What Your Diaper Bag Should Contain

Every expectant mother knows that a diaper bag should be included in her list of things to buy before the baby finally arrives. However, not many know exactly what it is that the diaper bag is supposed to carry, aside from diapers.

Basically, a diaper bag should contain everything that the baby could possibly need while away from the house. Thinking of all these things right before leaving the house is not such a good idea because there is a high risk that you might forget an essential item, possibly causing a lot of inconvenience during your trip.

Instead, it is advisable to have a list of basic diaper bag items that you can refer to every time you have to go out with your baby. Following are the most important things that should always be inside the diaper bag before you leave the house:

Diapers - Always bring more than what you think you will need. It is always to be prepared for emergencies rather than find yourself in a situation where the baby has soiled his last diaper and you have no more extra left for another change. Baby wipes -Baby wipes are not only essential for cleaning your baby during a diaper change but also for cleaning up unexpected messes like spit-ups, both on you and on the baby. There are large packs of baby wipes available in stores but these tend to dry out when not used up within a certain amount of time. Instead, it would be better to buy smaller packs and to carry several of these in your diaper bag. Baby bottles -You will need to bring a LOT of bottles with you especially on long trips where you won't have access to a sterilizer. Of course, you can also invest in a portable bottle sterilizer if you expect to be on the road a lot, in which case you won't need to bring as many bottles. However, portable sterilizers can be quite expensive so that is something to think about carefully. Formula and water -Having the baby go hungry during your trip is certainly out of the question make sure you bring enough formula and water to keep him appeased until you go home. Some diaper bags come with their own containers for formula but if your bag doesn't have one, it is advisable to buy one because it's not very practical to bring the whole can of formula especially for just a short trip. Pacifier -Not all parents use pacifiers but if you do, you should make sure to bring one or two extras in addition to the one your baby regularly uses. Extra clothes - There is no telling when a baby might spit up on his clothes or soil it for some other reason, so you should always bring at least one or two extra sets of clothing just in case. Bibs -Babies drool a lot, and it gets a lot worse when the teeth start to come in. To keep your baby's clothes as dry as possible, be sure to bring enough bibs so that you can keep replacing them before they get soaked. Zip-lock bags -Access to garbage bins can be unpredictable when you are away from your house. Instead of scouring the surroundings looking for a place to throw away your baby's dirty diapers, just store them in zip-lock bags and dispose of them when you get home. Toys -You don't need to bring the entire playroom with you when you travel. You just need to throw two or three toys into the diaper bag that will keep the baby entertained during your trip.

These are just some of the most important items that every mom should have in her baby's diaper bag. Feel free to add more to the list, and to include your own personal items as well since diaper bags can also serve as an alternative to your usual purse.

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When You Should Use Patio Furniture Covers

Because quality outdoor furniture is made to withstand the elements, you may wonder whether protective covers are really necessary. Patio furniture covers provide an extra layer of protection to help keep your outdoor furniture in good shape, to prolonging its life. You should consider using them anytime your furniture won't be in use for long periods of time or if you expect severely inclement weather.

Outdoor Furniture covers protect your outdoor pieces from a number of elements, including mildew and mold build-up, rain, high temperatures, cold weather, UV rays, and unwanted wildlife. They are made of weather and moisture resistant materials with UV protection, making it simple to maintain your patio chairs, lounges, patio tables, or any other piece you have in your backyard.. There are many types and qualities, so make sure to pick the ones that best fit your climate and geographic conditions. Once the right cover is found for your conditions and furniture, they will be ready to use.

Clean Your Furniture First

Protecting your outdoor furniture is always a good idea. But before you protect your patio furniture, take a few easy steps to make sure you've cleaned each piece. Here are some guidelines for how to clean your furniture before you put patio furniture covers on:

Acrylic cushions: Clean acrylic cushions with a mixture of soap and water. The best method is spot cleaning with a sponge. Don't use anything abrasive. It's best to follow the directions from the manufacturer. Metal furniture: You can clean metal furniture such as steel or wrought iron with water and a gentle soap. For pieces that aren't rust resistant, use a paste wax or a cleaner found at your local patio store. Wicker: For wicker furniture, hose down with water. Be careful to use a lower pressure so as not to damage the individual pieces. You can use mild soap and water with a sponge for more stubborn spots. Wood: You can clean any varnished wood furniture with soap and water. Just remember to rinse. non-varnished wood (such as Patina Teak) should be cleaned with water and gentle soap, so not to discolor the wood.

Putting On Your Patio Furniture Covers

Now that your patio furniture has been cleaned, it is time to put on your covers. Most will have stitching and ribbing that will make the front and backs of the cover obvious. Start with one side of the furniture and lift the cover over the furniture. Once atop of your patio furniture, pull it downwards, until the entire piece of furniture is dressed by the cover. If your patio furniture cover is equipped with drawstrings, Velcro or ties, then secure to the furniture, as directed by the manufacturer.

Cleaning Your Patio Furniture Covers

The easiest way to clean your Covers is while they are covering your furniture.

Your patio furniture cover will get dirty, if it is dirty then the cover is doing it's job in protecting your patio furniture from the elements.

Your Patio Furniture Covers may be spot washed by using a soapy solution of a mild detergent and lukewarm water. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove the soap and allow to air dry. For heavier stains, prepare a solution of one (1) cup of bleach plus half (1/2) cup of mild detergent per gallon of water. Spray on the entire area and allow soaking. Rinse with clean water and allow to air dry.

Be sure your Patio Furniture Covers are completely dry before folding away for storage.

Unless directed by the manufacturer, we never recommend putting your cover in a machine washer. The agitation and and inner components of the washer may be too much for the cover to withstand.

There are covers for just about every type of outdoor furniture or accessory, such as for:

Patio Seating

Patio Chairs Chaise Lounge Sofas, Gliders & Love Seats Ottomans

Patio Tables

Patio Tables Side Tables Patio Tables Outdoor Coffee Tables

Patio Accessories

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