New moms and dads: Meet your best friend, one that you’ll want by your side all the time. We’re talking about your diaper bag , of course. Consider it a security blanket for parents, or a heavy-duty mom purse. Whatever life throws your way—from incomprehensible freakouts to sudden hunger pangs to, yes, poopy diapers—a well-packed pouch that slings over your shoulders (and clips easily onto the stroller) can make messy situations disappear. Of course, what’s a diaper bag without its all-important contents? Yes, you’re going to be carrying a lot of stuff. Here, your trusty checklist to ensure all your diaper bag essentials are exactly where you need them when you need them.
Our top picks: Diapers Coterie Diaper at Coterie, $100 Jump to Review Wipes Healthybaby Wet Wipes at Healthybaby, $28 Jump to Review Baby ointment Aquaphor Baby Travel Size Healing Ointment at Target, $5.49 Jump to Review Changing pad Skip Hop Portable Baby Changing Pad at Skip Hop, $30 Jump to Review Disposable diaper bags Ubbi On The Go Gray Bag Dispenser at Target, $4.99 Jump to Review Pacifiers Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier at Amazon, $7.29 Jump to Review Washcloths aden + anais Cotton Muslin Washcloth Set at Amazon, $15.99 Jump to Review Hand sanitizer Honest Hand Sanitizer Spray, Free + Clear at The Honest Company, $5.49 Jump to Review Baby bottles Philips Avent BPA Free Natural Baby Bottles at Target, $18.39 Jump to Review Change of clothes for baby Bee Essentials Organic Short Sleeve Baby Bodysuits at Target, $16.07 Jump to Review Baby hat LouLou Lollipop Top Knot Beanie at LouLou Lollipop, $14 Jump to Review Sunscreen Thinkbaby Clear Zinc Sunscreen SPF 30 at CVS, $13.99 Jump to Review Blanket Cloud Island Muslin Swaddle Blankets Adventure at Target, $19.99 Jump to Review Travel toys Skip Hop Silver Lining Cloud Jitter Stroller Baby Toy at Skip Hop, $10 Jump to Review Snacks Gerber Snacks for Baby Grain & Grow Puffs at Target, $2.69 Jump to Review Band-Aids Band-Aid Brand Adhesive Bandages Family Variety Pack, 110 Count at Target, $11.99 Jump to Review Water bottle 24 oz Standard Mouth Hydroflask with Flex Straw Cap at Hydroflask, $44.95 Jump to Review In this article: Diaper bag essentials Diaper bag extras Tips for packing a diaper bag Diaper bag essentials to shop
Diaper Bag Essentials
Trying to figure out what to pack, and what can reasonably be left behind? Mentally walk through everything you’ll want (and need) to do with baby when you’re out and about. To get you started, these are the things pretty much all moms should have on their diaper bag checklists:
Diaper Bag Extras
Part of crisis management is having the right gear at the right time. However, since babies are so unpredictable, it doesn’t hurt to have all your tools of the parent trade at your fingertips, all the time (or at least most of the time). Here’s what to consider adding to your checklist to bring your diaper bag of tricks to the next level:
Tips for Packing a Diaper Bag
If baby has thrown up all over their sweater or your tot is hysterical with hunger, having to search through a black hole of a bag or deal with wet things that shouldn’t be wet only adds to the stress. Here’s how to keep your diaper bag essentials at the ready:
-
Stash different categories of diaper bag essentials into smaller (preferably clear or different-colored) bags. It’s what mountain climbers do with stuff sacks in their backpack, so they can find things in a jiffy. (And when you’re a mom, every outing feels like an expedition.) Put feeding items in one section, diaper change items in another, your own stuff in another and so on.
-
Include a diaper-bag caddy. Essentially an offshoot of the previous tip, this consists of strapping a regular pack of wipes onto the lid of an empty wipe tub with an elastic headband. This leaves room inside the tub for diaper-changing essentials (diapers, a change of clothes in case of blowouts and a foldable portable changing pad). So when baby needs a change—and fast!—you can just grab and go.
-
Pre-portion each bottle. If you’re mixing formula, pre-measure water and pour into each bottle. Add pre-measured formula to each bottle only when you’re ready to feed baby with it. With breast milk , stick pre-filled bottles into a portable cooler pack if you’re going to be spending a good amount of time out and about on a hot day.
