Well, technically I haven’t really used a diaper bag. Instead, I found a few beautiful tote bags and hobo bags and have been using those after my baby was born. It has enough space for essentials. My sister uses a large diaper bag and she loves it. I have used backpacks for air travel and outdoor sightseeing trips. My husband can also carry backpacks on long trips. Now that I have a toddler, the stuff that I carry in my bag has changed so much. Gone are the days when I had to stock up diapers in my bag even for a quick trip to the grocery store. These days, I don’t take diapers if we are going to the neighborhood park or grocery shopping.
Here is a list of what I used to pack in my Diaper Bag broken up into different sections right from newborn to toddler years. Since, I was breastfeeding, I didn’t have to pack formula and bottle-feeding supplies. This list is just a quick guide for new Moms. If you are going on a long trip, you will need to pack lot more stuff. During Winter, I always end up with more stuff like extra socks and mittens.
Baby (0-6 months)
- Plenty of Diapers and Wipes
- Diaper Cream
- Travel Changing Pad
- Body Suits and other essential outfits for unexpected diaper blowouts or spit-up
- Hat, Socks & Mittens
- Burp Clothes
- Blanket
- Breast Pads
- Maternity Pads
- Plastic bags
- Pacifiers in a zip-lock bag
- Nursing Cover
- Hand Sanitizer
Baby (6-12 months)
- Diapers and Wipes
- Diaper Cream
- Travel Changing Pad
- Body Suits or other outfits
- Blanket
- Baby Food Pouch or jar
- Spoons
- Bottle of Water for baby
- Baby friendly snacks like banana or puffs
- Bib
- Burp Clothes or other towels to clean messes
- Plastic bags
- Toy for Diaper Change
- Pacifiers in a zip-lock bag
- Nursing Cover
- Hand Sanitizer
Toddler (12-18 months)
- Diaper and Wipes
- Diaper Cream
- Travel Changing Pad
- Toddler Snacks or Pouches
- Sippy Cup with Milk/Juice/Water
- Tissues, Napkins & Towels
- Toy for Diaper Change
- Pacifiers in a zip-lock bag
- Hand Sanitizer
Toddler (18 months – 2.5 years)
- Snacks like cheerios or Pouches
- Candy or chocolate (has helped me during toddler tantrums)
- Juice box or Water bottle
- Tissues, Napkins & Towels
- Hand Sanitizer
- Small Toy
Extras
- Bottle feeding supplies
- Sunscreen
- Summer Hat
- Moisturizer or Vaseline specially for winter
- Tylenol or other medications
- Thermometer
- First-aid essentials like bandaid or neosporin
- Socks and Mittens in winter
- Spare Outfit for toddler
- Bug Spray