Essential Diaper Bag Checklist for Parents

A well-packed and organized diaper bag minimizes stress and boosts confidence. Explore the essentials and some unexpected items to include in your bag.

Your baby’s diaper bag is more than just a tote—it’s an essential organizational tool that allows you to leave the house with confidence. However, deciding what to pack can be challenging.

“Parenting is not easy,” says Meng Li, founder of the parenting gear brand Huhu. “Keeping an organized diaper bag will reduce your kids’ meltdowns and lighten the mental load for parents.”

To assist you in maintaining a well-packed and organized diaper bag, we consulted with parents and experts. Here are their recommendations for must-haves, a few surprises, and items you can leave at home.

Essential Items to Pack in a Diaper Bag

When packing your diaper bag, it’s crucial to include the essentials without overdoing it. Striking a balance between being prepared and not overpacking is key.

“There’s nothing worse than being stuck at a restaurant or in the car with a wet diaper and realizing you don’t have what you need,” says Louise Ulukaya, a New York City mother of three and founder of the sustainable Baby and Kids brand Mon Coeur. “That’s why before I leave the house, I always do a simple check using ABCD-POW, which stands for Aid, Bags, Cream, Diapers, Powder, Onesie, and Wipes.”

Experts like Ulukaya have their own “must-have” diaper bag essentials. We’ve combined their recommendations to create the ultimate diaper bag checklist. You may want to adjust this list based on the season or your child’s specific needs.

Diapers

The main reason your baby’s bag is called a “diaper bag” is because you’ll need plenty of diapers. Babies soil multiple diapers daily, and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) estimates that they require about 3,000 diapers in their first year alone.

“My rule of thumb for infants is to pack one diaper for every two hours you’ll be away from home,” says Li. “For toddlers, who don’t soil diapers as frequently as infants, I usually pack two to three diapers for the day. However, I prefer to pack more diapers than you’ll likely need, just in case.”

Wipes

Wipes are another essential item for your diaper bag checklist. Rather than carrying bulky packages, opt for a travel size that you can refill when empty, or simply put a few wipes in a Ziploc bag.

“You never know when a ‘poopsplosion’ is going to happen, so pack more wipes than you think you’ll need,” suggests Li. “I like the Butipods reusable, stay-moist wet wipe pouch, but a Ziploc bag with 15 to 20 wipes also works.”

Changing pad

Parents have mixed feelings about changing pads, but they can be incredibly useful during a messy diaper change. They’re especially handy when you need to change your baby in a public place. Disposable changing pads can be tossed after use, making them convenient and hygienic.

“A portable changing pad and hand sanitizer are convenient for non-bathroom changes, as well as a wet bag to store dirty outfits,” says Karen Reardanz, director of editorial and brand at Babylist.

Milk and feeding supplies

Depending on how you’re feeding your baby, you may need to pack formula, a nursing cover, or burp cloths, suggests Talitha Phillips, CEO of Claris Health and licensed labor and postpartum doula. What you pack will also depend on the number of kids you have and their dietary needs.

“[If you have an infant], be sure to pack enough milk based on your baby’s feeding schedule and the amount of time you will be out,” says Li. “If you’re nursing, consider packing nursing pads and a cover—whatever you need to feel comfortable during a feeding.”

Change of clothes

You never know when your baby will have a diaper blowout or spit upon themselves. In addition to a clean onesie, consider packing an extra pair of pants, socks, and a shirt—just in case, advises Li.

“I always remind new parents not to overdo it, but to stash an extra onesie or outfit because explosions and messiness do happen,” says Amy Lundy, founder of the Mother of All Baby Showers. “Don’t stress, just be prepared.”

Toys and small books

While young babies enjoy observing their environment and people-watching, as they grow older, they benefit from developmentally appropriate toys. This is where small toys or board books can be very useful.

“Portable toys and small books will keep your baby entertained in the stroller or at a restaurant,” says Li.

Blanket

Blankets are versatile and useful for various purposes, such as swaddling your baby or providing a clean surface for tummy time. Li recommends a breathable muslin blanket.

“This is a versatile item that can be used as a swaddle, light blanket, stroller shade cover, or a makeshift burp cloth,” she says. “You can’t go wrong with Aden and Anais blankets.”

Comfort items

If your child has a favorite comfort item, such as a pacifier or lovey, make sure to pack it in your diaper bag, advises Li. These items can help your baby feel secure and happy when away from their familiar surroundings.

Reardanz suggests keeping specific pacifiers and small toys dedicated solely to your diaper bag. “Having a ready-to-go diaper bag means you have one less thing to think about when you’re trying to get out of the house.”

Snacks

Babies usually start eating solid foods around 4-6 months, depending on their readiness. They will enjoy snacks, especially as they move into toddlerhood, so it’s wise to have plenty on hand.

“Pack lots of snacks—more than you think they could possibly eat,” suggests Li. “Some snacks I like to pack include fruit, pureed pouches, crackers, and cheese sticks.”

Ensure that the snacks you pack are appropriate for your child’s eating skills and do not pose a choking hazard. According to the AAP, avoid foods that are round, hard, slippery, or served in large chunks.

Plastic bags

Sometimes when you’re out, there may not be a convenient place to dispose of your baby’s dirty diapers. Li suggests including a roll of doggie poop bags or empty plastic grocery bags in your diaper bag.

