Packing a diaper bag for the first time? You’re not alone. Your diaper bag is your baby’s portable survival kit — having it ready to go in a pinch will empower you to say “YES!” to re-acquainting yourself with your favorite coffee shop down the street; or “YES” to that stroller date with your new mom friend; or “YES” to getting 15 minutes of fresh air to remind yourself the world is in fact bigger than your bedroom!
This everyday diaper bag checklist is designed to help new parents stay organized without overpacking. From diaper bag essentials to time-saving tips, here’s everything you actually need — and nothing you don’t.
Packing your diaper bag doesn’t need to be hard if you break things down into the 5 Core Baby Activities you are typically doing with your baby (plus your own personal essentials!), and then layer on any items that are unique to your family:
- Feeding
- Changing Diapers / Cleaning
- Changing Clothes
- Napping / Calming
- Playing / Entertaining
Checklist for Feeding:
- 2x Burp Cloths (you can never have too many of these)
- For Bottle-Feeding: Thermos with Milk, 1-2 Bottles (adjust based on time)
- For Breastfeeding: Nursing Cover, Extra Shirt for you (just in case)
- For Pumping: Breast Pump (and all parts), Container with lids to store pumped milk, Waterproof bag to store parts after use, Hand Pump (for emergencies)
- For +6 month olds: Bib, Snacks (1.5x what you think they’ll need for this time frame), Spoon / Fork
Checklist for Diapers / Cleaning:
- Baby wipes
- Diapers (pack 1.5x what you think they’ll need for the time frame)
- Changing Pad
- Diaper Cream
- 2 small plastic bags for dirty diapers (if you are going somewhere where garbages are not easily accessible)
- Hand sanitizer
- Disinfecting wipes for surfaces
- Baby-safe disinfecting wipes (for fallen toys, pacifiers, etc.)
- (Optional) Sidekick Hip Pack to compactly carry all diaper-changing essentials
Checklist for Changing Clothes:
- 2-3x Extra Outfits
- Hat
- Socks / Booties/ Foot Covering
- Extra Layer for cooler weather (if applicable)
Checklist for Napping / Calming:
- Extra Swaddle
- Portable White Noise Machine
- Car Seat Cover (if applicable)
- Pacifier (if applicable)
Checklist for Playing / Entertaining:
- 2-3 Small Toys / Books (limited need for this with a newborn!)
Checklist for Mama:
- Phone
- Keys
- Wallet
- Extra Top (in case your baby ruins your top… trust us, it happens a lot)
