Your diaper bag will become your new sidekick, the one you need to take with you every time you and your baby leave your home. Making sure your diaper bag has the right essentials prepares you for any eventuality that may arise.

With that in mind, our guide helps you answer the question: What do you need in your diaper bag? We will also provide you with tips for organizing it. In this way, it simplifies the management of the myriad of articles.

Read more: Best diaper bags of 2022

The essentials

Like when you’re packing for a trip, you’ll need a checklist of essential items for your diaper bag. Using this list will help you remember everything you need for a successful adventure.

1. Layers: The rule of thumb is to have a diaper every two hours you’re away from home. Although I recommend bringing a few extra in case you need them.

2. A packet of wipes: Indispensable when you need to change diapers or if other incidents should occur.

3. Plastic bags or Ziploc bags: You’ll need a place to put those full diapers or soiled clothes.

4. Baby ointment: If space is an issue, buy a travel tube and keep one in your diaper bag at all times.

5. Change of clothes: Bringing a new pair of clothes helps your child feel better after a spit, spill, or other incident that warrants clean clothing.

6. Washcloths: Keep at least a few handy when burping or breastfeeding your baby. They will be useful if they spit.

7. Hand sanitizer: It will keep your hands clean while you take care of your baby.

8. Pacifiers: Separate the used ones from the clean ones, keeping a plastic bag handy to put the used ones in.

9. Food and water: Plan how long you will be away from home and pack food accordingly. If your child is a little older, having water and snacks on hand can help keep their spirits up.

10. Toys: Amuse your baby by packing some of their favorite toys for the trip.

11. Blankets: Blankets keep your child comfortable and can protect them from the sun.

12. Sunscreen: If they are older than six months, bring sunscreen if you plan on doing any outdoor activities.

13. First aid kit: Have bandages, cleansing ointments and more on hand in case of an accident.

14. Pumping supplies: If you are breastfeeding your baby.

15. Portable Changing Pad or Towels: For changing your baby’s diaper on the go.

16. Mobile phone charger: Taking photos of your child can quickly drain your battery. As such, having a portable charger handy keeps you in the game.

17. Your items: You too have needs. Think about the items you’ll need like your phone, keys, credit cards, and snacks (keep that energy).

Diaper bag supplements

In addition to the assortment of essential items, it is essential to plan for the unexpected. This list of extras can keep you and your baby happy when you’re away from home.

1. An extra shirt for yourself: If an accident happens, you can change into clothes and not worry about going home.

2. Hat: When the weather turns cold, having a warm knit beanie for your child keeps them cozy and warm. Conversely, a light hat in summer prevents sunburn.

3. Reusable Placemats: Having them on hand will come in handy when dining out.

4. Nursing cover: This helps you maintain some privacy while breastfeeding your baby.

5. Nasal aspirator: It prevents your baby’s nose from being blocked, which makes your child happier and you happier.

6. Breast pads: These are helpful for moms during the first few weeks after giving birth.

Essentials for caregivers

Having the right tools on hand ensures baby stays happy and healthy. Here are some things to consider packing in your diaper bag.

1. Nipple cream: It will be useful if you plan to breastfeed.

2. Socks: Baby socks like to fall regularly. Keeping a few fresh pairs on hand ensures they don’t wear dirty ones.

3. Formula bottles: For mothers who are not breastfeeding, bring several bottles. Keep breast or formula cool with a Packit cooler.

4. Snacks for you: Consider snacks that are easy to carry, such as fruit, granola bars or nuts.

5. Small sound machine: If your child likes lullabies or soothing rain, this will come in handy.

Tips for packing a diaper bag

After seeing these lists, you might be wondering: how the hell am I going to fit all of this into one bag? Rest assured, here are some tips to help you achieve this.

Remember the essentials

As a parent, you are constantly doing something. It’s incredibly easy to forget something important when packing a diaper bag. One way to remember everything is to have a checklist with the absolute essentials. Or develop easy-to-remember code. Think of the five Bs: bottle, burpee, blanket, binky, and mouthful (for toys).

Check your bag for diapers

Before you leave the house, check that you have enough diapers on hand for the trip. This will save you from having to make a pit stop on the road.

Pack items seasonally

You won’t need a chunky knit hat if your child is outside in the summer. And you don’t need to pack sunscreen if you’re visiting in-laws on vacation. The key is to prioritize what you need for that day and take stock once in a while – what haven’t you used in a while? This helps you create enough space for the items you need right now.

Keep spare items in the car

Another smart consideration is to have a spare bag with extra supplies in your vehicle. These can be diapers, cleaning wipes, bibs or toys – pretty much anything you use on a regular basis. This way you won’t run out when you’re on the road.

Clean it and restock it when you get home

When you get home, take inventory of the items you’ve used. Clean the diaper bag and fill it. This ensures that your bag is ready for your next trip.

The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical or health advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition or health goals.