Packing a Diaper Bag

Packing a diaper bag so you’re prepared for most situations will vary based on how old your child is. Typically you need more things the younger your baby is. As they get older you will find yourself packing less “essentials” and maybe more toys and snacks and things to occupy your child if they become restless. This list is to help you decide what to pack for about the first six months of your baby’s life.

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First things first is what kind of diaper bag works best? Well that all depends on what matters to you. Do you like easy and hands free, no matter what? Then you should grab a backpack diaper bag. They are roomy enough so you can pack everything you need, and it’s nice to throw it on your back so you still have both hands. The only downside to diaper backpacks is it can be difficult to keep it organized. So if that is important to you and you want to be able to find everything easily, then maybe a tote style bag would be better.

I have personally used both, a back pack for my first and then I got an over-the-shoulder tote when I had my second. I still needed to pack some things for my oldest when I had my second (they’re only 2 years apart), and I liked being able to organize everything a little better in the tote. When I used the backpack, I found myself digging around a lot to find what I needed.

Now that you have your bag, time to pack it!

Diapers and wipes

This is obvious of course, but depending on how long you’ll be out will determine how many diapers you need to pack. A good rule of thumb is to pack a couple diapers for every hour you’re away from home. So if you’re gone for 3 hours, pack 5 or 6 diapers just to be safe. It’s always better to have more than enough than not enough!

Pacifier

Have a pacifier in a case or even just in a small plastic bag to keep it clean.

Bottles

Depending on if you’re using formula or breastmilk, have some bottles ready to go. I would even bring a water bottle so you have that, too, incase you’re in a pinch

Burp cloth and/or bibs

I always had both packed, especially once they start teething and the drooling is nonstop.

Swaddling blanket

I love these because they are so versatile. It’s a great lightweight blanket if you need one, you can use it as a nursing cover, use it instead of a burp cloth, cover the carseat if it’s sunny, windy or rainy, the list goes on. Plus they fold up so easily and don’t take up a ton of space!

Spare outfits

If you have a newborn, I would pack a couple outfits as they tend to have more blow outs. A couple onsies and maybe some sleepers just because you would have to pack less than if you were to pack whole outfits.

Hand sanitizer

A good thing to have with you at all times. You may not have access to soap and water!

Rattles/Small toys

I like to throw one or two small toys that will keep them occupied if needed.

Hat

Depending on the time of year, pack a warm hat for the colder months and a sun hat for the warmer months

Tissues and Nasal Aspirator

For those times where a runny nose sneaks up on you, I like to keep these in my bag. A small package of tissues and this aspirator. If you’ve tried the typical bulb aspirators, you probably already know how ineffective they are. The Nose Frida is by far my favorite I have tried!

Portable Sound Machine

Having a rechargeable sound machine has come in handy for me. I only needed it a handful of times, but when I did it was nice to have something to keep my baby calm.

Snacks for Mom

Don’t forget about you! Have a couple granola bars or some trail mix to keep yourself energized. It’s so easy to forget about taking care of yourself when all your attention is on taking care of your tiny human!

Of course you may want to add or swap a couple things all depending on what you and your babies needs are. This is what I typically pack and I have found myself prepared enough for every situation that came up. Is there something that you find essential that isn’t on this list? Let me know in the comments!