No matter how near or far our journey is for the day, packing our diaper bag feels like prepping for a mini-expedition. After a lot of trial, and error, this is my go-to list of items that I always make sure we have before heading out of the door.
(If you’re looking for more of just a checklist, scroll to the bottom!)
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The Essentials
- Diaper Bag – A good diaper bag that you can easily carry and that fits a lot is essential. I honestly recommend going to see different diaper bags in person and test out what works best for you. There were a lot of really nice large bags on the market when we were shopping but I am short so they weren’t the best for me to carry. I loved the backpack we ended up with and will link it below. It is hard to squeeze everything in it sometimes but it has worked out well so far (and it’s nice to look at)!
- Diapers – I always have 10 diapers in my bag, there’s no rhyme or reason to this number but you never know what can happen when you’re out!
- Wipes – These are great for diaper changes and any random messes that may occur.
- Changing Pad – Many diaper bags come with one but I needed a longer one for my baby so always check the sizing.
- Diaper Cream – A travel-sized tube has always been more than enough.
- Baby Ointment – An ointment like Aquaphor is great to have on hand since it’s multipurpose.
- Small trash bags – For dirty diapers, clothes, or unexpected messes.
- Hand Sanitizer and Hand Wipes – Essential for quick clean-ups when you don’t have access to a sink.
- Gloves – This might be controversial but we wear gloves during the extra messy diaper changes. It’s an easy way to keep everything sanitary and you toss them in the trash bag when you’re finished.
- Packing Cubes – these help me stay SO organized! The diaper bag can easily become a place where you throw things and never find them again so keeping items split up and labeled is such a huge help especially during the moments when you need to locate an item quickly.
Baby Gear
- Extra Outfits – Always have at least 2 extra changes of clothes on hand.
- Socks – I always keep these on hand because you never know when you end up somewhere colder than expected.
- Hat & Sunglasses – I always bring a hat and baby sunglasses when spending the day outside. The sunglasses aren’t a need but some days our son is not in the mood for a hat but he will wear his sunglasses.
- Burp Cloth – I always have 2 or 3 on hand. It might seem like a lot but trust me, when they are little, so many different accidents can happen.
- Bibs – I keep an extra bib handy for bottle feedings or when he eats meals.
- Light Blanket – I always have one on hand even in the summertime because places like grocery stores can be so cold and you’ll want to bundle them up.
- Pacifier (plus a backup) – If you have a baby who relies on their pacifier always have a backup, bring a strap and bring a pacifier holder.
- Toys – Depending on the age of your baby they don’t need much. When our son was younger we would bring a teether and a small toy. Now that he’s a toddler we keep 3 different small toys and a book on hand.
- Toy Straps – If you have reached the age where your baby throws everything on the floor these are so handy.
Feeding Supplies
Note that these items are based on formula feeding and solid foods.
- Bottle – Always have on hand even if you don’t think you will be out for too long. Don’t forget to fill your bottle with water!
- Formula Dispensers – We loved using these because you can separate each feeding and they are easy to pour into a bottle.
- Sippy Cup or Water Bottle – Now that we have a toddler I always make sure we bring his own water bottle.
- Snacks for Older Babies – Puffs, yogurt melts, teething crackers, fruits, snack pouches, etc.
- Bibs & Utensils – For babies starting solids.
- Restaurant Placemat – When we’re going out to eat, we always place this on the table. It is so easy to contain his messes and it also acts as a toy.
Extras
If you have the space or know you’ll be out for a while:
- Small First Aid Kit – Band-aids, baby nail clippers, thermometer. This is a good item to leave in your car if you can!
- Sunscreen – Don’t forget to throw sunscreen in if you will be spending the day outside
- Portable White Noise Machine – This comes in handy if we are out long enough that our son needs to nap in a noisy environment.
- Portable Fan – We live in a location where it’s HOT like really hot during the summers. I always keep a portable fan with us to clip onto his stroller or car seat.
- An extra change of clothes for yourself – Especially when you’re in the newborn stage, messes happen and most likely you will be holding them when they do. Don’t forget a change of clothes for yourself!
Packing your diaper bag is all about finding the balance between being prepared and not overstuffing. Remember that every baby is different and after a few outings, you will figure out what your baby actually needs!
I hope this list has been helpful, comment below and let me know what extra items you never leave the house without and let me know if you need any links to products!
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