Hello Successful Mommies!! Since summer is approaching quickly, I want to take a moment and talk about the Diaper bag (Drum roll please)! Some will say, packing a diaper bag is not rocket science, but if you’re a mom you will totally disagree. It’s time consuming and almost every time you forget something you need for your little one.  So I decided to create a list based on items I use daily with my infant.  If some of you are like me and have more than one child, it’s best to always pack for both.  By the time I walk out of the house with both kids, the diaper bag(s), my purse, and the stroller, I’m sweating and exhausted.  I think that every mom should know what to pack and how to pack it so that it is compact enough to fit in your bag and your car/trunk.  This is a great list for first time mamas.  I also recommend packing the diaper bag the night before you travel and keep it close to the door.  This way it’s ready when you are and it’s close by in case of an emergency.  I try to fill it up after I return from my outing, but if not once  a week should suffice, depending on how often I go out.  Here 21 diaper bag essentials to help you pack for your little ones.

1.     Diapers.  Make sure you have enough for where ever your going.  I always like to pack a few extra, just in case.  The best way to determine how many diapers to pack is by your child’s eating habits and how often you change them.  I usually change my child every time they wake up from nap and after they eat/drink.  On average 15-20 diapers for newborns/infants, 5-10 for toddlers (ages 1-2), and for ages 3 and up 2 pull ups just in case of accidents. 

2.     Diaper mat. You never know where you have to change your little ones so it’s best to have something to protect them.  My diaper bag included a mat, however there are disposable ones that you can purchase as well. 

3.     Plastic bags.  Sometimes I forget to pack these myself and I have so many of them! It’s great to have plastic bags in your diaper bag for dirty diapers.  Depending on where you are they may not have any, so it’s best to bring your own.  If you have a diaper genie you can always use the bags that come with that as well.  I normally just pack regular plastics bags from the grocery store.

4.     Wipes.  I like to buy the wipes that come in the to go package.  Huggies or Pampers make this, it’s so easy and fits right into your diaper bag.  This way you don’t have to refill anything and when you run out you can just throw it away and replace it.

5.     Desitin or diaper rash ointment.  I like A&D or desitin, however for my daughter I prefer A&D it seems to work better and prevents chafing when she crawls around.  Even if your kids don’t have rashes, just pack it in case in my opinion it’s always better to be prepared. 

6.     Change of clothes.  I always like to have a change of clothes for my baby.  When they are newborns sometimes you have to change them often, however you may have to do this even as infant and toddlers.  I like to pack something light, so maybe a onesie and pants, a pajama, socks, and of course a jacket. You never know if it’s going to rain or get cold. 

7.     Lotion and powder.  Just like us babies need to feel refreshed, I like to pack a travel sized lotion and powder to freshen them up.  This is great for long trips as well. 

8.     Sun block.  I live in Southern California, so the weather can get pretty warm.  It’s always good to keep sun block to protect your babies from the hot sun.  I like to use water babies SPF 50, and it’s a travel size so it doesn’t take up too much room.

9.     Thermometer. You always want to keep one in your diaper bag even if your child has not had fever.  With tethers you just never know what’s going to happen so it’s best to keep one on hand.

10.  Mucus suction.  Whether they are babies or kids, they hate getting their noses cleaned.  For some reason if they are extra hard to reach, it’s best to have the suction with you at all times.  I also like to have a gentle saline or boogie wipes just in case to help moisten the area so it doesn’t get chapped or dry.

11.  Tylenol and orajel/teething tablets. If your child is teething you want to make sure to keep this inside the diaper bag at all times.  My daughter never liked the teething meds however I always kept them on hand just in case things got out of control.  You never know. the area. 

12.  First aid kit.  I actually bought a newborn kit and it came with bandages, nail clipper, syringes, alcohol wipes, and a comb.  This came in a small bag and it fits great in your diaper bag.  These are so great to have just in case you stay overnight or have an emergency.

13.  Hand sanitizer.  Sometimes we are not able to get to a sink to wash our hands, so the next best thing is hand sanitizer.  I actually keep the one you can hook onto the straps of your purse, these are perfect to have and only cost a buck!

14.  Insurance information.  This should probably be at the top of the list, however I know that most people carry this in their wallets.  I like to make copies of the cards and have them inside the diaper bag just in case.  My bag is pretty cool and comes with a plastic pouch for documents.  If for whatever reasons you switch wallets or purses and forget them, you always have an extra with you. 

15.  Bottled water.  I like to keep one in the diaper bag whether it’s for me or the kids.  Sometimes if I go to the park, or even to visit someone you never know if they are going to need water while you’re driving.

16.  Food/Solids for baby/snacks.  I like to buy the Gerber foods that come 2 in a pack, I believe they are 2.5 ounces.  These are perfect for the diaper bags.  You can pack 2 foods at a time and they are super lightweight.  I like to do one of each, so one veggie one fruit but you can pack whatever your baby likes.  My daughter and my son love the Gerber puffs and cookies.  I like to keep these on hand at all times, especially when I am driving and they are crying.  You can also use cheerios, fruit snacks, granola bars, or fresh fruit.  It’s always good to have accessible food with young children. 

17.  Toys.  For newborns this may not be necessary but once your baby hits the three month mark, make sure to keep rattles, noise makers, and tethers in your diaper bag.  My daughter loves her doll so now I just pack that doll, and a rattle for her entertainment. 

18.  Bottles or Sippy cup.  Diaper bags are great because they come with cup holders on each side.  On one side I have a bottled water on the other I have the Sippy cup.  Make sure to pack extra bottles if your pumping or formula feeding.

19.  Nursing wrap/shields.  Even though I don’t always use shields for protection, I like to have them just in case I need them.  They are great tools for latching and biting.  A wrap is great for covering up if you don’t feel comfortable nursing in public

20.  Bibs.  My daughter makes such a mess when she eats! I am always cleaning her up and sometimes her clothes get stained.  Always pack a bib (or 2) just in case you have an extra messy eater like I do.

21.  Blanket/receiving blanket.  I like to have at least one receiving blanket in the diaper bag, and I keep one or two blankets in my car just in case.  Blankets are bulky and take up room and the bag can get heavy.

      Well Mommies that’s the breakdown of “The list” I hope these tips are helpful for you mamas.  I know that when I was a new mom, I didn’t know what to pack and would always forget something.  These items are just the basic essentials for your baby.  You can always add or remove items depending on their age.  I usually pack a small backpack for my son who is three, in there I usually carry a pull-up, extra clothes, and a toy.  What’s great about this is he will carry it himself and I don’t have to worry! 🙂

      Thanks for stopping by! Remember to share my blog with other mommies so that together we can continue to strive for mommy success! 🙂