What’s In Your Diaper Bag: 10 Things You Should Always Pack

What’s in your diaper bag? From spare clothes and blankets to snacks and wipes, a diaper bag is the one thing that Mama’s must never leave home without (if you’re heading out with your little one, that is!). Read on to find out if you have in your bag the essentials we think you should always have ready!

A diaper bag is indeed more than just another bag. Inside, it holds everything a Mama could need to ensure every trip—near or far—goes as smoothly and stress-free as possible.

Whether you’re a new or experienced Mama, packing a diaper bag can be a challenge. While some Mamas prefer to overpack to ensure they cover every possible scenario, other Mamas are more laidback, keeping their diaper bag light with the minimum essentials.

If you’re unsure of what to pack, Mama’s Choice is here to the rescue. Check out our diaper bag guide below for what we think every Mama must carry!

Diaper Bag Checklist

1. Diapers

If your little one is still wearing diapers, a diaper is a non-negotiable item in a diaper bag. In general, it’s ideal to have one diaper for every two hours you’ll be away.

2. Extra clothes

Newborns and infants have an uncanny ability to get anything from spit-ups to dirt on their clothes as they touch, crawl, and explore everything around them. As such, always pack an extra set of clothes. It’s also good to pack a bunch of sleepwear in case you need to spend the night on the road suddenly.

3. Insect repellent

Bug bites are no fun. So if you’re heading out to outdoor places like parks, zoos or playgrounds, having a bug repellent handy will give you peace of mind. It would also be good to choose the ones that arrive in smaller packaging, so it’s easier to stash in the pocket of your diaper bag.

4. Poop bag

Don’t be caught without a poop bag to put in your baby’s soiled diapers! These days, you can find poop bags that come in dispensers that can be hooked easily on your diaper bag. This way, there’s no need to rummage through all your stuff so that you can throw away your baby’s diaper soiled diaper.

5. First aid kit

If your baby is starting to walk, their adventurous side will be in full gear when you’re travelling. Minor cuts are bound to happen, so have a basic first aid kit in your bag, including over-the-counter medications for fever, allergies, rashes or colds.

6. Wet wipes and hand sanitiser

Wet wipes and hand sanitiser are guaranteed to be useful in a diaper bag. From sticky hands to dirty bums, these two are incredible at being an all-around essential for babies of any age. If there’s enough room in your bag, you can also bring the Mama’s Choice All-Purpose Disinfectant, which is a safe and natural way to disinfectant hands and surfaces because it’s alcohol-free!

7. Snacks or milk

If you’re formula feeding, make sure you have enough milk and water for your outing. And if you’re baby has already started eating, some healthy snacks stored in containers are great for long journeys, too. If you’re breastfeeding, it will also be good to pack your breast milk in a bottle, which you can keep in an insulated cooler bag or a built-in breast milk pocket of your diaper bag.

8. Portable changing pad

For young babies, changing in public places is nerve-wracking because of how germy surfaces can be. Keep a foldable changing pad in your diaper bag so you can lay your baby down on a clean surface when you need to change diapers.

9. A blanket

You never know when it’s going to be too cold or too sunny for your little one. So have a light blanket in your bag for those unexpected changes in the weather.

10. Toys

It’s no joke entertaining a baby! Bring your little one’s favourite toys, books, pacifiers, or teether to keep them from getting fussy. Those few minutes your baby has focused on their toys are precious for any busy Mama.

What To Look For In A Diaper Bag

Now that we’ve figured out what essentials to pack inside, you may be wondering if all of them can fit. Right? Well, the trick is finding a diaper bag that is not just spacious but comes with great features, too.

When choosing a diaper bag, consider the following.

The style. Do you want a backpack, tote or messenger style diaper bag?
It should be easy to clean. Diaper bags can get dirty from being placed on a variety of surfaces. So make sure it’s easy to clean and washable.
Your partner can use it too. Too often, we forget that Mamas aren’t just the ones who will be carrying the diaper. Consider a bag that anyone can use.
Numerous pockets. For Mamas, time is of utmost importance. So it’s best to choose bags with multiple compartments and pockets so you can easily pull out small items like hand gel or wet wipes without having to pore through a sea of clothes or blankets.
Special features. Diaper bags these days come with many excellent features. From insulated pockets for milk to built-in changing pads, think about these nice-to-haves when shopping for a diaper bag.

Indeed, a diaper bag is an indispensable baby gear not just for Mamas but the whole family. Make sure the diaper bag you choose works for your lifestyle and your budget, too! So tell us, what’s in your diaper bag, Mama?

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