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May 30, 2017

Top 12 Diaper Bag Necessities

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!!!

diaper bag necessities

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Comments

  1. Harmony, Momma To Go says

    May 30, 2017 at 9:09 am

    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!

    Reply
    • onesharpmamablog@gmail.com says

      May 30, 2017 at 5:03 pm

      Absolutely! I haven’t carried a purse in months because of the diaper bag. I should’ve included that in the list. Great point ?

      Reply
  2. Kristi says

    May 30, 2017 at 9:27 am

    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

    Reply
    • onesharpmamablog@gmail.com says

      May 30, 2017 at 5:02 pm

      Great tip Kristi! My daughter is only 6 months, but, I’ll keep the snacks in mind as she gets older ?

      Reply
  3. Amanda says

    June 1, 2017 at 9:26 am

    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!

    Reply
    • onesharpmamablog@gmail.com says

      June 1, 2017 at 11:23 am

      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!

      Reply
  4. susie liberatore says

    June 1, 2017 at 12:25 pm

    I wish I had this list when my kid was a baby.. It is a great list!

    Reply
    • onesharpmamablog@gmail.com says

      June 1, 2017 at 2:45 pm

      Thanks for reading. I’m glad you liked it. Feel free to share with any pregnant family or friends πŸ™‚

      Reply
  5. Taylor ann says

    June 1, 2017 at 5:16 pm

    This is all good to know! Our first arrives in August and I’m trying to be all prepared. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • onesharpmamablog@gmail.com says

      June 1, 2017 at 5:29 pm

      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.

      Reply
  6. rachel says

    June 1, 2017 at 8:35 pm

    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

    Reply
    • onesharpmamablog@gmail.com says

      June 2, 2017 at 3:52 pm

      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.

      Reply
  7. Kelly says

    June 1, 2017 at 9:39 pm

    I am soooo guilty of forgetting #2… when there’s #2 πŸ™‚ I love this checklist and I’m going to keep it handy when baby #3 comes around!

    Reply
    • onesharpmamablog@gmail.com says

      June 2, 2017 at 3:49 pm

      Good luck with baby number three! Thanks for reading.

      Reply
  8. Logan says

    June 1, 2017 at 10:18 pm

    What a great idea to also keep clorox wipes in there! I will have to throw some in mine, now!

    Reply
    • onesharpmamablog@gmail.com says

      June 2, 2017 at 3:48 pm

      For sure Logan, you never know when you’ll need those bad boys.

      Reply
  9. Davi says

    June 1, 2017 at 11:55 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • onesharpmamablog@gmail.com says

      June 2, 2017 at 3:48 pm

      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.

      Reply
  10. Brittany Comeaux says

    June 2, 2017 at 11:06 am

    Yes Yes Yes! I love the little formula travel dispensers with multiple compartments so you could do formula in one and snacks in another.

    Reply
    • onesharpmamablog@gmail.com says

      June 2, 2017 at 11:47 am

      I never thought of using the dispenser for snacks when she’s older!? Genius ☺️ Thanks for reading and sharing

      Reply
  11. Erika orteGa says

    June 9, 2017 at 3:51 pm

    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

    Reply
    • onesharpmamablog@gmail.com says

      June 9, 2017 at 4:58 pm

      Absolutely Erika! We need extra clothes for sure as well! Thanks for reading and commenting.

      Reply
  12. Nicole | The professional mom project says

    June 10, 2017 at 4:00 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • onesharpmamablog@gmail.com says

      June 11, 2017 at 11:34 am

      Snacks are a good idea. I’m finally getting to that point where I think it’s necessary for me too!

      Reply
  13. Ana Crish says

    November 30, 2017 at 11:30 am

    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.

    Reply

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Hey, I’m Victoria Sharp!

A wife to a fairytale husband and a mama to 2 princesses and 1 prince. Sharing anything and everything I can to make parenting life easier.

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