Think cloth diapering can't extend beyond the front stoop? Well, think again . . . it is just as easy to carry cloth in your diaper bag as it is to carry disposables and you don't need a life-size duffle to manage it. A compact diaper bag will hold more than you can imagine and do it nicely and neatly.

Before we start though - it would be a good idea to consider what you REALLY need. LOOK in your diaper bag - have you cleaned it out lately? C'mon, momma take the first step - DE-CLUTTER YOUR BAG. What are you harboring in there? There are only a few simple items that really need to be stowed away in a diaper bag - disposable or cloth. Let's get to the basics - just what are those 'few simple items?'

Diaper Bag Necessities

• Diapers
• Diaper Covers (if not using All In One diapers)
• Wipes (Wipe Mix squirt bottle if you don't pre-wet wipes)
• Changing Pad
• Burp Rag(s)

  When using cloth, you can add these items:

  • Diaper Pins or a Snappi Fastener.
  • Diaper Wipe mix in a small plastic bottle (or you can pre-wet your wipes ahead of time, squeeze them out and place them in the containers sold by the commercial wipe companies).
  • A waterproof tote for storing dirty diapers.

We have a tendency to throw everything into our diaper bags because as mothers, we all suffer from the worrisome 'What If' Syndrome. (Click on link for definition) But in all honesty we must admit, we need a lot less than we think and decreasing our diaper bag's contents will not only cut down on the size of diaper bag we need, but the weight of it on our shoulder and the ease of carrying it more like a purse than a bowling bag.

Along with the above items, it is true that we all will often 'accessorize' with a few additional items like:

• a change of clothes for baby
• the little packets of tissue or cloth handkerchiefs work well for quick checks on runny noses
• possibly a drool bib or a regular size bib if your child is on solids/eating finger foods
• a sippee cup (if a toddler)
• a bottle (if bottle feeding breast milk or formula)
• ointment or powder if you are dealing with a rash
• and if you are like me (and don't want to carry a purse AND a diaper bag), a few personal 'mommy' items - like your wallet, checkbook, pen, lip balm and keys.

First things first, did you dump out your diaper bag and take a look? You may find those earrings you couldn't find last week and go ahead and throw out the bubble gum or candy wrapper - you won't be needing that anymore. If you lipstick has melted, throw that out too - that's what happens when you leave it in a car - and no, you don't want to try to salvage it by applying it out with one of those fancy 'lip brushes' - you don't have time . . . YOU HAVE A BABY to tend to! While you're at it, if it is vinyl/plastic inside, give it a good wiping out with a clean, damp rag and allow yourself a fresh start with a completely emptied and clean diaper bag (by the way, this is a great way to clean out a closet as well *smile* ). If your diaper bag is cloth - throw it in the washer and hang inside out to dry on the line or toss in dryer if it can handle the heat.

So, are you ready?

Number one - DIAPERS! Ask yourself these questions:

• How many diapers/covers do I REALLY need? Note I asked how many your REALLY need? There's a point to that. When I first started cloth diapering I seriously overestimated how many diapers I needed every time I stepped out of the house. "Oh, going to the grocery store for milk - better take 3 diapers JUST IN CASE." Let's get real here . . . 3 diapers and one cover is usually ALL I have in my diaper bag when I'm out and about for a full day of errands. Three quality diapers can go a long way. That is, unless you have multiples, and then you can figure for 3 each and you just might have to purchase a larger tote - but still stay away from those "I'm traveling to China with my child today" numbers you see with all the hooks, mesh snapping gizmo pockets, zippers, cooling chambers and etc. . . y' know, the type that look like Inspector Gadget's overcoat? Not something I want to tote around with my child. Not unless they have a 'Go-go-gadget arm' that changes diapers itself, then I might spring for it.

  Bottom line . . . what is the worst that can happen? You have to come home earlier? That isn't always a bad thing for mommas like me that feel an urgency to FINISH the 'To Do' list all in one outing in spite of screaming children, runny noses, headaches and red lights that take FOREVER to change while your 3 year old yells, "GO MOMMY!" - already a backseat driver. Give our kids/babies/self a break.

