The learning curve of parenthood is insane. The things I know that I never thought I’d have to know blow my mind on a daily basis. One of those things is what to put in a diaper bag. I remember packing Amalia’s before she was born, thinking I was so prepared. And then we had our first blow out poopsplosion and there was no plastic bag for me to put her dirty clothes. On top of that, we had an extra oneise but no extra pants or socks so the poor kid had to ride home pantless.
Another time I had to change her in a gas station and they were out of hand soap. Ew! Hand sanitizer was quickly added to the list.
With each little incident, we learn something new but I think we have our diaper game down for now. If I’m missing anything, please let me know!
As far as the actual bag goes, I use the ToteSavvy insert and move it from bag to bag. At first I was using a Vineyard Vines diaper bag (they don’t carry it anymore) all the time, but it’s very stiff so doesn’t always fit in a stroller. I like it, but I also like options. I like the insert because everything has a place (hello Type A friends!) and it fits in almost all of my totes.
One more fun fact before I list the contents of our bag, I’ve learned that as soon as you get home, you should restock it with diapers, a clean outfit, etc. That way when you go to leave the next time, it’s ready to go and you’re not scrambling at the last minute to pack it up.
What’s in our diaper bag:
Diapers… obviously
Travel-sized pack of wipes
Butt paste
Burp cloth
Bib
Extra outfit (onesie, pants, socks)
Ziplock bag for blow outs
Changing pad (We love this one because it’s sturdy and has pockets for extra wipes, etc)
Nursing cover/Car seat cover
Sophie the Giraffe
Travel white noise machine (I highly recommend this one because it’s tiny and can get super loud)
Hand sanitizer
Blanket
Pacifier
Ok mamas, what am I missing here to avoid future #momfails?
Extra clothes for YOU! I learned this the VERY hard way! I keep just a t-shirt and nike shorts in mine but better to have it then not to!
Good one! Never thought of that. Maybe a pair of leggings and a sweater for fall.
Thats good! If I know I’m going to have my car, I just keep an extra outfit in there. I also keep pacifier wipes(gimmicky but you’ll be glad you have them) I also keep a few toys for him now that he’s older. Oh we have certain toys we ONLY keep in the car for car seat play. Once she’s more awake and playing its a good idea. He gets so excited to have those couple of toys for car rides!
I keep latex gloves (or you can use the non latex) for diaper changes. Hands stay clean and when done you hold the used diaper in the gloved hand and flip the glove inside out over the dirty diaper and mess and smell (when they start eating solids) are encapsulated and contained
Oh my gosh, genius! Going to buy some on Amazon now. Thank you!
I also keep a few boxes at home for when sickness hits (I have three very young kids). Great for reduction of the spread of germs and protects hands when you have to go hard core and clean with bleach.
Such a good idea!
instead of ziplocs, i attached the Munchkin Arm & Hammer Diaper Bag Dispenser to my diaper bag (or in your case, insert). It’s kind of like the doggie bag roll you attach to the dog’s leash, but it has the stronger arm & hammer scent and thicker bags!
We have a couple of extra “wet bags” that we store in our diaper bag. Wet bags are reusable bags (instead of throwing away ziplocs every time) that can be thrown in the wash along with any soiled clothes. Skiphop makes some really cute ones. Definitely a more environmentally friendly option! https://www.skiphop.com/skiphop-on-the-go-20-off-select-product/VC_205011.html
Yes to this! I’m due in less than a month and came across wet bags while researching cloth diapers. Since then a part of my gift to new moms and their babies is always a wet bag! Great for cloth diapering, poopsplosions, swimming, and any other opportunity for a child to get messy (I’m sure I’ll learn that there is an endless amount of ways! haha).
I really like the Thirsties ones but I also just take a look on Amazon and choose a print that I like for that particular person 🙂
We cloth diaper too and love wetbags for this reason! Just like you mentioned, we use them for all different messy occasions. I also use a wetbag to store pumping parts in the fridge between sessions at work so I don’t need to wash my parts each time. Such a great gift idea! 😉
We love these too! So nice to throw nasty clothes in and you can wash them too so better for the environment.
Ohh I have never seen that travel noise machine! Great list.
The only thing I would add is a stain stick (we like the babyganics one) and when she start solids, we love the bpa free disposable placemats https://www.amazon.com/Disposable-Placemats-Baby-Phd-Educational/dp/B01M5JSLKH/ref=sr_1_7_sspa?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1509461458&sr=1-7-spons&keywords=Bpa+free+disposable+placements&psc=1
You totally have this mama thing down already!
I’d add a monthly spare outfit check to make sure it still fits! Sometimes those babies grow so fast, when you really need the outfit you’re stuck with a onesie you can’t snap!
