When you have a child (or more than one!) in diapers, traveling becomes challenging. Whether you’re heading across town to the grocery store or across the globe on vacation, you need to know what to bring. Ending up at your destination without the wipes or another necessity is something all of us fear. Diaper bag prep is about to be a whole mood!
Key Takeaways
- There's no doubt that diaper bags are a must-have for parents and caregivers of newborns, infants, and toddlers. However, finding the right diaper bag with enough storage space and one that is stylish and practical can be challenging.
- Say goodbye to struggling with an impractical diaper bag! Itzy Ritzy has you covered with our range of diaper bags, designed with both style and practicality in mind. Choose from our Itzy Mini, Dream Convertible, Boss Plus, Dream Backpack, and other styles to find the perfect diaper bag for you.
- Don't let a bulky and unattractive diaper bag cramp your style. Shop our selection of stylish and practical diaper bags at Itzy Ritzy and find the perfect fit for you and your baby.
What to pack in a diaper bag depends on the age of your little one and their current needs. These bags are for more than just diapers, after all! You’ll also want to plan for:
- Food
- Comfort
- Privacy
- Cleaning
- Toys
- And more!
This checklist breaks down what to pack to make sure you’re high key and always have what you need to keep your baby fed, changed, and comfortable, no matter where your travels take you!
The Essential Diaper Bag Checklist
No matter your baby’s age, there are certain things that will almost always be on your diaper bag packing list. These include:
- Burp cloths
- Baby wipes and wipes case
- Diapers (one to two per hour of your trip)
- Changing pad (which comes with any of the Itzy Ritzy diaper bags!)
- Diaper rash cream
- Change of clothes for your baby
- Wet Bag for dirty diapers or clothing
- Snacks and/or bottles
- If needed, a nursing cover
- Blanket
We’ve got the basics down, so let’s move on to the details!
Newborns to Toddlers – What to Pack in a Diaper Bag By Age
Your baby’s needs are going to change as they get older. A newborn is going to use more diapers than a toddler, for example, but a toddler is going to need more snacks than a nursing infant. Here’s our handy age-by-age guide for packing!
For the Hospital
Your first diaper bag (maybe the most exciting?!) is the one you’ll pack for the hospital. Sometimes parents assume this is something the hospital provides, but it isn’t. (Your hospital will send you home with many diapers and wipes though, so you won’t need these.) Check out these essentials:
Labor
You'll want to stash some essentials for you and your bae during the labor process. Consider:
- Favorite music to listen to
- Ultrasound picture to give you heart eyes
- Phone and charger
- Snacks
- Emergency contact information
Birth
As the time for birth nears, you’re going to want some additional supplies, like:
- Everything bag to keep mementos in, like baby’s footprint card or bracelet
- Special baby blanket
- Nipple cream and breast pads
- Comfortable socks or slippers for mom
The Trip Home
Yay, baby is here! Now that you’ve got your bundle, you will want these items:
- Baby’s going home outfit
- Contact information for the pediatrician
- Bottles for bottle-fed babies
- Nursing cover for nursing babies
- Pacifiers
- Extra onesies and other cute newborn outfits
- A baby hat
For a Newborn
Whether you’re a first time parent or on baby #3, the first outing with your new baby can be stressful. It requires more supplies than you might think! Get extra with the preparation to ensure you have a happy babe the entire time.
Newborns don’t need toys, but they do need more feeding and diapering supplies than older babies. Consider packing:
- Diapers and wipes – Plan at least one diaper per hour you will be out, but always stash a few extras
- Breastfeeding items (if needed)
- Extra bottles and formula or expressed breast milk (with a handy bottle bag if needed)
- Safe water for formula
- Reusable changing pad (included in every diaper bag in the Itzy Ritzy collection)
- Extra pacifier
- 2 extra outfits
- Burp cloths
- Nursing cover
- Extra baby blanket
- Swaddle blanket
- Pediatrician’s phone number
- Hand sanitizer and charm
- Wet Bags for diapers and soiled clothes
For an Infant
As your baby grows, they will start needing more items on the go. Make sure you keep tabs on the extra clothes you have in the bag, and update them as your babe grows. Older infants may not need a swaddle blanket, but they’ll still need most of the newborn items! You’ll want to add:
- Favorite toys and books
- A favorite stuffed animal
- Copy of your baby’s schedule for any caretakers
- Baby food and snacks when they start enjoying solid foods
- Sun or winter hat
- Extra socks
- Travel size baby lotion
- Teether toy
- Over-the-counter medications, like acetaminophen and teething relief
- Thermometer
For a Toddler
Toddlers are moving past the need for bottles and formula. They are becoming more independent but get bored and fussy easily. In addition to the diapers, wipes, and changing essentials, stash these in your diaper bag:
- More snacks than you think you’ll need
- Sippy cup with water or juice
- Sunscreen
- Wet Bags for soiled clothes and diapers
- Bib for mess-free meals on-the-go
- Toddler toys and books
- Toilet-training supplies
- Portable toilet seat
- Change of clothes for potty accidents
- Sanitizing wipes
Choosing the Right Diaper Bag or Backpack
Packing up your diaper bag essentials is much easier when you have the right bag!
