Changing pad or blanket. The Everymoms product selections are curated by the editorial team. Packing a diaper bag well depends on being able to find what you need when you need it. If you have a small portable first-aid kit you could pack that. Look for ones that come in a resealable pack, or store them in a plastic sandwich bag to keep them moist. The best and most practical way to keep up with your busy toddlers is to pack a diaper bag. That way when I need to change a diaper, I dont always have to bring the entire diaper bag with me! If you use pacifiers for your kids, you definitely dont want to forget them at home! Now I have a toddler, and guess what? Birth prep on the brain? Depending if your toddler is fully-trained or on his way to be potty-trained, pack enough diapers or underwear to last the day (or the whole travel). How Parenting Without Family Nearby Affects Your Relationship, 8 Ways to Keep Your Kids Entertained While Camping, Thinking About Visiting a National Park With Your Kids? The best diaper bag for a toddler should be durable and functional with tons of storage space that will fit the demanding schedule of an active little one. Just remember to restock any items you have used when you get home! Toys. This is the one that Ive used in the past. Take your pick! Many travel-size detergents are small enough to carry on a flight. Thats up to you, but many people use them until their kids are about 5. Baby Gear Brand Diono Is Hosting a Clearance Sale This Month, The Best Toddler Backpacks for Daycare, Preschool and Beyond, 10 Best Lunch Boxes for Toddlers and Kids, 7 Best Kids Water Bottles to Keep Little Ones Hydrated on the Go, Best Amazon Prime Day Baby Deals Every Parent Should Know About, Prime Day New Parent and Baby Essentials Under $50, It's Easier Than Ever to Trade in Your Outgrown Baby Gear, The 12 Best High Chairs for Every Lifestyle, 18 Amazing Fourth of July Sales That Are Still Going on Today, The 9 Best Convertible Car Seats You Can Buy Now, 8 Best Crib Mattresses for a Night of Sweet Dreams, The Best Sleep Sacks for a Night of Sweet Dreams. Nothing is worse than being at church or a restaurant and frantically trying to find that elusive pacifier. The perfect reusable bag for water bottles or unfinished snacks. Be sure to bring plenty of water for outings, and be prepared to change their whole outfit shoes and socks included! You cant forget about you! I hope this diaper bag essentials and diaper bag checklist helps take the guess work out of what to include in your bag and prevents any moments of panic because you find yourself stranded with no diaper! Many diaper bags include extra features like changing pads or cooler bags to help keep breast milk or baby food chilled when youre on the go. (Yikes!). Youll be happy to have a few on hand for a boost of energy or to use as a bargaining chip during a meltdown. Keep in mind that when it is too cold or too hot outside, it will never be wise to leave anything that can easily spoil. You never know! If you are using them, pack baby bottles and other feeding supplies like bottle nipples, pre-made formula (or powdered formula for mixing later), or a portable bottle warmer. I find that I still have to carry a spare diaper (these will hopefully be gone from my life forever in a couple of weeks! TheMommyLaborNurse free birth plan template is the pick of the bunch! Use it year-round. She also runs 2 additional blogs. I like to keep a clutch with my essentials (wallet, phone, lip balm, etc.) The cleanliness of those public diaper changing tables can never be trusted. Her biggest joy is helping others find joy in their life, style and home through tips, tutorials and encouragement. Hand sanitizer. First you want to have one thats easy for you to carry. And speaking of snacks, we always have one of these snack catchers filled with puffs of some sort. This is something thats helpful for both you and your little one after theyre 6 months old, of course. Youll want to pack all the gear I listed for diapering and being ready for accidents, a change of clothes for you and the baby, and whatever you need to feed the baby. Toddlers dont need as much stuff as newborns do, but they will need things that can cater to their more active lifestyle. I guarantee there will be at least one time in your parenting experience that a child will soil their clothes, whether its a pee accident, a blowout, or some other experience that will result in wet clothes. Bugs like ants, flies, ticks, and mosquitoes are just a few that appear in the warmer months. Since I was only going to be gone for a short time and then meeting up with him, I assumed I didnt need much. Dont leave home without your wallet, phone or car keys! Dont forget the snack cups or other utensils youll need to make it easy to eat on the go. This is also one of my husbands favorite so hes not lugging a backpack to the bathroom with him when he changes a diaper . In new ways, though, and I know leaving the house with a kid at any age comes with its own set of obstacles. It is way better to be prepared than be scared. One of these mini board books is small enough to toss in the diaper bag. Most often I just throw in a pair of pajamas since its just one article of clothing rather than pants and a top. Learn how and what to pack for a toddler down below! When packing