Your diaper bag is your new best friend—your purse, your Mary Poppins bag. I like to keep mine fully stocked so I’m not scrambling every time we head out the door. Check out my go to items below.
Diaper Essentials
This is the most important part of your diaper bag, because if you are on the go and have a blow out with no diaper you’re in hot water!
- 6–10 diapers – Plan for about 1 diaper per 1–2 hours. Overpack if you’re going somewhere like a plane where running out would be a nightmare. You can scale down if you’re staying close to home.
- 1 pack of wipes – A full pack is always worth it.
- 10 poop baggies – Great for blowout onesies, dirty diapers when you’re not near a trash can, or any surprise mess.
- 5 pee pads – Lifesavers! They protect your car seat from surprise fluids.
- Changing pad – Handy for public restrooms. I usually leave it out if we’re heading to a friend or family member’s house where I can just use a pee pad.
- Diaper cream (optional) – We usually skip this on the go unless there’s a rash starting.
Clothes & Accessories
Some of these items are optional but nice to have. However, if you pack nothing else from this section make sure you have at least 1 change of clothes for the season.
- 2 onesies – Short or long-sleeved depending on the season.
- 2 pairs of pants – Especially helpful if your baby is under 6 months and blowouts are frequent. (winter)
- 1 pair of socks (winter)
- 1 lightweight sweater (winter)
- Optional: 1 pajama onesie – Doubles as pants, jacket, and socks if it gets chilly. (winter)
- Bucket hat (summer)
- Baby Sunscreen (summer)
- Optional: 1 shirt for mom – I usually skip this and live on the edge, but it’s a nice backup if you’re a planner.
Toys
Items from this list will buy you time if you’re little one is tired on the go and make your life a little easier.
- Pacifier (+ one on a clip)
- 2–4 toys – I usually bring one teething toy and one crinkly or noisy toy.
Feeding
Food helps keep parents and baby happy, you can’t be too prepared!
- 1 extra bottle/serving of formula or breastmilk more than you think you’ll need – Always plan for surprises!
- Snack, teething bar, pouch, or sippy cup (if baby is older and eating)
- Snack for parents – Especially if you get hangry like I do!
Miscellaneous Must-Haves
- Burp cloth or drool bib
- Hand sanitizer and/or alcohol wipes
- Light blanket – So versatile! Use it as a nursing cover, blanket, sun shade, and more.
Having a fully stocked diaper bag makes outings so much smoother. Adjust based on your baby’s age, the season, and how long you’ll be out, but this list covers most everyday scenarios.
