Diaper Bag Must Have’s: Packing a Perfect Diaper Bag

We’ve all been there or will soon be there when the unthinkable happens and its the one time you thought you’d skip packing. Diaper bags are essential to any outing with your little/s. A diaper bag packed perfectly is a MUST. You know how it goes .You’re already running late, the baby decided to have an explosive as soon as they are strapped in the carseat, they start screaming as if you’re attempting murder… and you forgot the binky. Yay parenthood! We can only do so much to keep our sanity and packing a diaper bag is one tiny portion of that recipe. Below I have listed everything I feel should be in a diaper bag to keep sanity for those “uh-oh” moments.

• Diapers- Yes sounds silly but you will be surprised how easy it is to forget the most obvious. I usually have at least 4-5 depending on the duration of my outing. Eight is the safe bet to keep stocked because…you never know. The brand I prefer is Pampers because it is most true to size with Michael.
• Wipes- Most diaper bags will come with a wipe holder and you can purchase the mini/portable wipes to place inside. I don’t recommend buying a normal size box because you want as much space for everything you need and do not want the bag to be too heavy.
• Changing Pad- Usually your diaper bag will come with one but if it doesn’t this one is great and inexpensive. I keep the tag side down so I know which side touches the public area and which side Michael is placed on. You do not want to forget this once you see the public changing tables/area. Gross!
• Butt Paste/Cream- I purchase an extra one for the diaper bag in case it is needed. The product I use is Weleda Diaper Cream. Every time he goes number two I put a light layer over to PREVENT
• diaper rash. Their little bottoms are so sensitive it helps from getting irritated and fussy which in return keeps me from dealing with a screaming baby. hashtag: WIN!
• Burp Rags- You should always have one with baby and two extra in the bag. These can easily roll up and do not take up much space. One with baby helps right then and doubles as a light cover. Michael has reflux so spitting up is really common and you will need more than one burp rag at all times. Personally I like the larger burp clothes because without fail if I’m not using one he will spit up down my cleavage. With. Out. Fail.
• Blanket- I keep an emergency blanket in one of the pockets (designated blanket pocket) in my diaper bag always! They come in handy for anything. A playmat, a breastfeeding cover, if the weather changes, a sun blocker, etc. If the weather is already chilly I have a blanket on Michael and the one in the diaper bag stays in there. I have a designated blanket that is specifically for the bag because it helps with organization and fits easily in a side pocket.
• Change of clothes- Always have at least a couple onesies to change your little one into. I like to keep a few extra change of clothes in little ziplock bags in a designated pocket for those baby surprises that usually happen when you aren’t at home. The ziplock bags double as a place to put dirty clothes in. 😉
• Extra Socks/Shoes- Goes up there with a change of clothes but when you are packing a onesie you might not be thinking of their little toes, so pack an extra pair!
• Hat- I like to throw one in just in case the weather does a surprise change. Living in California it gets cool in the evenings and it is a preventative way to reduce the risk of little one catching a cold or getting fussy from discomfort. You can get a cute variety pack here!
• Binky/Teether- Always keep an extra one in case the one that is in their carseat happens to fall on the ground or it somehow gets dirty. That backup binky has been a lifesaver countless times! At first we played with a few different and found the AVENT soothies work best. TIP: for breastfeeding mommies it was recommended to use these only. First they are most similar to a natural nipple. Second the binkys with a little curve could do more damage to your nipple (cosmetically) from what my lactation consultant has found through her career.
• Small Toy or Book- Something simple in case your little one gets bored and needs entertainment. Trust me they will want your attention and not having something could result in a major fit. Get a toy!
• Ziplock Bags- Usually there will be a couple in my bag in case there isn’t a safe or polite place to dispose of a dirty diaper. A quick change or an explosive has a safe place to be stored until you get home! They make portable smell reducing bags but if you are trying to save a few dollars ziplocks work great.
• Mom Pouch- Always have your necessities in a designated MOM pocket. I keep perfume, mouthwash/gum, lip gloss or chapstick, an extra shirt, some
• feminine products and a snackbar as my basics. Whatever you need to do a quick touch-up keep in there. A snack in case you are out longer and need a quick something to hold you over. A shirt in case you get spit up on or spill something on your shirt. Perfume because although you may be used to smelling like baby puke, most people will appreciate a little spritz of freshness.
• Hand Sanitizer- My hand sanitizer goes in my mom pouch. Something for me to get to and won’t get lost in a bigger compartment. This comes in handy..ALWAYS! If you are out to eat, have been shopping or touching a bunch of different surfaces, just changed a diaper etc. You know you need it.
• Bottles/Food- Always always have food for your little one ready! If you are breast feeding and want to have an adult beverage, pump a bottle before you head out so you can enjoy yourself. For formula fed babies pack your formula. However many feeds you know you are going to be out, pack an extra to be safe. I pack a water bottle for myself because I am always thirsty! Pack some snacks or baby food with a spoon as well once your baby reaches that age.
• Feeding Cover- Have one of these handy if you are breastfeeding. They are so small and easy to store so make sure to get an extra one for your bag. I left mine at home one time (in the wash) and that extra blanket came in great handy! The one I use is QAQADU. It works as a feeding cover as well as a cover for your stroller. I even use it as a cute scarf now that it is fall season!
• A bib- Having a bib in your diaper bag is so simple to throw in. It works for so many situations other than feeding. On infants who aren’t starting on solids they are excellent outfit savers. When they are drooling from teething, reflux, spit up after eating etc, a bib can save from having to do an outfit change in a really inconvenient place.

These things are my essentials and absolute MUSTS to keep in my diaper bag. There are other things that wind up in there but these I feel are what you should always carry with you. When you have a baby you always want to be prepared for ANY occasion and with this list you will set yourself up for success. Same applies when you are traveling with a baby and my post on the topic will help make sure you are fully prepared for whatever may arise! I usually keep a “just in case pile” in my car for myself in case of a surprise occasion and now I have implemented this into our diaper bag. Keeping everything in a designated pocket/compartment has made my life so much easier for those moments Michael is screaming in public making me look like a horrible mother when really he just peed, and knowing exactly where everything was to do my ninja diaper change on him and calm him down. Life saver!

Let me know what MUST haves you like to keep in your diaper bag and if you like my list share it with your friends so they can be ready for any occasion too!