food, think of travel-safe snacks like cereal, granola bars, trail mix, fruit chips. Toddlers require some of the same things they needed as babies, like extra diapers and spare outfits (you still never know what will happen!). Baby First Favorite Long Sleeve Bodysuit, What Your Enneagram Reveals About Your Toddler-Parenting Style, How Working From Home With My Husband Made Me Appreciate Him Even More, Frozen 2 Clothes, Toys, and Accessories Your Kids Will Love, Fun and Easy New Years Eve Celebration Ideas for Families, Yes, Black Kids Still Need SunscreenHere Are a Few to Try, New to The Everygirl? If you use a pacifier for your baby, store it in a re-sealable bag to keep it sanitary. Have some bandages on hand for any little accident. full review on it (with a discount code!) Ive found it easiest to actually buy an extra bottle and just keep it in the bag. Puffworks Baby Organic Peanut Butter Puffs, 10. Blanket. Get your free "Prepare-for-Baby" bundle now! Pack a diaper for every couple of hours you plan to be out and always one or two extra. Laundry detergent. Leave them in the comment section below. I keep it in a Stasher bag (below) to avoid messy spills. Whether breast milk leaked or you got covered in spit-up while burping your baby, having an extra shirt on hand might save the day from time to time. One item you really cant go without is a well-stocked diaper bag, equipped with all the essentials you need to keep your baby happy, clean, and dry. Theres nothing worse than heading out with your new baby only to realize you forget an essential item. I like a small, hypoallergenic version specifically for the diaper bag. For example: I bring one diaper for every three hours Im out for my 1-year-old. Most diaper bags come with lots of pockets and compartments. Your email address will not be published. More on that in my mom hacks post!). What Do I Need in My Toddlers Diaper Bag? It is a perfect accessory to fit everything you need as well. A change of clothes will surely be a nice preparatory measure. Some parents prefer a backseat car organizer and they just fill it up before leaving. In this section, we list the basic diaper bag essentials as well as some diaper bag extras you might consider adding. A toy, book, or lovey can help keep your toddler distracted and entertained. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. we did all the work for youdownload our free printable and shop the list! The best way to keep up with your busy, curious (aka mischievous) toddler is to stay one step ahead. Food, snacks, and water. We are dedicated to championing real food for a healthier world. This Buffalo C, PSA: The time to start a time capsule birthday tra, The Everymoms Budget-Friendly Fall Capsule Wardrobe, Meet Your New Mom Bag: These Are Our Favorite Totes and Backpacks, These Mom-Approved Jeans Will Make You Actually Excited to Wear Denim, 6 Mom-Friendly Ways to Style a Swimsuit This Summer, Stock Up Now: Youll Want These Nordstrom Sale Sweaters in Your Wardrobe This Fall. Youll feel better if you stay well hydrated, have something to wash down your snack, and dont have to drink out of your babys sippy cup! Mother Nature has ever-changing moods. Required fields are marked *. Heres a look at the 11 diaper bag essentials that we never leave home without, making for mostly-smooth adventures together. On days that its windy, rainy or sunny, simply wrap the nursing cover over your carseat to keep your baby protected from the elements! My new fail-proof system is beyond easy and simpleits a small zippered bag that is loaded with everything that I absolutely need on a day-to-day basis for my girls. No, you dont need a whole pack, but you will need at least one for every two hours you plan on being out. With our second baby, I found these handy bags that not only keep them clean but easy to find! If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This hat has a chin strap to help it stay in place. The $12 Product That Helped Me Avoid Pregnancy Stretch Marks, 9 Reasons to Practice Skin-to-Skin Contact with Your Newborn, 3 Things Moms of Two Under 2 Have to Look Forward To, Disability Pride Month: How to Help Your Child Understand and Celebrate Their Disability. A great option: Pampers wipes, which are designed for your babys sensitive skin. is hand sanitizer. If it stows away easily and makes your toddler smile, bring it. Hand sanitizer. Your diaper bag shouldnt be like a black hole. This will help keep your baby occupied and happy when youre out and about. Travel-size tubes take up less space. And just like thatthe mom group chats go WILD a, Although being a working mother may never be a wal, As your kids get older (and demand less of your ti, Having a summer baby (or know someone who is)? Free Download: Your Helpful Checklist of Toddler Necessities to pack in the Diaper Bag. I stock it full of my diapers, wipes, and diaper rash cream and throw it in my diaper bag. Keep those drinks close by. We cant control the weather. My husband had taken our older two kids to the state fair and brought the well-stocked diaper bag with him. And, with some diaper bags, you dont even need to carry a separate handbag or purse, as theres a parent pocket or pouch for stowing your phone, wallet, and keys. With toddlers around, times are always interesting.. Drinks should be safe for travel