Diaper Bag Checklist - What to Pack in a Diaper Bag?
Packing your Best diaper bags is like preparing for battle. Simply dumping all baby-related items into a diaper bag is asking for trouble. In fact, most experts recommend that the same amount of effort you put into preparing your baby for a day out should also apply to your diaper bag. Here is a diaper bag checklist that all parents should follow, even if you are just going for a stroll in the park.
The Essentials
Optional Items
For Toddlers and Older Babies
You can pack additional items on your diaper bag, depending on your situation and your child's needs. It is important though, that most of the items in the list, especially under the essentials list, should never be forgotten. You might feel overwhelmed at the sheer number of items you need to dump into your diaper bag. You are probably thinking, "How am I supposed to fit all that into a bag?".
If you find that you can't fit everything you need into your current diaper bag, chances are, you are using the wrong diaper bag for your needs. Getting a bigger diaper bag, or one with more compartments for easy and better organization is definitely the key. To help you organize your diaper bag better, here are some helpful reminders:
The Essentials
- Diapers - This is, after all, the reason why it's called a diaper bag, right? When it comes to diapers, too many is definitely better than too little. Pack one diaper for each hour outside, plus a couple more for good measure.
- Baby Wipes - Baby wipes can be your savior, so make sure your diaper bag always has these. They come incredibly handy for diaper changes, as well as cleaning up messes, stains, and of course, keeping your hands clean.
- Blanket - Most parents leave blankets at home because they don't see the need for it. However, blankets do more than just cover your baby during nap time. They also make for great nursing covers, shade or changing pad, just in case something happens to the original one.
- Hand sanitizer - Some places are not conducive to diaper changes, and even public establishments with restrooms might not be as sanitary as you think. Using a hand sanitizer after a diaper change, or after you've gone to the toilet yourself can go a long way.
- Bottles - Some mothers may not be comfortable with the thought of nursing in public, so they bring bottles of expressed milk instead. If you are bottle feeding, you can bring a bottle of ready-made baby formula for short trips. Long trips may need bottled water plus a specific container to hold pre-measured baby formula.
- Biodegradable bags - These bags come in handy for soiled diapers and other used items like clothes. Buy thicker plastic bags as thinner plastic bags still tend to leak, and the smell might stick to the diaper bag itself.
- Changing pad - An absolute must for diaper changes on the go. Most diaper bags do come with their own matching changing pad. You may also opt for disposable changing pads for less mess and fuss.
- Pacifier or toy - Even babies find comfort in many things, like sucking on a pacifier or fumbling with their favorite rattle. Bring along these items just in case as you never know when your baby will start to get restless.
- Extra clothes - Stains and spills are a regular occurrence during excursions with your child, so bringing an extra set of clothes is always recommended even for short trips.
- Important Numbers - this is vital, especially for long trips or vacations. If your child suddenly comes down with a fever or is feeling unwell for no reason, it's important to have your pediatrician's number handy always.
Optional Items
- Diaper Rash Cream - If your baby's skin is sensitive and tends to rash, you may need to add this to your diaper bag as well.
- First Aid Kit - Your first aid kit must contain bandages, items needed for wound cleaning, medication for fever and common baby pains (tooth pain for instance). More items may be needed depending on the needs and the age of your child.
- Stroller - Get one that stores well inside of vehicles. Most excursions will require strollers, although you may want to bring additional baby transportation methods besides a stroller.
- Slings and wraps- Slings or wraps are great alternatives to strollers, especially if your baby feels anxious or nervous about being in a strange place. Sometimes they feel better snuggled up against a parent or guardian, and slings and wraps make this possible while making it more convenient and pain-free for the person carrying the baby.
- Nursing covers and breast pads - These are optional items for nursing mothers who may want to nurse their babies in public. Most establishments have a nursing room as well, where you can nurse your baby in peace.
For Toddlers and Older Babies
- Snacks - Snacks are a great way to alleviate hunger and pacify toddlers, who tend to be rowdier, especially during long road trips.
- Coloring books and toys - Another great way to pacify toddlers while waiting for your name to be called at your next doctor's appointment, or even during a family get-together.
- Sippy cups - This is for toddlers who have graduated from the bottle. Fill the sippy cup with either water, juice or milk.
You can pack additional items on your diaper bag, depending on your situation and your child's needs. It is important though, that most of the items in the list, especially under the essentials list, should never be forgotten. You might feel overwhelmed at the sheer number of items you need to dump into your diaper bag. You are probably thinking, "How am I supposed to fit all that into a bag?".
If you find that you can't fit everything you need into your current diaper bag, chances are, you are using the wrong diaper bag for your needs. Getting a bigger diaper bag, or one with more compartments for easy and better organization is definitely the key. To help you organize your diaper bag better, here are some helpful reminders:
- Most bags come with multiple compartments. Use them and group similar items together, so rummaging through your bag won't be a big ordeal.
- Items that you'll be needing the most should be the most accessible.
- It is also a good idea to purchase two diaper bags. Get a smaller one for short trips and errands, and get a larger one for long trips and vacations.