-
Prevent leaks. Even if you’ve double-checked that the milk, water and sunscreen containers are screwed on tight, Murphy’s Law says they can loosen up when jostled. So pack each in a sealed plastic bag, just in case.
Diaper Bag Essentials to Shop
Diapers
Coterie Diaper Image: Coterie Buying Options Coterie | $100You’ll need one diaper for every two hours you’re out—and maybe a few extra, just to be safe. Stock up on our favorite nappies on the market from Coterie. These standout diapers are designed to move seamlessly with baby, minimizing leaks and blowouts. Plus, the super-soft, hypoallergenic material quickly absorbs moisture. The result? A lower chance of diaper rash—perfect for keeping baby comfy while out and about.
Buy NowWipes
Healthybaby Wet Wipes Image: Healthybaby Buying Options Healthybaby | $28Looking for dependable wet wipes to keep baby clean on the go? Opt for this plant-based pick from Healthybaby. Take the whole pack with you, or keep a few moist in a plastic sandwich bag to save on space. They’re the multi-tasker of all diaper bag essentials—handy for wiping baby’s bum, your hands and the changing pad, especially after use in a public restroom (ick).
Buy NowBaby ointment
Aquaphor Baby Travel Size Healing Ointment Image: Target Buying Options Target | $5.49 Walmart | $5.47 CVS | $6.29This multi-use baby ointment can moisturize delicate skin from head to toe. The healing, fragrance-free formula can be used to soothe chapped, irritated skin caused by teething, drool rash or diaper rash. It’s the multipurpose product you’ll never want to be without. What’s more, this travel-sized tube won’t take up precious space in your pouch.
Buy NowChanging pad
Skip Hop Portable Baby Changing Pad Image: Amazon Buying Options Skip Hop | $30 Amazon | $30 Target | $29.99Even if your bag comes with a changing pad, you might find you need something a little larger. Pop this convenient clutch in your diaper bag, clip it to the stroller or carry it on its own to have a safe, clean spot for baby in no time. Don’t let its compact silhouette fool you—this option has a mesh pocket (big enough to hold cream, wipes and four diapers) and a front-zippered pocket (perfect for your keys and wallet).
Buy NowDisposable diaper bags
Ubbi On The Go Gray Bag Dispenser Image: Amazon Buying Options Target | $4.99 Amazon | $8.99 Pish Posh Baby | $4.99Diaper changes are a messy business, which is where this on-the-go bag dispenser comes in. The simple device is easy to use and refill—plus, you can attach it to your bag or the stroller, thanks to its silicone strap. Each roll contains 12 lavender-scented bags to keep bad smells at bay, which is especially handy if you won’t have access to a trash can for a while!
Buy NowPacifiers
Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier Image: Amazon Buying Options Amazon | $7.29 Target | $7.29If baby uses pacifiers, you’ll want to keep a few ready to go at all times. These parent-approved soothers come in a pack of four for less than $8, making them a budget-friendly pick to boot. Store them in a clean bag along with extra bottle nipples to keep everything sanitary.
Buy NowWashcloths
aden + anais Cotton Muslin Washcloth Set Image: aden + anais Buying Options Amazon | $15.99 Walmart | $15.99 aden + anais | $15.99Thanks to its versatility, a washcloth is another diaper bag must-have. Toss in as many as you think you’ll need, then add a few more. Made from muslin, these adorable washcloths are gentle yet durable, and will only get softer over time. When they inevitably get dirty, simply toss them in the washing machine and tumble dry them for clean cloths again in no time.
Buy NowHand sanitizer
Honest Hand Sanitizer Spray, Free + Clear Image: Honest Co. Buying Options The Honest Company | $5.49Hypoallergenic? Check. Plant-based? Check. Quick-drying? Check. This pick checks all of the boxes on our list when it comes to choosing the best hand sanitizer for diaper bags. It’s available in a fragrance-free formula, and can be counted on to combat 99.9 percent of germs and bacteria which may be on your hands before (or after) you clean feed or change baby. Better yet, it comes in a convenient pack of two.