as well. Bib. My Toddler Screams All the TimeIs This Normal? You may want to pack an extra layer for your little one, like a light sweater for chilly spring nights or a thicker jacket for winter. Most diaper bags come with a changing pad, however getting a portable baby changing pad like this was the best investment for me. Burp cloths. You only need a couple of these in your bag at all times, and theyre so small they wont take up much space! If youre going somewhere where you suspect your little one might get bored, pack a favorite plush animal, a board book, a rattle, or a teething toy. Store in a clean, resealable bag. I also love my Freshly Picked backpack diaper bag, and I have more details on that bag too! Pack 5 to 7 diapers per day, plus two overnight diapers for every night youre away. I always put my spare change of clothes inside the waterproof bag so it keeps everything together. My son ended up peeing mid-diaper change and got pee ALL over his clothes AND the one spare diaper. Create an account . Depending on the weather, I prefer having both for the convenience of it. This multitasker can keep your kid warm on a drafty plane or sop up her spills. Keeping diaper rash ointment in your diaper bag will ward off any painful butts and uncomfortable babies! Thats why we make a complete line of natural and organic real food for babies and toddlers, including puree jars, pouches, cereals, and snacks. You can also use petroleum jelly or a barrier ointment to help prevent diaper rash. It also can be used as a lightweight blanket on days that get a little chilly as well. When you are on the road, you have no other place to change your little ones dirty diaper but in your car. | Dont forget extra socks. Diaper rash cream. More information about our Cookie Policy here. As your baby gets bigger you wont be changing them as often so this time frame can be pushed back a bit. For my little girl, I pack the usual Pampers Swaddlers in her size. The Honest Company Hand Sanitizer Spray, 2. Below is a list of diaper bag essentials, perfect for a quick outing, a day trip, or even an overnight stay: Diapers. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. What Is Perinatal OCD and Why Is It Important to Talk About? The must-haves you need to pack in your diaper bag depend on where youre going, the weather, and how long you'll be out and about for. When it comes to the look, some diaper bags are disguised as normal backpacks or totes, with a modern and neutral design, while others come in a sweet pattern or shade you'd expect to see in a diaper bag. at Target. It is always nice to have a changing pad ready for every diaper change especially when you are out and about. Never forget to bring a pack of antibacterial hand wipes or a travel-size sanitizer. Always have one of each in tow to prevent a temper tantrum. These are my all-time favorite cups for toddlers. The diaper bag essentials for a newborn revolve around eating, sleeping and pooping the few things they do! Keep a couple nursing pads in your bag in case youre running late on a feeding or you have a leak. That way I can easily transfer it from my purse to my diaper bag and know everything Im going to need is inside! You never know when your baby or toddler will end up with a scrape or a scratch, especially if youre headed to the playground. You never know when something unpleasant or dangerous strikes. Stick to ones with an alcohol-free formula its safer for toddlers who like to jam their fingers in their mouths. If youre giving breast milk from a bottle, keep bottles of the appropriate amounts in a cooler. Then when I need it, I can just pull out the bag with the extra clothes and do what needs to be done! . Ive learned more than a few things over the last 4+ years having 3 kids, all of which are valuable to you! For example, pacifiers and bottle nipples in one bag, diaper changing items in another. Choose a travel-size diaper rash cream to save space. Im thankful my daughter has moved into a convertible car seat, and I no longer need to lug around a heavy infant car seat for every outing. And you know what? Sign up to my list. On the other hand, you dont want to lug around a diaper bag that weights 100 pounds because you put every single item possible in it! These arent must-haves, but they sure are nice sometimes. Related article about toddler: Daily Toddler Schedule (Free Sample Routine). Planning a beach trip with a baby or toddler? I'm not sure I should be bribing good behavior with snacks, but sometimes you need to calm down an upset baby and snacks work pretty well. Wipes. Check them out now! Think of cleanliness at all times. