Elements of the Well-Packed Diaper Bag

New parents eventually discover that a diaper bag is meant to carry more than diapers. A little trial and error and parents soon discover just what the necessities are for leaving the comforts of home with a bundle of baby. Even short trips require quite a lot of “stuff.“ Why not save yourself some time and learn from others’ experience? Here’s what the best dressed diaper bag is carrying these days… 

Of course, you’ll want to pack diapers. Depending on how long you plan to be out and about, it’s a good idea to pack more diapers than you think you’ll actually need. Keeping a 6-12 diapers in the bag is a good idea - either disposable or cloth. Even parents who use cloth diapers often choose to use disposables for travel. Either way, make sure you’ve got enough to spare - but not too many - they do take up valuable space you’ll need for all the other items! 

You’ll also want to pack baby wipes or a fresh damp washcloth (if your baby is allergic to wipes or you don’t use them.) Make sure you replace the damp cloth each time you head out or you’ll end up with a sour, mildewy washcloth, and that won’t do anyone any good. You can store a damp, well-rung washcloth in a ziplock baggie or clean yogurt containers work well for this as well. Make sure you’ve got some dry burp cloths or cloth diapers for burping and other messes. 

About a half dozen empty plastic bags should be tucked away in your diaper bag. You’ll use these for dirty diapers, wet and messy clothes and other messy items. This is a great way to recycle and reuse bread and produce bags - just make sure they don’t have holes or tears or your baby mess will escape. 

Other basics that should just stay in the diaper bag are: a waterproof changing pad, diaper cream, sunscreen, a sun hat in summer and a warm hat in winter and 1-2 lightweight blankets. Be sure to make sure that the size of the hats adjusts as your baby grows.