a day pack might be better for the dual shoulder straps - again, your hands are full of kids.

My wife and I developed great upper body strength toting two car seats around.