There is more to packing a diaper bag than meets the eye. Even experienced parents might forget an important thing or two. And so, making a list of all the items you may need can be of great help.
If you’re a first-time mom you might not even be sure of what to put on the list to begin with. But don’t worry momma, we’ve got your back!
In this article we cover WHAT to pack in your diaper bag backpack for baby and toddler;
From the basics, through the parkstroll essentials all the way to packing for a weekend away.
We also touch up on HOW to pack your diaper bag backpack in the most orderly and space-saving way possible.
The helpful plus? Our downloadable Packing-checklist below, so you don’t even need to take notes. ‘Cause ain’t no momma got time for that..!
Let us know in the comments below if there’s anything you would add to the checklist!
What To pack in your Diaper Bag Backpack: The basics
Deciding what goes into a diaper bag backpack is not always easy. Some of the important items to carry can change with the occasion, the duration of stay, and the age of your child.
But there is a basic pack of items I believe you should always carry no matter the occasion.
These are the must haves you are sure to use every time you go out with your baby or toddler.
Well, a few diapers and a pack of wet wipes is a no-brainer, even if you are only going out for an hour.
Rule of thumb: I like to make sure I always have a minimum of 3 diapers per child in my diaper bag backpack, at all times.
For my 3-year old I also pack toddler diapers in case he “needs to go” when we’re somewhere there is no toilet (or bush.. Sssst).
With that, I like to keep a travel sized tube of change-cream, a small changing pad and three throw-away bags for the dirty diapers or dirtied clothes.
To stay hydrated at all times I always pack some water: In a baby bottle for baby and in water bottles for my toddler and myself. I like to add two burp cloths for baby, because, well, let’s say that experience has proven those to be very useful.
If your baby takes a pacifier make sure you always keep one of his favourites in the diaper bag backpack. You’ll be forever grateful when he loses his usual one on the go and you have another at hand!
With the current crisis I also throw in a tube of hand sanitizer. Because you don’t really want your kids to stop exploring…
So now you’ve got your basics covered and you’re almost good to go! Depending on the type of trip you’re taking, you’ll still need a few add ons though.
What To Pack For A Stroll In The Nearest Park?
If you have decided to just take a stroll in the park with your baby or toddler, you will not need to add a lot to your basics pack.
In fact I just add an easy snack, like rice-crackers or finger-fruits in a small tupperware box. For yummie ideas read our post “5 Easy Peasy Baby- And Toddler-Friendly Snacks For On The Go” 😉
If it’s a sunny day I slather the kids with sunscreen before we leave. They get to wear their favourite hat (or mine) for extra protection and I pack a light blanket to lay on. When the weather is colder I use the blanket to cover baby with.
And that’s really it for a parkstroll! I find that packing more than that is unnecessary weight.
What To Pack For A Whole Day On The Go?
If I know that I will be out with my baby and toddler the entire day, there are quite a few things that I stash into the diaper bag besides the basics.
I like to add a few toys or small books to keep the kids busy if need be.
I also like to keep a nursing cover or shawl for myself, though many moms don’t find it necessary. I once packed my pumped out breast milk, for a long day at an adventure park with friends. I wanted to be sure it was an option to let someone else feed my baby if need be.
Your baby might not be breastfed or in the mood for it though. In that case you’ll have to carry other baby food items along: Instant formula milk powder and warm water.
Other than these, a tube of sunscreen and a hat are essential to pack. A change of clothes also has the power to save the day in case of diaper accidents. Well, actually, make that two changes of clothes per child. And while you’re at it, add a t-shirt for yourself as well because; babyvomit, babypoop, babypee, babyboogie, etc etc.
Last but not least; a Minimalistic First Aid Kit For Baby And Toddler is absolutely essential for a whole day on the go with your little ones. Read all about it in our blogpost Here.
What To Pack For A Weekend Away From Home?
If you think you are up for a family trip, it is crucial to prepare yourself in advance. Reaching your travel destination only to realize you forgot some of your baby’s essentials can cause a lot of unnecessary stress.
For a whole weekend away I pack my basics, plus my day-on-the-go items: Toys, babyfood items, a nursing cover or shawl, a tube of sunscreen, a hat and a minimalistic baby first-aid kit.
With that I find that packing at least 6 diapers per child per day and 1 full pack of wet wipes per weekend, is more than enough. It is essential to also pack three complete sets of clothes per 2 days away. I like to add count in burp cloths for my baby.
Make sure you have all of your baby’s toiletries in the bag as well. You can find our Essential Toiletries Minimalistic Checklist For Baby’s And Toddlers Here.
Other than these necessities, consider the place and occasion and pack in a few extras. In case of a camping trip, this can be a mosquito bednet and some lavender essential oil for the sweetest, bugless nights away.
HOW To Easily Pack Your Diaper Bag In An Orderly Way?
Digging around for a pacifier in an over-packed diaper bag is pretty frustrating. Especially when you need it RIGHT. NOW.
The solution is obvious – packing your diaper bag in a more orderly manner. But how can you stop everything in your bag getting thrown about while you are out? Today, we also crack this nut.
The first and easiest step to an organized diaper bag is having the right diaper bag. But you’ll find everything you need to know about that in our blog post “11 Features Of A Great Diaper Bag“.
The second step is to follow these basic rules of thumb:
- Don’t overpack. The more things you carry, the harder it will be to find small items. Only take what you absolutely need. Minimalism is the keyword here.
- Make full use of the outside pockets of your diaper bag. Here is where you store the items that you need to access rapidly.
- Put small items such as pacifiers and other accessories in one of the smaller bag pockets or in a container. It is easier to fish around for a container than for an individual pacifier.
- If you use containers, colour code them to make it easier to identify what’s in them. You could diy them or go for ready-made ones.
- Go for travel-sized toiletries where possible. This will save room in the diaper bag for other important items.
- If you wanna go extra organised, especially on longer trips when you take more stuff with you, use transparent travel organizers to separate the different types of items you carry; clothes, toys, snacks, toiletries, first-aid necessities, mommy clothes,..
- And last but not least: Channel the Mary Kondo in you by rolling up clothes and placing them in a way you see absolutely everything there is in your bag or transparent travel organiser.
The Final Word
Motherhood is doubtlessly tiring, but it can also be incredibly amazing and rewarding. Just make sure that you have your basics covered before you leave your home with baby. Find your free Downloadable Checklist Here.
