admin Having a diaper bag checklist is a must for every new mom. Have you ever felt overwhelmed with what to put in a diaper bag? I have always been the type of person that always packs way too much. I get serious anxiety when it comes to packing. Now throw a baby into the mix and well my anxiety has doubled.
The amount of things you have to bring for your baby every where you go is a lot and it adds up quick. I have been a mom for over two years now and have learned what I need/don’t need to pack. I have forgotten things, brought things never used, packed too little, and packed too much. It’s been trial and error but that’s okay because now I know how to pack the perfect diaper bag, anxiety free!
Below are the things that encompass my diaper bag for both my boys–a toddler and a baby. If you just have one, then all you have to worry about is either the baby or toddler portion of the diaper bag checklist.
I hope this helps ease your anxiety a bit when it comes to packing a diaper bag and maybe saves you from some awkward moments like forgetting diapers or wipes or an extra outfit after a blowout. But you know mom life can get crazy so it’s okay if it happens even after reading this post. 😉
Before I get in to the nitty gritty of what goes in your diaper bag…
I want to share with you the type of diaper bag I use and love. When I was doing my research on what diaper bag I wanted to use, I finally decided on a backpack style diaper bag. I knew that if I was going to be carrying around my purse then I don’t want to have to also carry a diaper bag on my shoulder. I knew a backpack style diaper bag would provide more support and more room for things. I also knew that there will be times my husband will be carrying the diaper bag and he preferred a backpack style diaper bag.
I have used two backpack style diaper bags that I have liked for different reasons. The first diaper bag
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Diaper Bag Checklist For A Newborn and Toddler
Diaper and Wipes
This is an obvious one right but I can’t tell you how many times we forget to restock the diaper bag. We think that there are a couple left when there wasn’t. So PRO TIP, always check the bag before you leave and don’t forget to throw some more in there.
Our toddler is not potty trained yet so we throw in at least three diapers for each of our boys depending how long we will be gone for. But three is the general number we go with.
A Change Of Clothes
Baby: I always pack a couple onesies, a couple pair of pants, and socks. During the winter time, I put a jacket and a hat in there as well.
Toddler: I pack one extra outfit because my son loves to get dirty and always manages to find some kind of water when we are out and about.
An Extra Pacifier for Baby:
My husband and I learned this the hard way. We had a forty five minute drive home after going to dinner with my father and could not find the one pacifier we brought. Our son was overtired and cranky. He cried the WHOLE way home. So always pack an extra one just in case you lose the one you came with.
Sippy (and snack) Cup for Toddler:
We use this cup from Nuby. It is perfect for on the go. It is a sippy and snack cup all in one. I love a product that serves two purposes. I don’t have to bring a snack cup in addition to a sippy cup so it saves space in the diaper bag. Mom win for sure!
Pacifier Wipes:
This one seems a little extra but I swear by it so hear me out. Both my boys love to throw their pacifiers on the ground especially while we are in stores. There isn’t always a faucet near by to rinse it off so pacifier wipes come in handy SO many times. Plus, they can also be used on toys which is nice for when the toys hit the ground while out and about.
Snacks:
Whenever I forget snacks, it is when my toddler wants it the most! So I make sure to bring some snacks. I usually bring goldfish or cherrios and also a veggie pack which is perfect for on the go.
Breastfeeding Cover/Bottle if Formula Fed:
This is a total preference if you breastfeed to bring a cover or not. I do just because that is what I am comfortable with but I don’t have anything wrong with other mamas who breastfeed without a cover. However, the covers are also nice for sunny days to wrap around the carseat.
Then can’t forget a bottle if you formula feed and formula of course if you are going to be gone long enough for a feed.
Toys:
I always have toys that stay in the diaper bag. I usually bring some teether toys for my baby and then some toy cars or a fun light up toy for my toddler. I keep it light for trips to the store and other quick trips.
If we are going to someones house or on a long car drive somewhere, I will typically bring more interactive toys.
Nuby Diaper Bags:
These are a recent find and they are so great to have! They are for dirty diapers when you are out and about. They have a good scent that mask the dirty diaper smell. It’s for all those times where you may not have a trash can near by. Like those times when you are at the doctors office for your babies (mine doesn’t let us leave dirty diapers) or when you are at a friends house (I don’t like to throw dirty diapers in their garbage especially if they don’t have kids).
Travel Diaper Cream:
I always keep this in the diaper bag for the times I know I will be gone long at someones house or when I leave my boys with their grandparents. They don’t always have a diaper rash but for the times they do, I know they will be set. It’s small so it doesn’t take up much space.
Travel Hand Sanitizer:
We have always had a little hand sanitizer for after changing dirty diapers. And when our little Levi was a newborn. It’s nice to have if you are in a spot where you can’t watch your hands.
Blanket or Diaper changing pad:
My first diaper backpack came with one so that is what we put in the diaper bag we have now. But you can always throw in a small blanket if you do not have one (just won’t wipe as easy if you get poop on it).
Burp Cloths/Bibs For Baby:
My boys ALWAYS used to spit up in the car seat. It never failed. So I always had a couple burp towels before my baby was six months. Now, I bring a bib in case we have a solid meal somewhere. Or if he is teething and drooling like crazy but he’s eleven months now and doesn’t do that too often.
Sunscreen For Those Summer Months:
This is an item I ALWAYS forget. So when summer rolls around, throw in the diaper bag and keep it in there. You’ll thank me later.
There ya have it! That is my list of what goes in my diaper bag checklist for a toddler and a newborn! I hope it helps. Did I miss anything? If so, let me know below!