Good point! She’s growing like a weed 🙂
Great list! As we head into cold season I would add Boogie Wipes. You can get them on amazon. They are so gentle on little runny noses. The munchkin brand also sells deodorized plastic bags for throwing away diapers in a public place or for some reason you have to change a diaper in your car and don’t have a garbage available immediately. Once she starts to eat more solids the rollable rubber placemat and bib by summer infant are AMAZING. I’ve had people compliment them dozens of times in restaurants because its saves food from falling to the floor and rolls up perfectly for the diaper bag.
I keep our diapers and wipes in a little Lilly Pulitzer pouch inside the diaper bag. That way, whoever is changing doesn’t have to haul the whole bag into the bathroom – just grab the baby, the small pouch, and go! This is especially helpful for airplane bathrooms, no hitting people in the head getting the big bag down the aisle or finding a sanitary place to set it down. We also use just the “diaper pouch” when we are out for walks or short errands and don’t need a lot of stuff – just throw it under the stroller in case of emergency, ha!
Have you seen the Think King Mighty Buggy Hooks for Strollers? They’re super small and don’t get in the way but create a nice place for a diaper bag/shopping bag when you’re out. I have a backpack style diaper bag and each side has a spot for a hook, it makes being hands free really easy.
As a mom-to-be this list is so helpful! Thanks for sharing.
I agree with adding Boogie Wipes – they are a life saver!
And repacking once you get home or have a moment. When I’m home with the kids during the summer or school breaks I am on top of this and get so annoyed when my husband takes something out of my bag because I never check!
I keep a little zip pouch of things for me since I don’t carry a purse in addition to my diaper bag. So I have chapstick, gum, a pen, brush, travel phone charger, etc. I also put in little garbage bags to put his dirty diapers in case I’m not near a garbage. I keep a muslin swaddle in my bag because it’s so versatile and it’s light so it doesn’t make the bag heavy. I like the ziploc bag idea! Adding one in now! Agree on keeping the diaper bag stocked! It’s so hard to get out of the house with a baby, so having the bag ready to go is super helpful.
That’s so genius with the little pouch for you. I’m going to start doing that too.
I recently added Johnson&Johnson hand and face wipes in our diaper bag. Since it’s cold & flu season, I always like to wipe my daughters hands off especially when we go out in public places. She’s constantly putting her hands in her mouth (#teething) so keeping them as clean as possible is a constant battle. Also, anti-bacterial surface wipes are my savior. Every time we go to a restaurant, before we pull my daughter up to the table in her highchair, I wipe down the part of the table that she can touch. She also likes to throw toys on the dirty ground, so having something to do a quick wipe down is clutch! You probably don’t have to worry about this quite yet, but just for future reference 🙂 Necessities will change as she gets older!
I love your Louie! Taking this list and saving it for April!
xxoo
http://www.BelleOnTrend.com
Mary
I love the idea of repacking the diaper bag right when you’re home, so it’s already packed when you’re heading out the next time. Genius! I’m going to start doing that now. I also pack small toys, like a rattle. And I agree with the other comments: Boogie Wipes and sanitizing wipes are a must for me these days. They come in handy!
Fariha
blog.farihawajid.com
It will save you next time for sure!
I’m not a mom, I’m a first time dad. Having a min variation of a first aid kit has saved me on several occasions (band aids, tweezers, alcohol wipes, Antihistamines, ibuprofen, sunscreen, eye wash) are just a few things in my kit
Oh smart! I’ll add to our list too.
Love your post Julia! Your photos are fabulous a always. We have similar taste – I just wrote about this recently! http://bougiebuys.com/diaper-bag-checklist/
Thanks Christine! PS your baby is ADORABLE!
This has been one of the most helpful posts I’ve read yet! Thank you! https://kellyincaliblog.wordpress.com
The SkipHop travel changing pad is fantastic. I also have their bottle bag & wet/dry bag, which is where I store the extra outfit. I also have pacifier wipes (gifted at my baby shower).
We have that one as well and I love it. I don’t have a bottle bag so will look into that now thanks!
I always carry a roll of dog “poop bags” with us for smelly diapers. You’ll be happy to have them if you can’t toss the diaper right away. Also, hand and face wipes (Johnson&Johnson or Target brand). There will be a stranger that feels comfortable touching your baby without your permission.
Oh that’s a good idea! Then I won’t have to replace the Zip lock. So smart!
Is this the mini tote savvy insert or regular size? Can’t decide which would fit best with my bags. Thanks so much!! Sarah
Regular size! The small one was too small to fit all of our stuff 🙂
Do you also feel like your LV tote digs into your shoulders when using it to carry slightly heavier items? Trying to figure out a better solution for that since I want to really use mine more as a diaper bag with the tote savy insert.
I do! But I’ve been using it for so many years that I’m used to it now haha