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Protect your kiddo from the harmful rays of the sun with an effective sunscreen especially if he is in the water or sweating a lot. I just need the changing pad pack. I found that having a backpack was the best option for me, especially with two rounds of 2 kids under 2. Thats it! Carrying a bottle of water for yourself is the easiest self-care you can do. Socket protectors. Technically, you could get away with using a backpack or tote bag you already have at home, but if youre looking for something more specific to the task, there are plenty of great shoulder diaper bags or backpack diaper bags on the market that are designed for carrying your diapering gear and other essentials for your baby. We, Who doesn't love a good appetizer!? I mean, literally?! Your Baby Was Diagnosed With a Condition In-UteroNow What? My little boy is potty-trained, so I pack at least 2 extra training underwear in case of accidents. Get a bigger one, since your kid has probably outgrown the one that came with the diaper bag. I'm a crazy plant lady and mom of 3 who loves cookie dough, Olive & June nail polish, and balloon garlands. It is really all up to you if you want to get yourself a diaper bag for your toddler. This is a bit of a personal opinion about whether you want a travel-size pack of wipes or a full-size. I always put in one extra, because you never know what might happen. inside it. You may want to pack some snacks and water for yourself as well. Pick out a couple toys that are small (things like our kids favorite suction toys that are perfect for eating out or this crinkle paper), and rotate them in and out of your diaper bag! We only recommend products we genuinely love. Have one or two at the ready for cleaning up accidents. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in, What you Need to pack in the Diaper Bag for a Toddler, 4. Sunscreen. Whether youre covering up a scraped knee from a toddler taking a tumble or covering a blister from a pair of new shoes you decided to wear, having a few bandaids is among my diaper bag essentials! here. The party was mostly me going out to buy a new grown-up purse followed by an awkward happy dance in my kitchen as I loaded it up with all of my stuff. I have a full review on it (with a discount code!) . Newborns are a lot of work, but they dont need a ton of supplies. Heres 5 Tips to Make Your Second Shift Easier, 10 Summer Dinners You Can Make in Less Than 30 Minutes, 17 Summer Cookout Recipes Your Kids Will Love, 24 Delicious Summer Meals for Scorching Hot Days, This Book Kept Me From Quitting My Job Post-BabyHeres Why, How a Toxic Work Relationship Can Affect Motherhood, Tips for Working Mamas on How to Ask for a Promotion or Request Flex Work, 1. I ended up having to ask for a fresh diaper from the nurse and put him in his carseat with no clothes on, just his swaddle blanket around him and his hat on him! Youll be carrying this bag every day for years so its worth spending a little extra money on especially if that means your spouse will take turns carrying it! If you're not taking your purse, transfer your phone and wallet, and any other must-haves like keys, to your diaper bag, preferably in an easy-to-access pocket or pouch so you can find them when you need them. Changing pad. Pacifier. Waterproof bag. Bandages. Now please, dont fill your bag with your babys 10 favorite toys. Lets admit it! Plastic bags. Newborns dont need snacks or toys, but dont forget the snacks for yourself! Keep it full so your baby stays happy (and full haha!). In addition, fleas start surfacing in the colder months. This blog is a place to help you find joy in your life, style + home. You can use these plastic poop bags for baby diapers or what we do is actually use dog poop bags (double duty if you have a dog!)! How to organize outgrown baby clothes [+ free printable labels]. My personal favorite are the burp cloths that double as a bib so you only need to bring one thing with! We love this weighted straw cup, though I will admit that at certain angles it does leak. I also have three kids, so the likelihood of needing extra wipes for dirty hands, messy faces or spills is very likely so having more than 10 wipes in my bag is a good idea. To help you get started, take your diaper bag to the next level with the following add-ons: Blanket. The key is to have a bag with a zipper so that you can only take so much stuff with you. Pack his favorite toy or his. You dont want to ruin a picnic because you cant get the bugs to leave you alone! Wipes are a must for various uses when out and about. Pack the most important ones first. You can include simple yet paramount details like your name and your toddlers name on the sheet plus a phone number people can contact in case of emergencies. Youll figure out what your personal diaper bag essentials are, but there might be times you want a few extra items with you. Grab it here! Studies have shown that it only takes a few childhood blistering sunburns to increase a persons chances of developing any form of skin cancer later in life. Nursing pads. You will likely still carry a bag for snacks, water, wipes, a change of clothes, and other items until your kid is in kindergarten or beyond. Jeez! As we move into the toddler stage, the contents inside my diaper bag have evolved, like now including snacks and beverages to keep my little one content. