Diaper Bag Essentials: What’s in My Diaper Bag?
Denise Vasi
I’d be lying if I said that taking my daughter out way back when I was a first-time mama didn’t give me anxiety. One of my constant worries was that I would forget the very one thing we would need or she would want. So my solution was to bring everything. And by everything, I, of course, mean that I brought two of everything. Everything! But these days, I’m much more practical about what I pack in my diaper back. Not only because I’m a veteran mama, but also because I can’t lug around unnecessary items while trying to juggle both my four-year-old toddler and my newborn.
Below, you’ll find my current list of diaper bag essentials.
The Bag
The very first diaper bag I bought, I bought purely based on the brand name and popularity. Then, I bought high-end designer diaper bags, leather diaper bags (don’t do this, the leather adds unnecessary weight), and I even turned non-diaper bags into diaper bags by using this insert.
This time around, though, I wanted something cute, but more than that, I wanted something practical and functional. I decided to go with this Happ brand diaper bag. The nylon material means the bag is not only incredibly lightweight but that it’s also super easy to clean.
I chose the “levy backpack” because of its versatility and the different, chic ways you can rock it. Although I loved the dusty rose color, I chose the bag in black because the wear and tear on a black diaper bag is always less visible.
Diapers
For the infant/newborn stage, I always like to keep five diapers in my bag. On a short outing, you’ll most likely only use three diapers, but if you forget to restock one morning, you’ll at least always have two left in your bag.
I’m currently using and loving Andy Pandy’s Bamboo diapers, an eco-friendly brand created by a mother of four. Using a diaper that won’t expose my baby to toxins and harsh chemicals is very important to me, but so is using a diaper that holds up. Naturally hypoallergenic, antibacterial, and soft, these diapers keep my newborn’s delicate area rash free. I rarely find that he’s leaked through his diaper, even when he sleeps longer than I expected.
Andy Pandy’s are free of Chlorine, Phthalates, Latex, PVC, TBT, Alcohol, Preservatives, and Antioxidants. They’re 100% biodegradable which means they won’t cause pollution to the earth. They have a moisture indicating strip that lets you know when baby needs to be changed.
Pull-Ups
I also keep two pull-ups in the diaper bag for my four year old just in case she wants to take a nap or we can’t find a restroom fast enough. I use Honest brand’s pull-ups, and I usually buy the cheaper pattern. These boy patterned pull-ups often run around five dollars less expensive than the unicorn or fairy (a.k.a more feminine) patterned pull-ups. “Pink Tax” at its finest. I like that Honest’s pull-ups are latex-free, synthetic fragrance-free, and free of chlorine processing.
Diaper Cream
Organic aloe juice and organic essential oils of lavender and chamomile make Erbaviva’s anti-inflammatory and antiseptic diaper cream soothing. Great for moisturizing, hydrating, and healing diaper rashes and damaged skin.
Diaper Changing Pad
I ordered the Patemm Diaper Changing Pad for my daughter and used it from infancy until she was a toddler. I saved it just in case and it’s held up exceptionally well. Now I’m using it for my son, making it well worth the price tag. It covers large surfaces and it can easily be wiped down. If there isn’t a changing table nearby, I feel comfortable using it on the floor. Made in the USA from USA made materials, this pad is waterproof and machine-washable. There are also pockets around the circumference of the pad for storing diapers, wipes, and diaper cream.
Baby Wipes
100% vegan and cruelty-free, ultra-mild, and gentle, these wipes are free of alcohol, perfume, chlorine, formaldehyde, phenols, phthalates, SLS and SLES, and lanolin.
On-The-Go Wipe Carrier
This wipe carrier is simple, sleek, and you can tuck it into your diaper bag or the pockets of your changing pad easily. There’s a strap that you can use to fasten the carrier to your stroller. There’s also a one-hand push button to open the case and a large opening for easy wipe grabbing.
Waste Bag Dispenser & Bags
Easily accessible doggie bags are a must—both for messy moments and to dispose of poopy diapers. Sometimes there isn’t a trash can around, who wants to place a dirty diaper in their diaper bag without some protection? I keep these attached to the outside of my diaper bag so I don’t have to go digging for them.
Organic Toddler Underwear
I love how soft these are and that they are organic. My toddler loves the different colors with sweet florals, hearts and stripes.
Toilet Seat Covers
These are so good to have on hand for toddlers when using public toilets, especially at airports.
Hand Sanitizer
I’m not into overusing hand sanitizer. It’s always best to actually wash your hands and your little one’s hands with just soap and water—some germs are good for kids. However, hand sanitizer is a life-saver when you’re on-the-go! Definitely a diaper bag necessity.
Change Of Clothes
I like to have a few clothing changes in my diaper bag. Just in case there’s an accident with poop or spit-up, but also if the weather changes. So I always keep something to change into in case it gets too warm. I love this inexpensive organic brand L’ovedbaby. I also appreciate that I can easily buy their clothing via Amazon.
Change Of Clothes
I also keep something if it gets too cold. I love this brand Monica and Andy, because they make easy pieces in organic cotton with fun prints.
Organic Beanie
A sudden drop in temperature (or even indoor air conditioning) can make a baby uncomfortable, so I keep a little beanie stashed in my bag too.
Extra Blanket
Not just for warmth, a lightweight blanket can also be used to swaddle baby, create shade, and be laid down on the grass or floor for tummy time and eating. If you’re a mama who likes to cover up while nursing, this blanket will work too. I love that this blanket is organic, and I also love the warm neutral color.
Non-Toxic Sunscreen
I always have a clean sunscreen in my bag. Loving Naturals sunscreen goes on smooth and doesn’t leave behind any white residue. It’s not sticky at all and feels similar to a hydrating lotion. It’s one of my favorite sunscreens for my kids.
Organic Burp Clothes
Simple and soft organic cotton. I love that these never slip off because they’re shaped to lay perfectly over your shoulder.
Wet Bag
Keeping a wet bag on hand is great for when baby spits up or wets through their diaper or for when your toddler has a potty accident. Just toss the dirty item in this tiny bag and deal with the mess later.
Natural Rubber Pacifier
These non-toxic pacifiers are made from 100% pure natural rubber tree sap. There are two styles: The original circular shape touches the baby’s nose to mimic the breast touching the nose, and the butterfly-shaped style that fits around the baby’s nose. I personally like the style that leaves space for their little noses. They are also offered in two different nipple types, either the rounded nipple or the orthodontic nipple. I’ve always purchased the orthodontic nipple for my babies. Orthodontic pacifiers are specially designed to prevent misalignment and tooth issues that could potentially occur later in life.
Wood & Silicone Pacifier Clip and Teether
A cute, non-toxic clip to ensure that pacifier isn’t MIA when you need it. `Babies also find the beech wood and silicone beads interesting to hold and touch.
Organic Teether/Baby Rattle
A small, soft, organic rattle is perfect for an infant, and the wooden ring extends the life of this toy. Use the wooden ring when your little is teething.
Toddler Water Bottle
I love Kleen Kanteen water bottles for my toddler. They come in fun colors and are non-toxic.
Washable Nursing Pads For Breastfeeding
Nursing pads are a necessity for breastfeeding mamas. These super soft nursing pads are ultra-thin and heart-shaped, making them more discreet than other nursing pads. I also find that they’re much more soothing than disposable pads. Reusable and machine washable.
The last few things I keep in my diaper bag are pretty obvious… car keys, a wallet, a pen, and my laptop. I also never leave the house without a change of shirt and snacks.
What’s in your diaper bag? Share your necessities with me on Instagram. Snap a photo, tag me @denisevasi and use the hashtag #maedmama.