Here's what needs to be inside of every diaper bag
When you have a little one, a diaper bag is a must. These specialized bags often come with multiple compartments to help you store all your child’s needs in one place that can be taken with you on the go.
Though it might be called a diaper bag, diapers certainly aren’t the only item that you should be carrying with you. Want to know what to put in your diaper bag? Here’s a list of all the necessities that the best diaper bags will be able to fit and carry with no problem whatsoever.
Diapers
Perhaps most obviously, you should always keep a few diapers in your diaper bag. As far as how many to bring, the general rule is to carry one diaper for each hour you’ll be out, as well as a couple extra just in case of an accident.
Baby Wipes
It’s nearly impossible to change a baby’s diaper without some sort of cleaning wipe. Ideally, you’ll want to carry a small, portable bag of baby wipes with you at all times. However, if you only have large containers of baby wipes at home, you can always move a handful from your container to a secure Ziplock bag to carry with you.
Baby wipes also come in handy for cleaning up messes on the go. Whether it’s a sticky surface or food-covered face, baby wipes will help you clean up your space and your child no matter where you are.
Portable Changing Pad
Some diaper bags come with a built-in changing pad, which can come in handy when you need to change your baby’s diaper but don’t feel great about having a sanitary spot to do so. If your diaper bag doesn’t come with a portable changing pad, you can always purchase one separately and keep it in your diaper bag.
Additionally, disposable changing pads exist as well. Disposable changing pads can be quite convenient because of their use and toss nature.
Portable and disposable changing pads can be used on top of beds, public bathroom changing tables, and just about any other flat surface you find that would work well for changing your baby’s diaper.
Formula and Breast Milk Bottles
When it comes to feeding a baby, you never want to be short on supplies. Always carry with you the number of bottles your baby will need while out and about, as well as an additional one in case something comes up and you end up being out for longer than expected.
If you’re using breast milk, pack the bottles with an ice pack to keep them cold for up to 24 hours. If you’re using powdered formula, bring a thermos filled with warm water so that the mix can be made on the spot.
Snacks and Baby Food
If your child is past the newborn stage and snacking on other types of food besides formula and breast milk, you want to be certain to carry some food in your diaper bag. Pouch foods and small jars work best, as well as smaller, chewable snacks kept in baby-safe containers.
Also, remember that diaper bags aren’t just for your child. If you want to pack a few snacks for yourself, a good diaper bag will easily accommodate them. Similar to this, you can always carry beverages, such as water bottles and juices for yourself or your baby.
Extra Clothing
It’s no secret that babies are messy. If your child spills something on him or herself, having extra children’s clothing in your diaper bag is essential. Always carry an extra onesie or shirt and pants pairing. Additionally, keeping an extra pair of baby socks in your diaper bag is not a bad idea — nor is carrying a hat for your child in case the temperature drops.
Extra Accessories
On top of the essentials, there are some smaller accessories and items that you should always have on hand when traveling with a baby. It can be helpful to carry burp cloths and washcloths in your diaper bag in case of any messes your child might make. Additionally, hand sanitizer is a smart item to carry so that you can always make sure your own hands are clean before feeding your baby. If your child uses pacifiers, having one or two extra on hand is a good idea.
Sunscreen is another important item to have in your diaper bag, as your child should always be wearing this sun protectant whenever outside or in direct sunlight. For this same reason, a small sun hat can be kept in the diaper bag for outside use.
Finally, if your child has entered the toy phase, you’ll want to bring along a few to pull out at restaurants or in the car so that your child can occupy him or herself during a long dinner or stopped traffic jam.
Now that you know what essentials to put in that diaper bag, it's only a matter of keeping it organized so you can find what you need quickly and easily.
Resources— Babycenter, BlueSmart
About The Author
