Going out with baby means being organized! And what better than a diaper bag to bring everything baby needs? We never quite know what to put in the diaper bag and always worry about forgetting something (and we've all forgotten at least one thing at some point), so today, we're going to put together the list of ESSENTIALS to pack in your diaper bag :)
We tend to take EVERYTHING from home and load ourselves up like pack mules — only take what's necessary. And above all, some diaper bags are more practical than others, with storage designed to help you stay better organized day to day.
| Don't have a diaper bag designed with you in mind? Discover the CaravanBAG Love Radius, designed to save your daily life as parents, and more. The bonus? You can carry baby with it. |
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Psst: With the CaravanBAG, head out with baby and all their things, carry them on your hip as a bonus with an integrated carrying blanket that doubles as a changing mat.
And if you need a compact diaper bag for short outings, think about our Changing Fanny Pack the Banana Bag. A stylish bag, perfect for bringing only the essentials.
List of essentials to put in the diaper bag
Everything needed to change baby
Yes, baby needs to feel dry (makes sense, right?), so it's essential to bring everything needed to change them.
- Diapers – count 1 diaper every 2 hours. For a day out: 4 to 6 diapers, or a little more. (it's always better to bring a few extra rather than not enough, accidents happen quickly) 🧼Tip: consider reusable diapers if you are committed to an eco-friendly approach.
- Wipes or cotton pads + liniment to gently clean baby's bottom. 💚 Prefer biodegradable wipes, which are kinder to baby's skin and the environment.
- A thin mat or a changing mat to be able to lay them down anywhere (included in the CaravanBAG)
- A change of clothes: onesie, socks, pajamas…
- A plastic bag or a waterproof bag to store dirty diapers if it's not included in your diaper bag (it is in the CaravanBAG hehe) Bonus: a portable changing mat can really make life easier!
- A change of clothes: onesie, socks, pajamas…
- A plastic bag or waterproof bag to store dirty diapers (included in the CaravanBAG).
- A diaper rash cream to soothe minor redness.
Something to feed baby
Regardless of how long the outing is, it's better to plan something to feed your child.
If you are bottle-feeding:
- One or 2 bottles (so far so good…)
- Your powdered formula in measured dispensing containers
- Water (to put in the bottle)
- A waterproof bib (more practical for easy cleaning after meals)
- A hand sanitizer gel, to ensure hygiene before meals.
- Also remember clean or sterilized pacifiers and bottles, especially with a newborn!
If you are breastfeeding:
- Nursing pads
- A baby wrap or a baby carrier to breastfeed in complete privacy even in a public place
If baby is on solids:
- Baby food jars and a spoon
Would you like to breastfeed in public with complete ease while enjoying babywearing and having your hands free?
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| DISCOVER MY BABY WRAP | DISCOVER MY BABY CARRIER |
- If baby is on solids:
- Baby food jars and a spoon
- A homemade meal prep if possible (to be kept in an insulated pouch)
And why not a snack for mom too (yes, it matters!) And perhaps a change of clothes for you wouldn't go amiss either (milk stains and other accidents can happen) along with some tissues. Here too, a waterproof bag can be useful.
Something to entertain / reassure baby
Although carrying baby in a wrap or baby carrier keeps them reassured at all times, you may need to entertain them. So let's bring:
- A toy they enjoy
- One or two pacifiers
- A backup comfort toy (because you can never be too careful! Always make sure you have the main comfort toy with you — this one is there in case the first one gets dirty or lost!)
First aid essentials
It's rare but it can happen that a little bump or scrape occurs. So let's be prepared by putting together a small first aid kit:
- Bandages
- Gauze pads and antiseptic
- Saline solution
- Children's paracetamol (pediatric format)
🌿 Hypoallergenic substances are preferred in all care products, to minimize the risk of irritation or allergic reactions.
💦 Hand sanitizer gel: Essential before and after changing, and before preparing/serving meals.
⚠️ The Health Record Book: Essential for all outings, it should always be in the bag in case of need or emergency.
Things to add to the diaper bag when..
It's summer
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Facial mist spray
- Hat
- Mosquito repellent suitable for baby's age (very useful in the evening or in the countryside)
That can come in very handy!
It's winter
- Beanie
- Gloves
- Small blanket
Other tips
- Diaper bag dimensions: choose a size that's neither too small (you risk forgetting things) nor too large (you'll overload yourself). A good compromise with smart pockets can make all the difference! (the CaravanBAG for example, YES again but we promise we designed it with parents in mind)
- A birth checklist can help you not forget anything in your preparations or during your first outings with baby. Think about printing it out or slipping it into a pocket in your diaper bag.
- Finally, the importance of comfort: your bag should be comfortable to carry (adjustable shoulder strap, padded straps), especially if you walk a lot or use public transport.
With this list, you're ready for many situations! If you're going away for the weekend, you'll obviously need to adapt the contents and add other items :)