Packing a diaper bag can feel overwhelming, especially in the early days of motherhood. You don’t want to overpack, but you also really don’t want to be caught without the essentials. I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way!) what’s worth bringing along and what can stay at home. Here’s my tried-and-true list of diaper bag essentials for babies — at least for our almost four-month-old.
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Diapering on the Go
Diaper blowouts don’t wait for convenient places. Here’s what I always bring to handle diaper duty on the fly:
- To-go changing pad: perfect for changing baby anywhere, from the backseat to a bathroom changing station.
- Diapers: bring more than you think you’ll need, especially for longer outings. We always keep 6-7 in the bag (our outings haven’t been longer than 5 hours yet).
- Wipes: we have a whole pack instead of a travel one. Great for diaper changes and sticky fingers.
- Plastic baggies or a wet bag: for storing soiled clothes or used diapers if there’s no trash nearby.
- Sanitizing wipes: for post-change clean hands, especially when soap and water aren’t accessible. We also use these to disinfect anything baby touches, like restaurant tables or shopping carts.
Clothing & Clean-Up
Babies are messy. We always pack extra clothes and clean-up tools, just in case:
- Extra clothes: we keep a spare zipper pajama, onsie, pants (love the ones with feet), and socks on hand.
- Extra bibs: Oliver is teething and drooling like CRAZY right now. He goes through 2-3 bibs a day from drool alone. We bring one extra bib wherever we go.
- Burp cloths: for spills, spit-up, burping sessions, and surprise messes.
- Muslin blanket: so versatile! Great for a nursing cover, sun shade, bolster for feeding or extra warmth.
Feeding on the Go
Whether you’re breastfeeding, pumping, or bottle feeding, it helps to be prepared:
- Bottle(s): we bring one empty bottle to fill with milk I pump or from our thermos.
- Breastmilk thermos: to store what you pump or bring some extra milk for the trip. I find this more convenient than storage bags and a cooler.
- Formula holder: if you’re using formula, this holder has sections for pre-measured amounts.
- Snacks for you: because you will get hungry. Trust me. Look at my postpartum bedside cart essentials post for my favorite snacks!
- Water bottle: stay hydrated, especially if you’re nursing!
- Nursing cover: optional, but nice to have if you want extra privacy. You can also use this while pumping.
- Portable breast pump: battery-operated or manual. I personally bring my Medela Hand Pump.
- Pumping bra: if you need to multitask and have your hands free.
- Nipple butter: makes pumping sessions much more comfortable.
- Pump wipes: I use these to clean the pump parts and bottle between pumps/feedings. So convenient!
Keeping Baby Busy & Soothed
We use these items on hand to keep Oliver entertained or soothed.
- Pacifiers: if your baby uses them, bring a couple. We like the Ninnie and Mam pacifiers.
- Pacifier clip: you will lose all your pacifiers at some point. Definitely use the clip whenever possible!
- Pacifier sanitizer box: some people might think this isn’t necessary, but I disagree. We use this all the time, even at home!
- Small toy or teether: a distraction in the car or during errands.
- Carseat/stroller handle toy: this keeps Oliver entertained so much. Especially since it sways back and forth as the car is moving.
- Baby sunscreen: for keeping baby protected on those sunny days.
- Baby hat: another way of keeping the sun off of baby.
- Diaper rash cream: I’d only bring this if there’s an active rash, or if baby is very prone to rashes.
Items for the Car
Not necessarily for the “outing” itself, but for how you’re probably traveling to your outings. Here’s what we’ve added to our car since having Oliver.
- Car Seat: obviously a necessity.
- Stroller: we got a stroller that the car seat fits straight into, so no transfer between them needed.
- Video camera: we tried a mirror for a couple days and didn’t like it. This camera is SO WORTH IT, and less than $30!
- Sunshade for dash board: temperature controlling the car is so much more important now. Sunshade for the dashboard are a must.
- Sunshade for door window: also a sunshade for the door windows, so the sun doesn’t shine directly in his eyes and helps keep it cooler.
- Baby carrier: we like to have some kind of carrier on hand, whether it’s a sling or travel carrier.
Miscellaneous Mom Items
Here are those last few items for you that’ll prepare you for anything!
- Extra clothes for you: just in case you get spit up or a blow out on you – extra clothes are a must!
- Pads or tampons: those first periods after birth are crazy…and come out of nowhere. I’d bring some pads or tampons with you just on case especially if you’ve already had a period or two. They don’t immediately regulate and can come on at any moment.
Conclusion
Every mom’s diaper bag looks a little different, but these are the items I’ve found essential to staying prepared, comfortable, and confident when leaving the house with a baby. Whether you’re heading to the park or the pediatrician, you’ll be so glad you packed these diaper bag essentials for babies.
