Instead of letting other new moms overpack their diaper bag, break their backs and have a bunch of unnecessary things in there and risk forgetting the helpful things to carry in the diaper bag, let’s share the top 12 diaper bag necessities.
So let’s discuss the diaper bag necessities. With our first daughter, I got a beautiful, decent sized diaper bag. It was stylish and could even look like a larger purse. It held a LOT. And a lot of unneeded stuff.
We also got Dave a “Daddy” backpack diaper bag. We used the backpack diaper bag when we went to Florida as it was easier to travel with and easier to handle as a backpack rather than a large bag.
When we got back from vacation, I never switched back to the original, Mommy, stylish bag. Dave’s backpack bag was so much more functional for us.
It definitely isn’t as pretty and stylish like I wanted originally, but, it is perfect for what we need.
Diapers
Obviously you need diapers. And I have to add this in here because, honestly, I’ve almost left the house without adding extra diapers back in after a busy day the day before.
Pro Mama Tip: Use Amazon Subscribe and Save for diapers and you’ll save some money on them each month (and other family household necessities).
Care to learn more on how we save money on all of our diapers? We are so excited to share those tips with you in another post.
Don’t miss out on the diaper changing tips as well. A necessary read for all caregivers, parents, babysitters, etc.
Wipes
Silly, but, I have to say this. Read my info for number one.
Can I tell you how many times we have needed wipes for things other than wiping our child? It’s hilarious how much we need them now.
Our diaper bag is super awesome and has an external pocket for wipes so they are at easy access.
Changing Pad
So, I can’t tell you how many places I’ve been that don’t have a diaper changing station.
Family restaurants are notorious for NOT having them or if they do- they’re broken. It’s a pain in the butt.
I’ve changed my daughter on the sink vanity before because I’ve walked into a bathroom thinking they’d have something to change her on and BOOM, nothing.
We have had to take her out to the car to change her and I have even changed her in a booth seating area before when a changing station was unavailable or broken.
These times are when it’s extra important to have your portable changing pad with you. Make sure to also have wet wipes and a little pack of Clorox wipes to wipe down the pad after changing and the area.
Most diaper bags come with a portable changing pad now, but check if yours does just in case.
Wet Wipes
Like I just stated, I also take a mini packet of Clorox Wipes and Wet Wipes just in case. You never know when you’re going to need your travel pack of wet wipes and Clorox Wipes.
Formula/ Milk/ Food
I keep formula in the travel packs, for us, because we have to keep it chilled- or powder formula if you use that.
If they’re past the formula stage, replace this with food and feeding container/Silverware, etc.
Pro Mama Tip: Have you seen our post on the ways you can save money on formula?
Bottle/ Sippy Cup
Obvious, but you’ve gotta have something to hold formula (if you aren’t breastfeeding), or a drink if they’re older.
Clothing
You can never go wrong having a spare outfit for your little one and yourself. If you’re trying to keep the diaper bag light, you can just toss the extra spare outfits in the back of the car.
You want to make sure you have clothes for you in case of spit up accidents, breastfeeding leaks, you name it, it will eventually happen and you’ll be happy to have extra clothes to change into.
Extra Bibs
Same as clothing, never hurts to have an extra bib in the bag.
Burp Cloth
Doesn’t hurt to have any extra burp cloths in the bag which we love to use for everything else. They’re handy for wiping up spills, playing peek-a-boo and wiping tears away.
Blanket
We always keep a blanket on Caroline in the car seat, weather appropriate. Sometimes, if we don’t need it immediately, I toss it in the bag or the back of the car.
Extra Pacifier
We always have an extra one of these in the bag, one in the car, one in our bedroom, etc. We have extras all over the place. Nothing like having a screaming kid and no pacifier in sight.
Toy
Always good to have a toy, book, rattle, etc on hand for when the times get tough with kiddos.
You can always add anything else that you’d like. We just tried to keep it simple.
Finding the balance between enough, having a few just in case extras and overpacking is definitely a fine line. Use your best judgement and see what you use most in everyday life.
Pro Mama Tip: If you’d like to see what we packed for the hospital bag, check out this POST.
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Feel free to share your favorite things for your diaper bag in the comments below!!!
