Diaper bag essentials: When it comes to a newborn, they require a lot of supplies. I have created a diaper bag essentials list for you below for you to consider packing in your diaper bag. Some of these items you might already know what to pack, and other things might not be something you thought of.
Packing a diaper bag can be a bit overwhelming at times. All the gear, supplies, and items you need in case something happens. It can make your head spin. Take a deep breath and hopefully this guide will help ease your mind and prepare!
Diaper Bag Essentials
- Portable Changing Pad: Some diaper bags come with a changing pad. This is a great way to prevent laying your baby down on a dirty changing table (this one is top-rated and is under $10!) You could also improvise with a blanket in a pinch–I’ve used these exact blankets for years as a makeshift changing pad, burp cloth, and nursing cover!
- Baby Wipes
- Diapers- I usually pack 3 in my bag for my baby to be safe, and 1-2 for my toddler. Pack what you think you will need for the top you’ll be outside your house and then throw in at least one extra!
- Diaper Rash Cream- I recommend buying a travel size to keep, so you don’t pay full price for a bottle that might not get used very often. This is our favorite diaper rash cream!
- Change of Clothes- If you plan to be gone for very long pack multiple outfits; but, always have at least one extra outfit for a baby and one extra set of pants for a toddler (accidents happen!)
- Nursing Pads and Cream (if necessary, I usually skip this)
- Nursing Cover- I used my nursing cover the most with my first, and then just draped a blanket for subsequent kids.
- Burp Cloth- You’ll never know how absorbent a burp cloth is until your baby has an accident! Burp cloths to the rescue!
- Hand Sanitizer- Great to have on hand to clean your hands or someone else’s who wants to hold your newborn. This is my favorite hand sanitizer (all natural) that doesn’t dry your hands out!
- Small trash bags to throw diapers – little dog poop bags are great for this or just throw it in your reusable wet bag.
- Ziploc bag or Reusable Wet Bag– We like to be as eco-friendly as possible, so we always have one of these wet bags in our diaper bag! We’ve used it for 8 years and it is still going strong!
- Baby blanket- depending on the season either a warm blanket or a swaddle blanket
- First Aid Kit – Can be a mini size in case of an accident.
- Extra Pacifier
- A rattle or baby toy – Things to entertain a fussy baby. Soft plush books, small toys that don’t take up much room are always good to toss in. Just make sure whatever you take out is easily washable!
- Sunscreen- Great to have on hand for babies over 6 months old.
- Clean bottle and formula if not breastfeeding
- Snacks– Baby puffs, snacks that don’t need refrigerated like crackers and soft cookies, are great for packing.
- Hat
How To Fit All The Supplies In A Diaper Bag
I know it seems like a ton of essentials to pack in your diaper bag. But, most diaper bags have lots of little compartments to stash away your supplies.
Newborn clothes are tiny, so they don’t take up a ton of room. You will be glad you have all the essentials when you are out traveling and have a blowout and need a diaper and outfit change.
Can I Use Any Bag As A Diaper Bag?
You do not have to have a designated diaper bag if you don’t want it. Some families make a backpack into a diaper bag and then stuff their purse essentials inside. So it is easy to carry and strap on your back. Or you might find with an older baby; you don’t need as much so you can stuff it into your purse.
Feel free to do whatever fits your needs best in terms of the type of bag you use. Whether it is a tote, diaper bag, or toss in a purse or backpack.
- Best Daddy Diaper Bag- This gender-neutral backpack style diaper bag is under $40 and is good for moms and dads! Plus, it has plenty of compartments, almost 100% five-star reviews (almost 4,000 reviews) and it is super stylish!
- Best Minimalist Diaper Bag-– only want the essentials? This is a great choice!
- Best Vegan Diaper Bag/ Backpack- this is what I have and it works amazing for mutliple children! This is the runner-up (which also has a die-hard following of moms!)
How Many Diaper Bags Do I Need
Some families find that creating multiple diaper bags is handy. They have one that stays in the vehicle with the essentials and another diaper bag that has all the items they might need.
Generally, for the car bag, you add diapers, wipes, pacifiers, changing pad, change of clothes, etc. Those are the items that if you ran out of your regular diaper bag, you still had some stashed for emergencies.
Personally, I have one diaper bag that is always stocked. While I have a couple of different bags I use for diaper bags (depending on the season/ occasion).