Not only does the right bag keep you organized, but it can also be a #look! Not sure where to start with choosing a bag? Consider these popular Itzy Ritzy diaper bags and backpacks.
Backpack Style
A diaper bag backpack is a convenient way to pack everything up, then grab it and go. The best part? You’re hands-free to hold baby or their car seat. If you want a bag that will make people say “Woah, that’s a diaper bag?”, this one’s for you:
Our Boss Diaper Bag Backpack is a popular option. It boasts many pockets and compartments (17 total!) for storing the items on your packing list, and also includes two insulated storage compartments for milk or formula. It comes in a bunch of adorable and sophisticated patterns to match your style, including Coffee & Cream and Vanilla Latte!
Purse Style
For the fashionista mom, a diaper bag purse is a good choice. This bag looks like a cute purse, but has room for all of the essentials. Throw in your wallet and phone, and you’ll only need to grab one bag when you head out the door with your baby.
Itzy Ritzy’s convertible diaper bags give the best of all worlds, as you can use it as a crossbody purse but also as a backpack or tote! And if you’re looking for something more lightweight, our diaper bag clutches are perfect. Easily carry your wallet and other small baby essentials, while looking stylish.
Mini Style
Once baby is past the newborn stage and needs a few less essentials, a mini diaper bag can fit your changing needs while still keeping you the most organized! It’s also great for travel and short outings. And don't forget the diaper bag accessories to really make a statement.
Check out the Itzy Mini Backpack Diaper Bag to see how this is done well. This bag has eight separate compartments, a matching changing pad, and rubber feet to keep the bottom of the bag clean.
Preparing for Outings with Your Child
When it’s time to take your baby or toddler out, a well-prepared diaper bag makes life so much easier, and we’re here for it! With a checklist, you can be confident that you have all of the necessary supplies to take care of your babe’s needs and keep both them and you comfortable. It also reduces your nervousness when someone else, like grandparents, takes the littles for the afternoon to give you a much-needed break. All you have to do is hand over your well-stocked bag or backpack and let them leave with confidence!
Itzy Ritzy makes it easy to be ultra-prepared with a line of diaper bags that are both fashionable and practical. Want even more tips? Check out these Five Sanity Saving Diaper Bag Tips to help you slay your packing game!
FAQs
How do you pack a diaper bag efficiently?
The first step to packing a diaper bag efficiently is identifying your baby's needs. Different babies have different needs. For example, a newborn baby may need more diapers and bottles, whereas a toddler may need more snacks and toys.
Once you know what your baby needs, then it’s simply a matter of finding the right size diaper bag and packing the items you need most at the top while keeping the heavier items, like a changing pad, at the bottom.
Make sure to also include packing cubes (to stay extra organized) and a zip-top bag for dirty diapers and a small bag for any personal items you might need.
What goes in a diaper bag on the first outing?
While you don’t want to overpack, it’s important to ensure you have the essentials for your baby’s first outing.
Depending on how long you’ll be gone, this could include a couple of diapers, wipes, some extra clothes for the baby, a changing pad, an extra blanket or burp cloths, a bottle of formula or breastmilk, and a nursing cover (if you want some privacy during breastfeeding).
When should I get my diaper bag ready?
Ideally, you should have your diaper bag packed and ready at least a few weeks before the baby is due (between weeks 36 and 37 of your pregnancy). This will give you time to ensure you have all the necessary items packed in case your baby comes a bit earlier than expected.
How many outfits should you pack in a diaper bag?
Depending on your baby's age, habits, and how long you'll be out, you'll want to pack at least two to five complete outfits in the diaper bag. It's always better to be overprepared than underprepared!
What should you not pack in your hospital bag?
When packing your hospital bag, it’s important to remember that you don’t need to bring everything.
Avoid bringing anything valuable, such as electronics, lots of cash, jewelry, and too many fancy clothes for you and your baby. You want to focus on your new baby and not worry about losing any items in the hospital.
Plus, it’s also a smart idea to avoid bringing lots of food, drinks, and diapers since the hospital will provide enough for the time you're there.
Do I need baby wipes in my hospital bag?
Yes, absolutely! Baby wipes are great for quick cleanups and any accidents that may happen on the way to the hospital or during your stay, and they’re a must-have when you bring your newborn home.
And while hospitals will have some wipes available, it’s usually a good idea to pack enough baby wipes (at least two packs) in your hospital bag to be prepared for any messes.