Diaper Bag Essentials Checklist

Having a diaper bag packed and ready to go is a ritual for all new parents. Figuring out what to put in it can be a challenge, though: do you really need all those creams? And how many extra outfits should you really pack?

Refer to this list of diaper bag essentials to help you get organized so you know everything is taken care of and you can enjoy your time together when you’re out and about.

Interactive Diaper Bag Checklist

Choosing a Diaper Bag

Diaper bag: When choosing a diaper bag, choose carefully, as it is something you will be wearing probably every day for quite some time! First, you need to consider fashion and function. Think about your style and your family’s style. There are many options that are disguised to look like backpacks and purses. Diaper bags come in a range of colors. If you think that you might forget yours somewhere, go for a bright color; if you know you wear mostly neutrals and want to complement your wardrobe, consider a neutral color.. Next, think about the material of the bag. For leather bags, you might need to spot-clean only, whereas bags made from neoprene, cotton or other similarly durable materials can be thrown in the washing machine. Read the labels on the bag for suggested care and think about how important the look of the bag is to you versus the function: only you can decide. Take into consideration how comfortable the bag is, how many pockets it has, and how easy it is to get to things. Practice going through scenarios. Can you open it with only one hand? Can you sling it over your shoulder unzipped without everything falling out? If you have a partner, consult with them about the function and style of the bag as well, as they will also be carrying it and using it.

What to Pack in a Diaper Bag

Diaper bag: When choosing a diaper bag, choose carefully, as it is something you will be wearing probably every day for quite some time! First, you need to consider fashion and function. Think about your style and your family’s style. There are many options that are disguised to look like backpacks and purses. Diaper bags come in a range of colors. If you think that you might forget yours somewhere, go for a bright color; if you know you wear mostly neutrals and want to complement your wardrobe, consider a neutral color.. Next, think about the material of the bag. For leather bags, you might need to spot-clean only, whereas bags made from neoprene, cotton or other similarly durable materials can be thrown in the washing machine. Read the labels on the bag for suggested care and think about how important the look of the bag is to you versus the function: only you can decide. Take into consideration how comfortable the bag is, how many pockets it has, and how easy it is to get to things. Practice going through scenarios. Can you open it with only one hand? Can you sling it over your shoulder unzipped without everything falling out? If you have a partner, consult with them about the function and style of the bag as well, as they will also be carrying it and using it. Diapers: You’ll need diapers, of course! A good rule of thumb is to pack one diaper for every hour you will be out of the house. So, if you know you’ll be gone for 3 hours, pack at least 3 diapers. Huggies® Skin Essentials™ diapers are designed with baby's sensitive skin in mind, and Huggies® Little Snugglers® are also wonderful for infants. Huggies® Little Movers® are great for babies who are on the go. All Huggies® diapers have a snug and secure fit designed to contain mess, and a wetness indicator to help you recognize when it’s time for a diaper change. Periodically check your diaper stash to make sure you not only have enough diapers, but the right size as well. Wipes: Wipes, such as Huggies® Natural Care® Sensitive Baby Wipes are an absolute must in your diaper bag for dirty diapers and any other variety of mess that occurs, from sticky hands to bottle spills. They’re available in 16-count packs, which can help reduce the amount of weight in your diaper bag. Before you leave the house make sure you have enough wipes, and replenish as needed. Diaper cream and or lotion: If your baby is prone to diaper rash, eczema or any other skin condition, keep a small size bottle of your cream or lotion in your bag. A product like Aquaphor® can help with a host of ailments and issues until you can get home to use your preferred creams. Plastic bags: There are bags specifically made for disposing of dirty diapers, or you can use regular plastic grocery bags to tie up any stinky diapers. You should have a few empty bags in your diaper bag to help contain and dispose of messes properly. Changing pad: New parents might find themselves changing diapers in all sorts of locations, such as the trunk of a car, public restrooms and at playgrounds. Having a changing pad not only keeps your baby comfortable, but helps contain mess on other surfaces. Look for one that folds up compactly to maximize the space in your diaper bag. Hand sanitizer: You might find yourself in a situation where access to a sink to wash your hands is out of reach. Having hand sanitizer in your bag will help keep things clean and fresh. Burp cloth: If you are bottle or breastfeeding, have some burp cloths in your diaper bag for potential spit-up. Burp cloths are extremely absorbent, so they can be used to clean up other things such as runny noses, diaper blowouts and bottle spills. Bib: Keep your baby’s outfit clean by storing a spare cloth bib or two in your diaper bag. If your child is eating solids, it's best to have a silicone or plastic bib on hand if you are planning on eating out. Two spare outfits: Be prepared with at least two backup outfit options. Rotate them out of your diaper bag seasonally and by size so you don’t end up with a too-small, out-of-season outfit when you need it most. A wet bag or large freezer bag: If a blowout or major spit-up occurs, you’ll want to have a place to put the soiled outfit. A wet bag—or just a large freezer bag—is a great place to put things until you get home. A shirt for mom: Moms to newborns, and especially breastfeeding moms, should keep an extra top in the diaper bag to change into if spit-up or leakage occurs. Pacifier: If your child is taking a pacifier, keep a spare one in your bag. Toys, such as a rattle or teether: You don’t need to pack the entire playroom in your diaper bag, but a few distractions such as rattles or teethers can help entertain and soothe your child. Infants get a lot of stimulation from their environments too, so don’t worry if you forget a toy. A hat: Depending on the weather, you can pack either a sun hat or a knit hat. Change the hat out seasonally, and check periodically to see if the hat still fits. Sunscreen: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends infants 6 months and younger stay completely out of the sun because their skin is so sensitive and delicate. If you have an older infant, pack age-appropriate sunscreen. Breast pump and cooler: If you are pumping, transporting or storing breast milk, bring your pump and a small cooler bag. Some moms prefer to keep this in a separate bag and others have compact enough ones to put into their diaper bag. Breastfeeding cover: A cover for breastfeeding is optional, but some moms like to throw a swaddle, blanket or another piece of fabric into their diaper bag to cover themselves in public while feeding. Bottles and formula: If your baby is formula-fed, have enough formula and bottles packed for the amount of time you will be away from home. If you are at a restaurant, you can ask for some warm or hot water to make a bottle, or you can pack a bottle of water. Snacks: If your baby has transitioned to a schedule that includes solid food and snacks, pack a few snack options. Water bottle: If your baby is on solids and is drinking water, pack a small water bottle or sippy cup.

Tips For Packing Your Diaper Bag

As your child gets older, you’ll reduce the amount of stuff in your bag, but for the first few months of life, it can seem like you’re taking your entire house with you. Here are a few tips to keep you organized.