As a first-time mom, you will be really surprised how much you will need to pack in your diaper bag! For someone so small, your baby really does need a whole host of things just to leave the house.
There is nothing worse than being out with your baby, and then finding yourself unprepared with an under-packed diaper bag.
I remember the first time I took my baby out.
To say I was a tad overwhelmed is the understatement of the year.
However, I prepared the perfect baby diaper bag so I was prepared for every possible situation.
Whether you are heading out to the grocery store for a quick shop, or are heading out for the day, there are some essentials that you absolutely need to have in your diaper bag.
Here are all the essential items you should pack in your diaper bag for your baby (between 0-6 months old.)
All of these products can be found on Amazon. Don’t forget to create an Amazon Baby Registry. You get a discount for products placed on the registry and have 90 days to return any goods. Plus, you can add products from any site, not just Amazon.
Do You Really Need A Diaper Bag?
When I first became a mom, I was very against carrying a diaper bag.
I felt like all the diaper bags on the market were kind of tacky. Yes, I was now a mom but I didn’t want to be unfashionable (LOL). I loved dressing up and fashion, and there was no place for a diaper bag in my wardrobe.
So I used a laaaaarge purse to hold all my babies essentials. Who needs a diaper bag anyways? As long as the bag is big enough it works, right?
WRONG!
Trust me, when your in a public bathroom, your baby is crying, and you can’t find the blanket to put on the changer because everything in your bag has moved around, you won’t give a damn about being fashionable!
Trust me, the compartments in diaper bags are a LIFE-SAVER.
And most diaper bags, like this one, come with a built-in changing pad.
Honestly, the diaper bag itself is an essential for new moms. But if you don’t believe me, just go out once without it and before you get home you’ll be purchasing one at your nearest store (I know because I’ve been there).
Diaper Bag Essentials
1. Diapers
This one is pretty obvious. Your baby will more than likely need a diaper change when you are out, and you really don’t want to be stuck out somewhere when your baby does a number two and you’re all out.
Babies always seem to plan their dirty diapers exactly when it would be the worst time for them to do so, so you always need to have a good supply of diapers in your bag!
2. Wet Wipes
Every mom will tell you that wet wipes are essential when you have a baby.
They are used for diaper changes, but also for spit ups, messes, and just about everything else when it comes to keeping yourself and your little one clean when out and about.
3. Plastic Diaper Bags
Pack a few plastic diaper bags into your baby bag to use when disposing of soiled diapers.
These can either be thrown into the bin or kept until you get home to be thrown away.
These plastic diaper bags can also be used to keep wet or dirty clothes away from clean items in the diaper bag.
4. Burp Cloths
You will know that your little one spits up quite often, so keeping a burp cloth or two in your diaper bag is really handy.
These can be placed over your shoulder as you burp your baby, or they can be used to clean up any messes.
5. Changing Pad
Unfortunately, you will come across many places that don’t accommodate for changing your baby.
Even if there is a changing station, you would want to place your own changing pad down to avoid germs.
A changing pad is usually included with a diaper bag, so check whether or not the one you buy comes with a matching changing pad.
There is also the option of disposable changing pads which can be stored away easily in a diaper bag.
6. Extra Clothes
There are so many reasons why your baby might need a change of clothes when you are out, from an explosive diaper to spit-up on their clothing.
Pack a simple change of clothes in the diaper bag that you don’t mind keeping there.
It is also a good idea to pack a warm change of clothes, in case the weather changes unexpectedly while you are out.
7. Bottles and Milk
Do not leave the house unless you have packed your baby’s bottles, along with some boiled water and formula or spare breastmilk.
Your baby will not wait to get home to drink, especially if they are frequent drinkers.
Formula dispensers are so great to keep in your baby bag, as you do not need to worry about measuring formula out for each bottle, as this can be done at home before the diaper bag is packed.
8. Pacifier
Some babies cannot be soothed without their pacifier, so you need to make sure you have a spare one packed for when going out.
Keep it in a sterile container, and carry around some travel pacifier cleaner in case it falls on the floor or gets dirty.
9. Nursing Cover
If you are breastfeeding, you might not be comfortable breastfeeding in public without a cover, and you can’t expect your baby to wait till you get home to feed.
A nursing cover usually clips at the back, so it can be held in place easily.
It is usually made from thin material so your baby does not get too hot while under the cover.
10. Blanket
Keep an extra blanket packed away in your diaper bag. You never know when the weather might change, or if something might happen to the blanket you are using.
A spare blanket is also great to use for your baby to snuggle up to when they are falling asleep.
11. Purse
You will not be leaving the house without your diaper bag, so it is a great idea to keep your wallet in the diaper bag at all times.
You are definitely more likely to forget your purse at home than you are to forget your diaper bag, so keeping your purse in the bag is the best way to ensure it won’t be forgotten.
12. Hand Sanitizer
Your little baby will still be building their immune system, so it is best to minimize exposure to germs where possible.
Keep a bottle of hand sanitizer in your diaper bag to use when you touch dirty surfaces or use a public restroom.
I personally love these wipes as I can just grab a couple and head out the door. Plus I use them to sanitize surfaces (particularly grocery carts!)
13. Sunscreen
Place a bottle of baby-safe of sunscreen into your diaper bag.
This will help protect your baby’s sensitive skin from becoming sunburned.
14. Snacks
As a mom to a small baby, you will find yourself out of energy most of the time.
You will also find that you don’t have the time to eat as often as you would like, so having some healthy snacks packed away in your bag is a great way to keep up your energy supply, and to give you a little treat when you need it the most.
My go-to healthy snack is nuts and seeds! I always have them on hand as they’re quite filling and are a healthy fat.
Plus they help curb my cravings for sugary treats (but that could just be me).
15. Rash Cream
I don’t go anywhere without diaper rash cream for my baby.
Rash cream help prevent future rashes as well as relieve any that may occur.
Your babies tush will tahnk you
Keep Your Diaper Bag Packed
Having all the essential items in your diaper bag will ensure that each trip out with your baby will be stress-free and successful.
When you return home from your outing, make sure to clean out your diaper bag of all old clothes and other dirty items, and replenish essentials such as clothes, diapers, and wipes.
Don’t forget to add these items to your Amazon Baby Registry. You get a discount for products placed on the registry and have 90 days to return any goods. Plus, you can add products from any site, not just Amazon.
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