Every cute little baby needs to have a diaper bag. I know for the first couple months I over packed our diaper bag and packed a lot of extremely unnecessary things.
So, to ease up on your back and shoulder while carrying the heavy bag, plus, your baby, let’s discuss the necessities. With Caroline, I got a beautiful, decent sized diaper bag. It was stylish and could even look like a larger purse. It held a LOT.
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, but, it is perfect for what we need. Dave tends to grab it more often too, now that it’s more manly. Haha. Whatever works to get him to continue helping!
Top 12 Diaper Bag Necessities
Diapers
Obviously you need diapers. But, 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. We have ordered ours on Amazon to make sure we always have enough. They also have a subscribe and save feature that saves you money each month.
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. I was really annoyed because the place had a station, it was just broken and had been broken for months. The place was not busy, we were the only one in there.
So, I changed her laying on the portable changing pad next to me and since I always have wet wipes and a little pack of Clorox wipes, I just wiped the seating area after. Our back pack and regular diaper bag actually came with a little changing pad.
Wet Wipes
Like I just stated, I also take a mini packet of Clorox 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.
Have you seen our post on the ways you can save money on formula?
Bottle/ Sippy Cup
We used the Dr. Brown Bottle’s. I absolutely love them and they work perfectly for us. We went through quite a few sippy cups with our daughter.
Clothing
You can never go wrong having a spare outfit for your little one. If you’re trying to keep the diaper bag light, you can just toss the extra spare outfit in the back of the car.
Extra Bib
Same as clothing, never hurts to have an extra bib in the bag.
Burp Cloth
Guess, what I am going to say, doesn’t hurt to have any extra burp cloths in the bag which we love to use for everything.
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.
Toy
Always good to have a toy, book, rattle, etc on hand for when the times get tough in mommy world.
You can always add anything else that you’d like. We just tried to keep it simple. I have a hard time finding a balance with our diaper bag because I want to make sure I have extra of everything but then I end up seriously over packing and sometimes it doesn’t even want to zipper because I have jammed so much in there. DON’T DO THAT 😉 lol.
If you’d like to see what we packed for the hospital bag, check out this POST.
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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.