Diaper Bag Essentials

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Is it just me, or is there some unwritten rule where moms have a tendency of forgetting some diaper bag essentials when going out? I’m sure some of you might wonder, how hard can packing a diaper bag be? Well, if that is you, then I can almost guarantee you haven’t been packing diaper bag for long, let alone considering what qualifies as a diaper bag essential.

A diaper bag is no purse, it’s a constant evolving life line that, when carefully curated can get you out of almost any jam. Have a stain? There’s Tide-to-Go. Sticky hands? Hand sanitizer to the rescue. Dirty surface? You have at least two different kinds of wipes. Speeding ticket? Listen, I never said I was a miracle worker, but a little lip gloss never hurt. 

Most of us have been in a situation where we’ve forgotten something on our diaper bag checklist. Maybe it’s an extra change of clothes or enough toys to keep our toddlers occupied. I’ve been there and suffice it to say, it sucks. This post is your complete guide to diaper bag essentials, and as a bonus everything is available on Amazon. Read on to the very end to download the Northern Peach Diaper Bag Checklist. 

Diaper Bag Essentials

Diaper Bag Organizer //

This Organizer Insert for Tote Bags is THE diaper bag essential for the trendy moms. Diaper bags have a tendency to be either (1) expensive, or (2) unattractive. This organizer allows you to use any tote bag. It also makes changing bags a breeze. Simply take the insert out of the bag you were previously using and move it to the new one. I love using this insert with my totes to make any bag a diaper bag!

Change Pad//

If your diaper bag does not have a change pad included, purchase a change pad for your baby. This change pad comes in a variety of colours, large and compact sizes and has additional pockets for diapers, wipes and creams.

Diapers //

Since Georgia was born we have been trying a variety of diapers to see which brand works best for us.  Brands such as Huggies, HelloBello and Kirkland have gone through our rotation before deciding our favourite by far is Pampers Diapers Pure Protection. These diapers always seem a bit larger than their competitors. They are also the softest and most absorbent diapers we have come across. Here are two recommendations for your diaper bag essentials. (1) Try different brands to see what works best for you, and (2) plan to pack at least 1 diaper for every hour you are out. 

Wipes Dispenser //

Rather than carrying around a bulky bag of wipes, use the Skip-Hop On-the-Go Wipes Dispenser or the Prince Lionheart Compact Wipes Warmer. I use one or the other, but find that both options keep a more organized diaper bag. As a tip, I do like to keep an extra bag of wipes in the car for the *in case of emergency* scenario. 

Diaper Rash Cream //

If you’re a parent that likes to prepare for any scenario you’ll want to have both a petroleum jelly as well as a diaper rash cream with zinc. Here are two options that are travel friendly, Vaseline and Penaten Diaper Rash Cream.

Poop & Wet Bags //

There are a couple of different types of bags that have made it onto the diaper bag essentials checklist: poop bags and wet bags.
 
A poop bag will help to contain any odour caused by a dirty diaper if you don’t happen to be near a trash can. There are poop bags specifically for babies such as the Baby Works Disposable Diaper Bags. These bags have a fresh baby powder scent, are reasonably priced and come in a plastic sleeve. Just know, dog poop bags work well too and can be purchased in bulk like POOPS! 
 
The second bag to make it onto the diaper bag checklist is the Bumkins Waterproof Wet Bag. This wet bag can be used to carry a clean change of clothes for your baby or toddler. When the situation arises, swap out the clean clothes for your little one and place the dirty clothes into the wet bag. The great thing about this wet bag is that you can throw it into the wash along with the dirty clothes to be used again and again!
 

Wipes, Sanitizer & More //

Let’s keep this section simple.

On-the-Go Nap Essentials //

Napping on the go can sometimes be a challenge. Try as best as you can to mimic your usual routine by creating a dark environment and drowning out noise with a sound machine. We have the Yogasleep HUSH Portable as well as the Dreamegg Portable White Noise Machine and both are fantastic. 

Toys //

Carry toys and activities to keep your busy toddlers entertained. Of course, depending on their age the toys will always be different. For teething babies, Sophie la Girafe Teether is wonderful as it can be attached to a pacifier clip. Toddlers will love the the VTech Light-Up Baby Touch Tablet which has been in rotation in my own diaper bag since Georgia has been 3 months old.  Generally, I like to carry between 3 – 5 different toys when out. I also keep 2 extra car safe toys in the backseat of my car at all times which has saved the day on more than one occasion. 

Diaper Bag Meal Essentials //

Remember to pack a meal for your little if you’ll be out during their mealtime. We’ve loved the Lictin Baby Food Feeder, the Ubbi Snack Container and Nuk Sippy Cup

Seasonal //

Depending on the season, there are extra items you may need to bring with you. 

Spring & Summer
  • Baby Hat
  • Sunscreen // we like this Blue Lizard one that has a cap that changes colours to advise of harmful UV Rays, and this Blue Lizzard SPF Stick is a great space saver for diaper bags
  • Receiving blanket // use it to create shade over a stroller, as a nursing cover, or a light blanket if in an air-conditioned environment
Fall & Winter

This wraps up the complete Diaper Bag Essentials Checklist. Just remember the most important step, RESTOCK. It’s always helpful to restock as soon as you get home from a day out, this way you will always be ready to go in a pinch! 

If you enjoyed this post you may also enjoy New Mom Essentials and Newborn Essentials for First Time Moms.  

Whether you need a diaper bag for Dad, for newborn or for toddler this post will have you covered. It may seem like a lot, but it miraculously fits into one bag even if you don’t know the same spell as Hermione Granger. If there are products on your must have Diaper Bag Checklist that I’ve missed here, please share them in the comments below, I’d love to know!

 

Download your free Checklist below to help keep you organized.