My Diaper Bag Must Haves
Oh man I think I went through like 3 diaper bags before finding one that I loved where I could organize and make sense of all the crap I would take with me everywhere. And I FILLED those to the brim when my son was a newborn. I thought I needed EVERYTHING with me, and if I didn’t have it, I would have severe anxiety.
My first bag was a medium size hard(ish) bag that didn’t have pockets and was more of a messenger bag. I couldn’t keep it organized and it wasn’t big enough for all my crap. My second bag that I used for-eh-ver was a Jujube messenger bag/backpack. I got it for a fraction of it’s original price off of facebook marketplace and it was still in great condition. I could load that up with everything I needed and then some! I then switched to a SkipHop bag because I needed a little more space as my son was getting older and toys, snacks, and water bottles were becoming more and more needed on outings (I currently use this one as my doula bag now). And finally once my son was about 2 years old I switched to a simple Target backpack that had 2 bottle holders on either side. It was $25 and did everything I needed it to do. I’m still currently using it for my son and his things (especially on overnight’s with his Oma) so I can carry my purse around and feel like an adult again.
BUT I want to go over what MY must haves were when my son was born! Some I had in the car (like back ups) and some I had in my diaper bag.
my Diaper Bag Must Haves
Diapers. I know DUH. But no really, have LOTS of diapers. I would have 4-5 in the diaper bag with me, and then a ton more in the car as well as back ups. If you’re going to be out for the day, just bring the whole damn case with you 😂
Wipes. I know another duh, but I always have to say it. I can’t tell you how often I forgot the damn wipes. This is another one that you can try and always have a spare in the car as well. I can’t tell you how many times I had to stop at Target while I was out running errands or something to buy a thing of wipes.
Change of clothes. Not only for baby, but throw an extra shirt in there for you as well if it fits. If it doesn’t, throw it in the car. You’ll need it at some point.
Binky/Pacifier. Some people choose not use these and that’s totally ok. My little one loved his when he was newborn and I didn’t go anywhere without it. I seriously should’ve taken stock out in them with how many we had to buy either being lost or the dogs eating them 😂
Burp Rags. I would typically keep one in the diaper bag, and then 2-3 in the car just in case. No shame, I also used swaddles if I had them as a last resort if the burp rags were all dirty or I forgot to pack them.
Chapstick. Seriously, you never know when you’ll need chapstick. I remember when my son finally started breastfeeding, I always had chapped lips in the beginning no matter how much water I was drinking. I. Was. So. Thirsty.
Pads/Tampons/Cup. Whatever it is you use to catch your monthly bleed, always have these on hand either in your diaper bag or in your car. Sometimes my flow sneaks up on me and catches me off guard. I also started my monthly bleed at 5 months postpartum so I didn’t get too long of not having one. Even if it’s just one tucked away somewhere.
My back up car items
I used a cardboard box and wrapped it in cute contact paper so it wasn’t an eye sore. But this was loaded up with even more things I felt I needed that I didn’t want taking up room in my diaper bag. It doesn’t need to be very much. Just some extras for the “just in case.”
Extra Changing Pad, Diapers, and Wipes. The trifecta 😂 This is a fantastic when you don’t want to dig through your diaper bag and just want to quickly change in the back of the car/backseat.
Clothes for You! No really, pack like two shirts and extra pair of pants for you. You never know when you’ll need them.
Toys. Just one or two. Mainly to keep baby busy while you’re changing them. If you don’t want to keep these in the car, even just handing them an extra shirt or diaper works as well and frees up more space if you need it.
Baby Blanket (or a few). This is good to have in the car in colder weather. Especially for when you’re not expecting it to get cold, but the weather has other ideas. This way you’ll be prepared and you’ll always have one with you.
These items will change
As your baby grows, all of the items you have in your bag and any back up items you may have in your car will change as your baby(ies) get older (as well as seasons).
But like I always say to my clients, take all the advice you get, put it in a big ass bowl, sift through it, and choose whatever works for your family.