Think outside the bag
Although it may be tempting to just bung it all in the bag, that can make for an extremely heavy hold. Find other places you can stash your stuff.
"Most times with the pram the changing bag goes in the basket underneath" -PurpleBananaSmoothie
“I keep a blanket each in the car as well as a wet bag with a change of clothes. Fold up change mat with nappies and wipes also permanently in the car. So my travel bag, consists currently of sun scream, my purse, a snack and a drink. And that's with an 18mo and a 6mo." -Timeforanothernewone
“I've never had a changing bag. I shove a couple of nappies, wipes, a plastic bag and spare trousers in my handbag and I've never been caught short (with two DC).” -ShackUp
Keep things minimal
So you've packed your bag with the bare essentials but it's still proving to be a hefty lot. Remember that for the most part, you're only out for the day and so probably won't get through that bumper pack of nappies. While it's tempting to have your changing bag fully stocked at all times, there may be times when you don't need quite so much. Trip to the pub for lunch? Wipes, nappies, mat and spare clothes. Full day out and about? You'll need a little more.
"I always pack in sections. Food in - bottle stuff (or boobs in your case) sippy cup, lunch & snacks. Food out - nappies wipes bags cream mat (doesn't leave the bag). Messy - large muslin, change of clothes. Stuff - dummy, teether ring, toy, my stuff." -Bobbiepin
“I had way too much stuff in mine 1st time around and hurt my back. I’m planning on streamlining this time. I now use ziplock bags as they’re waterproof like a PP does with sandwich bags." -Marmite27
"I've started using a mini backpack for when we are just going to creche or somewhere just for a short period with nappy and wipes, water bottle and snacks, and use the big changing backpack if it's for a day out as I usually take a packed lunch and can also fit in spare clothes and coat or cardigan." -Charlottejade89
Be resourceful
Don't panic if you find yourself out and lacking something. Most things can be bought out – and a lot of cafes will be happy to refill your water bottle. You just have to ask.
Just think, what's the worst that can happen?
In an ideal world, we'd have freshly-laundered spare clothes in case of accidents, wet wipes on tap and all manner of things to entertain your baby when they're having a moment (and while we're here, they'd sleep through the night too). But unfortunately, that's not possible all (or any) of the time. Take a step back and consider what items you really need, and what you could probably do without. If you're anything like me, your bag will need regular de-cluttering and sense-check assessment every few weeks. Do your baby's spare clothes still fit? Do you really need seven bibs? Is sun cream absolutely necessary in November? If in doubt, ask yourself when the last time you used something was, and whether you'd have coped if you hadn't had it.