The Ultimate Diaper Bag Checklist

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You only have to be unprepared once to know the true value of a well-stocked diaper bag. From essentials to extras that will simply just make your life easier, this ultimate diaper bag checklist will provide you and baby with what you need, when you need it!

Picking the Right Diaper Bag

I love this Eddie Bauer diaper bag for many reasons, none greater than it is comfortable and functional. My husband wanted something that didn’t look too feminine, and I wanted a durable bag that I wouldn’t have to juggle along with the baby, car seat, stroller, etc (i.e. backpack). The many pockets are functional and keep all the little things, like diaper cream, extra socks, and pacifiers, well-organized. 

Two of its best features are the side pockets – an insulated pocket for bottles or food and an exterior pocket for wipes. The number of times I reach for the wipes each day – I’m sure glad to have them easily accessible.

>> If you are pregnant, now is a great time to sign up for an Amazon Baby Registry! I could go on and on about all the perks they offer – this is a decision you will never regret!

The Essentials

Diapers: Make sure you have at least one for every 2 hours you will be away from home, plus a few extra. I try to always have 6-8 diapers in the bag, PLUS make sure you always double-check the bag before leaving the house.

BONUS: The Eddie Bauer diaper bag comes with a portable changing pad, fitting perfectly in one of its front pockets.

Wipes: I keep a regular size pack (versus a travel pack) because it’s more cost-effective and they haven’t dried out on me! We typically buy Target or Amazon brand wipes because they are the most affordable, but we like Huggies best. They are softer and peel apart easiest. It may be easiest to buy on Amazon, but the price for Huggies is often less expensive at Target or other similar stores.

Disposable Bags: You mean the type I use for my dog? Yes. You likely won’t need nearly as many for your baby as you do a pet, but they come in handy when you can’t immediately dispose of a diaper or need to contain dirty clothes. This. Will. Happen. You can even buy a dispenser to make storing and using the bags easier. 

Feeding Supplies: This will look different at every age and depend on your situation. I believe wholeheartedly in having back-ups. For example, while I chose to breastfeed, I always had formula in the bag just in case of an unforeseen circumstance. Plus, no matter how you feed your baby, you’ll want to have some hand sanitizer on hand.

• Breastfeeding: yourself! Options – nursing cover and lactation cookies (these are delicious)
• Formula: pre-measured bottle with water and container with formula, OR ready-to-feed bottles
• Older Babies & Toddlers: sippy cup, travel spoon set and jar of baby food, and a couple of snacks

Alternate Outfit & Socks: Choose an outfit that could be suitable for most situations. When our little guy had a blow out at church, I had to change him from his church outfit to a set of pajamas I had in the bag. Fortunately, he was a baby, so he looked cute no matter what he wore!

Pacifiers: If your little one likes pacifiers, you won’t want to forget these at home! Pack them in a Ziploc bag to stay clean, and don’t forget the pacifier clips! These even double as a teething toy. 

Burp Cloths: pack a few of these, and then pack some more. You’ll thank me later.

>> You can also find these burp cloths on Mom’s Picks: 14 Must-Have Baby Registry Items.

Blanket: I love these receiving blankets for moderate weather, or pack a thicker blanket if baby could be cold. 

Sun Protection: A blanket and hat (season-appropriate) will help keep baby safe from the sun. Once 6 months and older, babies can use sunscreen. 

The Extras

Sure, you probably only NEED a way to diaper and feed baby, but other products exist to make our lives just a little easier as parents. These could be sanity-savers.

Car Seat/Nursing Cover: the beauty of this product is that you can use it to protect baby from germs, wind, etc when in the car seat, PLUS it doubles as a cover for Mama when nursing. 

Diaper Rash Cream: you don’t need it, until you need it. This one is the perfect travel size too.

Bibs: our little guy spit up a lot, especially in the first six months, so we learned very quickly that it pays to have a few extra bibs in the bag. Plus, now that he is a little older, we always have a bib packed in case he eats a meal.

Toys and Books: for awhile, toys like this will keep baby entertained. Eventually, baby will want a little more stimulation from more interesting toys or board books when you are on-the-go. 

Extras for Mom: pack a few extra breast pads and a spare shirt. Sure, you might not need these, but I think you’d rather have them just in case!

Comment below! Which of these products did you find to be your biggest sanity-savers? Did you pack anything else that you considered a must-have?

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