The first few months after my daughter was born I had to run through this mental Diaper Bag Checklist to make sure I had everything I needed for her. Despite being thorough, it’s so much easier to not bring more than you need because it makes finding what you do need much faster.
Cloth diapering, breastfeeding:
- Cloth diapers
- Cloth wipes
- Spray bottle with water or diaper wash**
- Wet bag
- Nursing cover**
- Burp rag
- Extra set of baby clothes
- 2 Pacifiers (if used) – one in the bag, possibly on a strap, and one in my pocket, especially if we’re going in the car)**
- Granola bar for mom or dad
- Toy (after 4-ish months)*
- Blanket (if cold or sunny)*
Disposables, breastfeeding:
- Disposable diapers
- Disposable wipes**
- plastic baggie for dirty diapers (optional, depending on destination)**
- Diaper rash cream (if needed)**
- Nursing cover**
- Extra set of baby clothes
- 2 Pacifiers (if used) – one in the bag, possibly on a strap, and one in my pocket, especially if we’re going in the car)**
- Granola bar for mom or dad
- Toy (after 4-ish months)*
- Blanket (if cold or sunny)*
Disposables, bottle-feeding:
- Disposable diapers
- Disposable wipes**
- Plastic baggie for dirty diapers (optional, depending on destination)**
- Diaper rash cream (if needed)**
- Prepared bottles with milk in insulated pack
- Bib (if your baby is a messy eater)
- Extra set of baby clothes
- Toy (after 4-ish months)
- 2 Pacifiers (if used) – one in the bag, possibly on a strap, and one in my pocket, especially if we’re going in the car)**
- Granola bar for mom or dad
- Toy (after 4-ish months)*
- Blanket (if cold or sunny)*
(I only took a bottle out of the house once, so let me know if you have any suggestions for that one!)
* As long as you’re using the infant car seat, I like to keep these things “attached” to the seat so I don’t have to tote them around in the bag or keep track of them. Pick a toy you can attach with links and just keep it there always. We have a blanket we always use with the car seat, and when we’re at home we just toss it into or on top of the seat.
** Things that are just easier to always keep in the bag. I always try to keep diapers and wipes in the bag too, but those usually need to be replenished every few times we go out so they aren’t starred. I only have one nursing cover but I never use it unless I’m out with my diaper bag anyway, so it lives there too.