Harmony, Momma To Go says
I personally am passed that stage, but this sounds about right! I used to just throw my wallet and phone in the diaper bag too so to not have another purse. I loved my vera bradley diaper bag! The style I had I dont think they make any more!
[email protected] says
Absolutely! I haven’t carried a purse in months because of the diaper bag. I should’ve included that in the list. Great point 👍
Kristi says
Absolutely agree with this list! For my eldest – the extra soother was a must! As they get a bit older (2yrs) I always was sure to have some snacks in my bag like cereal or crackers
[email protected] says
Great tip Kristi! My daughter is only 6 months, but, I’ll keep the snacks in mind as she gets older 😄
Amanda says
Great list of essentials for the diaper bag! I have to say though I always carried at least two outfits 😂😂 and burp cloth/muslin wraps were necessary!
[email protected] says
Oh absolutely! My husband gives me a hard time about carrying all the extra outfits, burp cloths, bibs, etc. But, I don’t want her to end up needing them and not have them!
susie liberatore says
I wish I had this list when my kid was a baby.. It is a great list!
[email protected] says
Thanks for reading. I’m glad you liked it. Feel free to share with any pregnant family or friends 🙂
Taylor ann says
This is all good to know! Our first arrives in August and I’m trying to be all prepared. Thanks for sharing!
[email protected] says
Congrats and good luck Taylor ann! Motherhood is so exciting! We have many posts about parenting and new motherhood. Feel free to bounce around the blog and check them out. If you’d like to subscribe, you can stay up to date at http://www.onesharpmama.com/subscribe/
Such an exciting time ahead of you! Thanks for taking the time to read this post.
rachel says
Girl, I’m THE WORST at packing my diaper bag! LOL! The other day I legit FORGOT wipes. And I had to change my daughter with two nearly-dry wipes and a t-shirt. #Fail. LOL
[email protected] says
Rachel, we all have those days! I bet your daughter was happy to get home and get a normal diaper change lol. I do have to admit that we just went on a cruise and I underestimated the amount of wipes we would go through. If you’ve ever been on a cruise, you may know that they do NOT carry any baby supplies. THANK GOD another family had a few extra to spare us until the next morning when we got to the next port of call! Ugh, I sure felt like a failing mom that trip! But, I didn’t expect to go through as many as we did, as quick as we did. It was a family trip and I guess when I have others helping with the baby, they may use more wipes than my hubby and I typically go through with her in that time period. So, I feel your mom #fail! But, at least you had some kind of resources to change her, even if it was dry wipes— face palm!
You crack me up. Thanks for sharing your story! Bigger thanks for checking out the post. Have a great weekend.
Kelly says
I am soooo guilty of forgetting #2… when there’s #2 🙂 I love this checklist and I’m going to keep it handy when baby #3 comes around!
[email protected] says
Good luck with baby number three! Thanks for reading.
Logan says
What a great idea to also keep clorox wipes in there! I will have to throw some in mine, now!
[email protected] says
For sure Logan, you never know when you’ll need those bad boys.
Davi says
Great tips! I always feel like I forget the ONE THING that I need when we go out (and its different every time). I need to print this list and keep it by the door!
[email protected] says
Go for it Davi! Maybe, I should make a printable? I found the weekend project! Thanks for making me realize what I am missing lol.
Brittany Comeaux says
Yes Yes Yes! I love the little formula travel dispensers with multiple compartments so you could do formula in one and snacks in another.
[email protected] says
I never thought of using the dispenser for snacks when she’s older!? Genius ☺️ Thanks for reading and sharing
Erika orteGa says
Yes to all these on the list. Gotta stay prepared when going out with the little ones. One thing I’ve learned the hard way is to pack extra clothes for my youngest
[email protected] says
Absolutely Erika! We need extra clothes for sure as well! Thanks for reading and commenting.
Nicole | The professional mom project says
Great suggestions! I think those were all of my go to items as well except I might have added a snack for myself in there as well.
[email protected] says
Snacks are a good idea. I’m finally getting to that point where I think it’s necessary for me too!
Ana Crish says
I was confuse which I use for my baby jumperoo or exersaucer . I decided I needed to find a good diaper bag to make running errands easier and less stressful for all of us. It is really helpful for parents.