Packing a changing bag for a baby with an IgE-mediated allergic response to cow’s milk protein takes extra care and attention. While you still need all the regular baby essentials, it’s crucial to be prepared for any allergic reactions and have everything on hand to keep your little one comfortable and safe. Here’s a look at what I pack in my baby’s changing bag to cover all bases.
Just to note, she has not yet received her EpiPen so I’ve not listed this as one of my essentials.
1. Antihistamines: Piriton and Piriteze
I always carry Piriton (Chlorphenamine) or Piriteze (Cetirizine) to manage any potential allergic reactions. These are fast-acting antihistamines that help reduce symptoms like swelling, itching, and breathing difficulties. Having these in the bag ensures I’m prepared if my baby accidentally consumes something with cow’s milk protein. Piriton was the recommendation given to us by NHS 24/7, and Piriteze was recommended by our family GP. Both can be taken at the same time. I also carry:
- Two Medicine Syringes: I pack two to avoid cross-contamination and ensure I have a spare if one gets misplaced or dirty. My son’s also have an intolerance to milk so I’ve brought two incase more than one child beings to have a reaction at the same time.
- Medicine Spoon: Just in case it’s easier to administer the liquid this way, depending on how my baby is feeling. This is also a third option incase all of our children begin to react.
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2. Gaviscon Infant
As my baby also experiences reflux, I keep Gaviscon Infant in the bag. It helps soothe and manage her symptoms, especially after feedings. This is particularly important when she’s fussy or uncomfortable, so I always ensure it’s close at hand. If we do not include this in the bottles for my baby, she will throw up. So it is a must -have for us.
3. Diapers and Diaper Bags
Of course, no changing bag is complete without the essentials: diapers and diaper bags. I usually carry about five to six diapers, which can last us for a day out, and diaper bags to safely dispose of them. The diaper bags are also good for picking up and throwing away any items we come across which could cause an allergic reaction – like empty wrappers or dropped chocolate at the park.
4. Teething Granules
Teething granules are a lifesaver when she’s teething, as they provide gentle relief from gum pain. These are homeopathic and work well for us, so I keep a few sachets in her bag at all times. I also have been told so many times that her fussiness and red face is due to teething, so at least if I have these I can also try them if she begins to feel upset.
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5. Baby Wipes
Whether for cleaning up after diaper changes or dealing with spills, I always have a pack of baby wipes. They’re versatile and essential for keeping everything tidy and hygienic. It will be handy to have these while we are on the go to try to keep our hands as clean as possible if we snack on something with milk ourselves.
6. Hand Sanitiser
For my hands, I carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer to ensure cleanliness after diaper changes, especially when there isn’t immediate access to soap and water. I will also be using this after touching surfaces in public.
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7. Baby Spoon
I bring along a baby spoon for feeding her safe snacks or meals. As she has a cow’s milk protein allergy, it’s essential that I feed her with utensils that I know are clean and free from allergens. It has also been nearly impossible to find toddler-safe cutlery when we eat out during our travels.
8. Bum Cream
Diaper rashes can happen anytime, so I always pack bum cream to keep her skin protected and moisturized during diaper changes. Her nappy rash is much worse whenever she comes into contact with milk, just like her face and body. So this cream will double-up as a way to soothe those red, hot patches of skin if she consumes milk.
9. Snack Clip
I pack my baby’s safe snacks (allergen-free) in resealable bags or containers, and I always have a clip to seal them securely. This helps keep her snacks fresh and prevents them from spilling inside the bag.
10. A Change of Clothes
Accidents happen! I always include at least one extra set of clothes in case she spills food, has a blowout, or gets messy during the day. This is also important incase she does happen to get milk-foodstuffs on her clothes. At least we can change them to keep her safe.
11. A Wet Clothes Bag
We always travel with a clothing bag that can hold wet clothes inside without soaking everything else in the bag. This is important incase she does get milk on herself, or if she throws up from consuming milk.
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12. Allergy Translation Cards
I have began to purchase allergy translation cards for the places we will be visiting. Some are printed on plastic and are the size of a credit card, others I print out myself and laminate. I also keep a copy of common phrases and terms related to her allergy so I can refer to it any time I need. Learn more about some free allergy translation cards I have found here.
Packing for a baby with a cow’s milk protein allergy means being organized and ready for any situation. Along with everyday baby necessities, having antihistamines, medical tools, and safe snacks ensures that I’m always prepared to manage her allergy and keep her happy and healthy while we’re out. Having this bag packed and ready to go gives me peace of mind, knowing I can handle any allergic reactions and keep her comfortable on the go. I need to re-pack and prepare this for every trip we take because my ADHD and autistic brain cannot remember what is in the bag after about a day!