• What KIND of diapers do I need? Well, obviously you'll use the KIND of diapers that are in your diaper stock, but many of us have diversity in our stock, so this is actually a question to consider. Where are you going? Where will you be changing your little one? On your lap? On a diaper changing table? At your friend's home? On the floorboard in the back of the mini-van? See what I'm saying? The WHERE makes a difference. Be easy on yourself - this isn't your organized, home based changing system - it could very well be the lap you've created while perching on a toilet in a very nasty public restroom (in which case the floorboard of a car is actually much better - if not in motion and parked securely in a parking lot).

  If you have an extremely wiggly Toddler . . . well, you may want fitted diapers or a simple diaper wrap with a prefold diaper tri-folded into the stride so that it can easily be 'secured' to your child in a matter of seconds. Pinning a diaper on a little person in motion is a Houdini act in and of itself. If you have a sleepy infant, just about any system will do and you can take any amount of time to do it - they don't mind - they are, after all, sleeping.

• Who will I see there? Okay, this is for those like me, that are interested in scoring converts. We all have our favorites, our cutest, our easiest, etc. . . if you know you are going to be around a momma that is considering cloth diapering, don't take your rattiest, most worn dipes - or at least, not in the top of the bag. *wink* (Sorry, had to throw that one in for all the diapering hyenas that really DO think through which diaper they want their friend/sister/pediatrician to see).

Number two - wipes and waterproof totes.

There are basically two styles of baby wipes from which to choose. You can go with your commercial baby wipes or your can choose to use cloth baby wipes that can fold into the same plastic container. The way I look at it - if you are washing a cloth diaper, why not use a cloth wipe? Why do I feel this way? Well, outside of the environmental issue - you don't recycle commercial wipes - commercial wipes are basically wet paper. As much as they try to 'texture' it to grab at those sticky poopies - they are still wet paper. Whereas cloth wipes have true texture - my favorite are soft baby flannel on one side and terry on the other. The terry grabs up anything within its loops and the flannel side does the clean up. Cloth wipes are just as easy to use (and you don't have to struggle to find the seam so you can lift the one off the other - like commercial wipes) and are literal 'work-horses' at cleaning a babe's bum.

However, that said, both can be used quick and efficiently and can take up the same amount of space in your diaper bag. . Both types of wipes can be tossed inside the cloth diaper when you're done cleaning baby and thrown in a waterproof bag. Yep, you don't have to hunt down a trash can to throw away your commercial baby wipe (nor do you have to debate whether or not to flush them - don't do it - it'll clog the lines and it doesn't break down like toilet paper). In fact, a friend of mine turned me on to tossing them in to be washed along with the diapers. It puts the fecal matter where it belongs and then, when you pull everything out of the dryer, you can throw the FRESH CLEAN SMELLING baby wipes away. Fecal matter doesn't end up in the landfill and instead, is treated with the sewage water as it should be.

And if you'll notice, I did mention that you will place your cloth diapers in a small waterproof tote. A tote that measures about 9 x 12" is a great daily outing bag that can easily hold 3 diapers of any size until you get home to wash them. Most waterproof totes can be tossed into the washer too - leaving you a completely washable system. Remember that bringing home soiled diapers doesn't take up any more space than taking fresh diapers and an empty waterproof tote. Still the same amount in the bag, just 'used' as opposed to 'fresh and ready' for baby's bum.

Number three - changing pad and burp rags.

These are two things you never need unless you don't have them. So pack them already! Changing pads do not have to be the full length of a child to be effective. For the most part it is their bottom that needs protection from exposure to public changing tables and the like. And in some situations, it is a kind and clean gesture to protect the changing tables from YOUR child's unanticipated blow-outs. Yes, they may add a very natural shade of color and texture to the drab service, but other mommas might not find it so enchanting when you are long gone and they discover your child's creation. *smile* However, there are substitutes to the standard foam covered changing pad or the rough/pilly changing squares sold in your local baby sections. Taking a couple extra flatfold or prefold diapers can save you space and function in 3 different capacities. They can clean up baby's face, be placed under baby for a diaper change or be that additional diaper you 'just might' need.

Nine Simple Tips for downsizing your diaper bag while still remaining prepared.