Buy NowBaby bottles
Philips Avent BPA Free Natural Baby Bottles Image: Target Buying Options Target | $18.39 Walmart | $22.97Whether you’re packing infant formula or pumped breast milk, you’ll need dependable baby bottles to get the job done. This top-notch option has a no-drip design and an anti-colic valve for your convenience and baby’s comfort. Simply figure out how many feedings-worth you’ll need and pack accordingly.
Buy NowChange of clothes for baby
Bee Essentials Organic Short Sleeve Baby Bodysuits Image: Burt's Bees Baby Buying Options Target | $16.07 Walmart | $33.94 Burt's Bees Baby | $25.95You’ll need a change of clothes (or two) for baby because spit-up happens—as do blow-outs and leaky bottles. When messes occur, count on these sweet bodysuits for a quick outfit change. They’re made from super-soft organic cotton, and come in a handy pack of five. While you’re at it, throw in a couple of pairs of socks just in case.
Buy NowBaby hat
LouLou Lollipop Top Knot Beanie Image: LouLou Lollipop Buying Options LouLou Lollipop | $14Whether you have a summer or winter baby, you’ll need a seasonally appropriate topper to block out sun or cold. This ultra-soft beanie is perfect for little ones who are 12 months or younger, and is made from gentle organic cotton. Choose from a variety of adorable patterns, like whales, flowers or safari animals .
Buy NowSunscreen
Thinkbaby Clear Zinc Sunscreen SPF 30 Image: Think Buying Options CVS | $13.99 Think | $15.49For little ones 6 months or older, toss in some sunscreen if you’ll be out and about in a stroller or at the park. This baby-safe formula is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and won’t leave a white cast behind. Reapply every two hours you’re out in the sun (or immediately after drying off with a towel) to keep your child’s skin protected.
Buy NowBlanket
Cloud Island Muslin Swaddle Blankets Adventure Image: Target Buying Options Target | $19.99No matter what the season, it’s always good to have an extra blanket on hand for unexpected breezes and drafty restaurants; they’re also useful to shade baby from the sun. These muslin swaddles are light and breathable while still being cozy, meaning they won’t be bulky in your bag. Available in a pack of three sweet designs.
Buy NowTravel toys
Skip Hop Silver Lining Cloud Jitter Stroller Baby Toy Image: Skip Hop Buying Options Skip Hop | $10 Target | $9.99 Amazon | $9.99If there’s anything that keeps your child happy and occupied, throw it into the bag. We’re fans of this stroller toy for on-the-go entertainment because it has a handy clip and plenty of textures for baby to explore. The soft cloud gently vibrates when the teether is pulled, and has a star squeaker and crinkly raindrop for more multi-sensory engagement.
Buy NowSnacks
Gerber Snacks for Baby Grain & Grow Puffs Image: Target Buying Options Target | $2.69 Walmart | $2.72 Amazon | $2.79Snacks are essential for tots when the next meal is in the far-off future (i.e. five or more minutes away) because there’s no “hungry” with kids, just “hangry.” That being said, pack one that won’t ruin your kiddo’s appetite, like these blueberry puffs. They’re perfect for older babies and toddlers, and the slim canister is easy to tote in your bag or stroller.
Buy NowBand-Aids
Band-Aid Brand Adhesive Bandages Family Variety Pack, 110 Count Image: Amazon Buying Options Target | $11.99 Walmart | $11.98 Amazon | $11.98If you’re a parent to a toddler, you’ll invariably end up at the playground (even if you think you’re just going out for errands), making Band-Aids another diaper bag essential. This family pack comes with 110 flexible, waterproof bandages in all different shapes, sizes and colors. Even if your child’s boo-boo is a barely there scratch, one of these Toy Story-themed bandages is sure to make them feel better.
Buy NowWater bottle
24 oz Standard Mouth Hydroflask with Flex Straw Cap Image: Hydroflask Buying Options Hydroflask | $44.95 Amazon | $39.95 DICK'S Sporting Goods | $44.95Keep yourself and your kiddo hydrated with a top-notch water bottle. This sleek, 24-oz. style will easily fit into your bag and can be counted on to keep its contents icy cold for hours on end. What’s more, it has a straw cap for easy sipping on the go.
Buy Now >Plus, more from The Bump: > 10 Diaper Bags You’ll Love > 15 Best Designer Diaper Bags > 8 Best Diaper Bags for Dads
