As a new parent, you want to be prepared for anything and everything when you head out the door with your baby for that doctor's checkup or the trip to Grandma's house. But getting to the point when you can actually get yourself dressed and organized is challenging, if not daunting, during the first weeks and months at home with your baby.
Rest assured that with time, you'll get the hang of it. Until then (and even after you're a pro), you'll need a secret weapon: a well-stocked diaper bag, equipped with all the essentials to keep your baby happy, clean, and dry.
Wondering what to pack in the diaper bag? The must-haves depend on when and how long you'll be out and about. Below are three don't-leave-home-without-these-items diaper bag checklists, perfect for a quick outing, a day trip, or an overnight jaunt.
Quick Outing Diaper Bag Checklist
- Three or four diapers of the appropriate size
- Pack of wet wipes, preferably ones designed for a very young baby's sensitive skin
- Small tube of petroleum jelly, barrier ointment, or diaper cream
- Changing pad. Most diaper bags come with one, but why not throw in a few disposable pads, too, as you never know where you'll end up changing your baby
- Small bottle of hand sanitizer (for use before and after diaper changes, when you can't wash your hands)
- Burp cloth for spit-up protection and cleanup
- Extra baby outfit
- Nursing cover
- Pacifier
- Water and light snack for Mom, so you stay hydrated and energized
- Wallet and phone, if you're not taking a purse
Daytrip Diaper Bag Checklist
- Diapers – pack one for every two or three hours you'll be away, plus one or two extras
- A pack of wipes – best choice are those made for sensitive skin
- Small tube of petroleum jelly, barrier ointment, or diaper cream
- Changing pad, plus a few disposable ones
- 1 or 2 burp cloths for spit-up
- Hand sanitizer (just in case you can't wash your hands before and after a diaper change)
- One or two extra outfits for your baby, including extra socks
- One extra outer layer for weather and sun protection for your baby
- Supplies and accessories for feeding your baby on the go, whether you're breastfeeding or using formula
- Bib
- Pacifier
- Blanket to use for shade from sun, or extra layer in stroller, or emergency diaper changes
- Waterproof bag for wet or soiled clothing
- Mom's water and snack
Overnight Excursion Diaper Bag Checklist
- Diapers – pack plenty, which means one diaper for every two or three hours away from home, and a few extras
- Pack of wipes
- Small tube of petroleum jelly, barrier ointment, or diaper cream to help prevent diaper rash
- Changing pad, plus a few disposable ones
- Hand sanitizer
- 2 burp cloths for spit-up
- A blanket for added warmth, or for extra cushioning under your changing pad
- Extra baby outfit or two
- PJs or a sleeper/wearable blanket
- Socks
- One extra outer layer for your baby
- Supplies and accessories for feeding your baby on the go, whether you're breastfeeding or using formula
- Bib
- Pacifier
- Waterproof bag for wet or soiled clothing
