Packing your Diaper Bag

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)

1. Plenty of Diapers and Wipes
2. Diaper Cream
3. Travel Changing Pad
4. Body Suits and other essential outfits for unexpected diaper blowouts or spit-up
5. Hat, Socks & Mittens
6. Burp Clothes
7. Blanket
8. Breast Pads
9. Maternity Pads
10. Plastic bags
11. Pacifiers in a zip-lock bag
12. Nursing Cover
13. Hand Sanitizer

Baby (6-12 months)

1. Diapers and Wipes
2. Diaper Cream
3. Travel Changing Pad
4. Body Suits or other outfits
5. Blanket
6. Baby Food Pouch or jar
7. Spoons
8. Bottle of Water for baby
9. Baby friendly snacks like banana or puffs
10. Bib
11. Burp Clothes or other towels to clean messes
12. Plastic bags
13. Toy for Diaper Change
14. Pacifiers in a zip-lock bag
15. Nursing Cover
16. Hand Sanitizer

Toddler (12-18 months)

1. Diaper and Wipes
2. Diaper Cream
3. Travel Changing Pad
4. Toddler Snacks or Pouches
5. Sippy Cup with Milk/Juice/Water
6. Tissues, Napkins & Towels
7. Toy for Diaper Change
8. Pacifiers in a zip-lock bag
9. Hand Sanitizer

Toddler (18 months – 2.5 years)

1. Snacks like cheerios or Pouches
2. Candy or chocolate (has helped me during toddler tantrums)
3. Juice box or Water bottle
4. Tissues, Napkins & Towels
5. Hand Sanitizer
6. Small Toy

Extras

1. Bottle feeding supplies
2. Sunscreen
3. Summer Hat
4. Moisturizer or Vaseline specially for winter
5. Tylenol or other medications
6. Thermometer
7. First-aid essentials like bandaid or neosporin
8. Socks and Mittens in winter
9. Spare Outfit for toddler
10. Bug Spray