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. Taking more wipes than usual is more practical especially when you dont know how long your trip will be. Dont leave home without these on-the-go essentials. If you live in a place with gnats or mosquitos like I do, throwing in a small bug spray is a good idea too! The cartoon character kind (or something colorful or sparkly) will definitely help make his booboo feel better. Use this before feeding your baby or after changing them. In winter, youll want to have a warm knitted hat for your baby, and in summer a wide-brimmed hat to protect him from the sun. As a parent, you want to be prepared for anything and everything when you head out the door with your baby, whether its for that doctor's checkup, a long-awaited trip to Grandma's house, or a walk in the park. Create an account so you'll have a place to store your favorites. A couple of sets is plenty. Either one will do the trick at containing the smell when needed. With so many diaper bag essentials you need to have on hand for your baby, its necessary to have good quality pockets. Most diaper bags come with one, but if not, throw in a changing pad or a few disposable pads, as you never know where you'll end up needing to change your baby. Burp cloth. Download the perfect packing checklist now, This is the diaper bag backpack Im currently using, is my favorite because its a wet/dry bag, a lightweight swaddle blanket like this one. They aren't totally mess-proof, and we do have puffs flying all over the place, but it's the best option we've found for the toddler stage. That way Im not going through a ton of extra waste with the small travel-size pack, and Im not short on wipes in the case of an extreme blowout. Extra shirt. Going out with your baby can be unpredictablesometimes having the essentials isnt enough. The day I got rid of my overly used diaper bag, I had a little party. Funny story. Hydrate your busy little one as much as possible. If your baby only naps reliably with some white noise, bring a portable sound machine in your diaper bag for some extra quiet time. A bag thats waterproof that can hold wet clothes so the rest of your diaper bag items wont get ruined is one of the best diaper bag essentials ever. After all, it is better safe than sorry. He can either slip and fall in a puddle or spill his drink on his lap. With constant movement and interaction, those little kids can burn calories more than adults can. Aside from the fact that it is educational, it is also so much fun! We recommend a chemical-free sunscreen made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide with an SPF of 15 or higher. Its also a challenge! Change of clothes. Diaper cream. Some wipes come in a travel-size pack, which could be useful if space is at a premium in your diaper bag. Your email address will not be published. This is especially important for day trips or an overnight stay, but even on a short outing your little one can have a poop explosion that requires a quick change of clothes. With everything organized and in its place, you can feel totally equipped to head out with your little one. They're handy for extra privacy when breastfeeding, and they can also be used as a light blanket or to throw over the stroller for added sun protection. Sign up to my list and get the ultimate "Prepare-for-Baby" kit now! You can probably ditch the bottles, nursing cover and maybe pacifier for your toddler (but you know them best! Download The AppDaily pregnancy & newborn updates with our FREE app, Diapers. Ive gone through quite a few diaper bags over the last 4+ years, and Ive learned a few things! For the winters, a beanie will be perfect. This will come in handy for wet or soiled clothing or a dirty burp cloth. This ones for you AND your baby! Go with the spill-proof kind that wont leak when turned upside down. Here are some tips for packing and organizing your diaper bag so everything is easy to access and reach: Organize by category. Whatever your diaper of choice is, have a few ready to grab at all times. A few surprises. Just like I always have my own water bottle, now my child requires one as well. A new toy or book can help defuse a major meltdown or keep your child entertained during a long layover. Click here to download your free diaper bag checklist. But even with that piece out of the equation, my diaper bag is still a hefty item that joins us for all adventures. A bib can protect your toddlers clothing from spilled food or drinks, so it is only wise to bring a few with. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in here. I usually pack twice the amount whenever my toddlers and I go out for even just a day to be sure. And look for something thats cute! Think of all the possibilities. This page may contain affiliate links. Stop leaks. So today Im going to walk you through my diaper bag checklist so you dont end up at dinner with no diaper to change a blowout or at the pediatrician with no spare change of clothes (read my story about that below!). (Nothing with lots of easy-to-lose pieces, like blocks or puzzles!). The best idea is to pack each of these potentially leaky items in a re-sealable plastic bag so that if a leak does happen, itll just go in the bag and not all over the contents of your diaper bag. Pacifiers (if you use them). Trust us. Help! ), wipes, bandages, sunscreen, emergency snacks for all of us, hair ties for me, hand sanitizer and a couple of other essential items. What important items do you pack in your Toddler Diaper Bag? Bottles and feeding supplies. Do I really need a diaper bag? is a question you might have been asking yourself when putting together your baby shower registry or shopping for baby gear. How to Purge Clothes & Organize Them (Expert Tips! It can be hot one morning then raining the next. Hand sanitizer/Antibacterial hand wipes, Conclusion to the Toddler Diaper Bag Essentials. For the summers, a sun hat or a ball cap will work best.