“At first, this seems like an unusual item to pack,” she says. “But having a disposable plastic bag to store things like dirty diapers, soiled clothes, banana peels, and snack wrappers will come in handy if you can’t find a trash can and want to keep your dirty items isolated from the rest of your stuff.”

First-aid kit

Scrapes and cuts are common, so it’s wise to have a few band-aids and some antibiotic ointment on hand. Additionally, keeping diaper rash cream in your bag is a good idea. If your baby develops a sore bottom while you’re out, you’ll be able to treat it immediately rather than waiting until you get home.

Water and snacks for the caregiver(s)

Don’t forget about your own needs while you’re out with your baby. Consider packing a reusable water bottle and a few snacks for yourself. These can be lifesavers and help you feel your best while caring for your baby.

“We’re usually so focused on packing items for the baby that we forget to pack for ourselves,” says Li.

Wallet and phone

While it’s obvious you’ll need your wallet and phone when you leave the house, these essentials can easily be forgotten in the rush to get out the door.

“Because the diaper bag sometimes replaces your purse, you’d be shocked how many people forget their wallets,” says Phillips.

Consider attaching your keys to a carabiner hook and securing them to a strap on the bag or a loop inside the bag. This way, they’ll be easy to find when you need them!

Self-care items

Whether you’re a new parent or a seasoned pro, it’s essential to be prepared for personal surprises, such as an unexpected menstrual period.

“Post-baby, you often have no idea when that first period will surprise you,” says Phillips.

In addition to baby essentials, consider packing an extra set of clothes for yourself in case your baby spits up on you.

“An extra shirt for yourself for when you’re peed, pooped, or puked on can be helpful,” adds Phillips.

If you’re worried about space in your bag, opt for thin leggings and a compact shirt. Alternatively, if you have a car, consider leaving a spare set of clothing there just in case.

Don’t forget to pack personal care items like lip balm, sunglasses, and sunscreen. “It’s easy to forget these items,” says Li. “But it’s also important to keep personal care items like sunscreen, hand sanitizer, and ointment on hand.”

Tips for Organizing Your Diaper Bag

Maintaining a clean and organized diaper bag can significantly reduce stress. Our experts recommend cleaning and restocking your diaper bag as soon as you get home to ensure it’s always ready for use.

Ulukaya advises investing in a high-quality, lightweight bag with clear compartments to separate items and fewer zippers to minimize stress. 

Here are some additional tips to keep your diaper bag organized, clean, and ready for any situation:

Pick the right diaper bag

Li suggests steering clear of bags with only one main compartment, as it’s too easy to lose things or for the bag to become disorganized. Instead, opt for a diaper bag with features like pockets or storage pouches.

“I love an already-organized diaper bag that takes the guesswork out for you—and bonus points for one that’s easy to clean and has built-in antimicrobial spaces,” says Lundy. “I highly recommend a bag with pockets and zippers, along with compartments that you can organize while keeping items like your wallet, keys, and phone separate from your kiddo’s stuff.”

Make everything accessible

“A diaper bag is most useful when you can easily find what you need,” says Reardanz. “Having to search through your bag to find that pacifier while your baby is crying at a restaurant can just add stress to your situation.”

Li suggests “filing” the items in your bag rather than stacking them on top of one another. “It’s hard to find things when they’re placed on top of each other,” she says, “so arrange them like file folders in your bag instead.”

Utilize organization tools

“Utilize the pockets and packing pouches in your bag to keep items organized, and avoid tossing everything into the main compartment,” suggests Li. Additionally, you can invest in products like boxes or bags for pacifiers, zipper packs for diapers, and other organizational tools.

“When choosing a diaper bag, consider the number of pockets and compartments it comes with,” says Reardanz. “For example, knowing that you always have your hand sanitizer and diaper cream in the inside left pocket can make it easier to do diaper changes when you’re in an unfamiliar setting with a squirmy baby.”

Repack after outings

Reset your diaper bag after every outing, advises Li. “To maintain a clean and organized diaper bag, remove snack wrappers and dirty clothes after every outing. Replenish items like wipes, and replace dirty clothes with clean ones.”

Lundy finds that packing her diaper bag the night before puts her at ease the next day. However, life happens, and you might forget something. Try not to stress, as you can usually pick up what you need when you’re out.

Diaper Bag 

Checklist :

Essentials for Baby:

• Diapers (pack one for every two hours you’ll be away)
• Wipes
• Changing pad
• Diaper rash cream
• Extra set of clothes (onesie, pants, socks)
• Blanket (muslin is versatile)
• Comfort items (pacifier, lovey)
• Feeding supplies (formula, nursing cover, burp cloths)
• Snacks (age-appropriate)
• Toys or books for entertainment
• First aid items (band-aids, antibiotic ointment)
• Disposable bags (for dirty diapers, clothes, etc.)

Personal Items for Parents:

• Wallet
• Phone
• Keys
• Water bottle
• Snacks
• Extra set of clothes for yourself (shirt, pants, socks)
• Personal care items (lip balm, sunscreen, hand sanitizer)

Organization and Maintenance:

• High-quality, lightweight bag with clear compartments
• Portable organizers (pouches, boxes) for small items
• “File” items in bag compartments for easy access
• Replenish and reset the bag after each outing
• Pack a diaper bag the night before for peace of mind

By using this checklist, you’ll be well-prepared for any outing with your baby, ensuring both their needs and yours are met while on the go.