My last post was about what to pack in a newborn baby’s diaper bag. (Check that one out here.)
Today, I’m sharing a slightly different list- what to pack in your baby/toddler’s diaper bag… for babies who are about 6+ months. Some of the essentials are a little different after that point. 😉
Also, after you check out the list, be sure to download your free diaper bag checklist so that you don’t forget anything!
Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links, meaning that if you choose to click through and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
A diaper bag
The first step is to make sure you have a bag! This is the diaper bag backpack I’m currently using, and I LOVE it!
But you don’t actually need a diaper bag. I also sometimes switch to this oversized tote, and that works great, too. Especially as your toddler gets older and needs less stuff, you can often fit the essentials right into your purse… if it’s big enough.
Or, something that we’ve done is to give your toddler their own backpack so they can carry their own pull-ups, snacks, and water bottle.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Easy Baby – Diaper, Bottle, and Supplies… |
$37.99 |
Buy on Amazon |
|
White Elm Gray Arrows Weekender Diaper… | Buy on Amazon | |
|
Iduola Diaper Bag Backpack,… | Buy on Amazon |
Changing
As your baby gets older, you may choose to switch to a diaper clutch like this one. That way, instead of bringing the whole diaper bag with you, you can just toss this smaller clutch into your purse or bag.
It comes with a changing pad, a pocket for wipes and diapers, a waterproof pocket, and another small pocket for a plastic bag or small tube of diaper cream.
Other than that, here’s what to include in your diaper bag for changes:
1. Diapers or pull-ups
2. Wipes
3. Changing pad
If you buy a traditional diaper bag, one of these will probably come with the bag. Otherwise, I use these waterproof liners (they are unpadded, so they roll up and don’t take up much space.) You can also buy disposable changing pads.
4. Diaper cream
This one is safe to use with both disposable and cloth diapers.
5. Hand sanitizer
6. Change of clothes
Just in case you need to do a full outfit change while you’re out. (Include extra underwear once you hit potty-training!)
7. Wet bag or plastic bag
You’ll want one of these for a dirty diaper (if there is no place to throw it away nearby) or for taking a dirty outfit back home again. This one is my favorite because it’s a wet/dry bag. There is a pocket to keep a clean set of clothes, and a waterproof pocket where you can stash a dirty outfit. When you get home, you can throw the whole thing in the laundry.
Eating
Whether your baby is breastfed or formula fed, you’ll need to pack a few essentials to cover the “eating” category:
8. Nursing cover or lightweight blanket
I breastfed my babies, and I always felt more comfortable feeding them in public if I had a nursing cover. For a while I used one that was similar to this one, which I loved.
Now that I’m on Baby #3, I often just use a lightweight swaddle blanket like this one to cover up, rather than an official nursing cover. I find that it’s bigger, lighter, and a little easier for me to use.
Plus, I use these swaddle blankets for tons of other things… as a carseat cover, a blanket to wrap a cold baby or lie down in the grass, even a changing pad in a pinch.
9. Insulated bottle bag
If you are planning to ever pack bottles of breastmilk, you’ll want to keep them cool. An insulated bottle bag will do the trick.
This is the one that I’ve used in the past. It comes with a small ice pack, and I like it because it can clip on to the outside of your diaper bag. The backpack diaper bag that I have now actually comes with insulated pockets for bottles, so I don’t even use this anymore. Check your bag before you buy.
I usually have enough extra room in the bottle bag for a sippy cup of water or a cold snack as well.
10. Bottles with milk or formula
If you use formula, a formula dispenser may also come in handy. These bottles look awesome– they store formula and water separately until you’re ready to mix. It can’t get easier than that.
For breastfed babies, this bottle has always been my favorite.
11. Bib
If you’re planning to have your baby or toddler eat while you’re out, this is pretty much as must.
12. Placemat
I love to use silicone placemats when we go out to eat. If you put a plate in front of a baby, they will throw it on the floor. But you don’t want them eating right off the table. These placemats have been the perfect solution.
If you want something disposable, try these out!
13. Sippy cup
These are my all-time favorite cups for toddlers because they don’t easily spill, and they’re easy to keep clean.
14. Snacks
Pack more snacks than you think you’ll need! I like to keep a few packaged snacks in the diaper bag for emergencies, and I’ll also bring along a snack container or two. (Snacks will go stale in these containers after a day or so since they’re not sealed, so you have to change them out.)
Check out my big list of easy toddler snack ideas here.
For parents
There are a few essential things that you’ll want to pack in your diaper bag for yourself. I usually keep these things all together in an easy-to-reach pocket.
15. Wallet
16. Keys
17. Phone
18. Snack
I always keep at least one snack for myself in the diaper bag. You never know when you’re really going to need it!
19. Water bottle
Other
Here are a few more things to consider packing in your diaper bag:
20. Burp cloth or small blanket
A burp cloth is helpful during feedings. I use swaddle or receiving blankets instead of burp cloths since they’re so much bigger.
21. Pacifier
22. Teether or toys
23. A book
You can see our favorite books for babies and one year olds here.
24. Medication such as Tylenol
Make sure to run any medications by your doctor first.
25. Thermometer
I’m the crazy mom that carries around a thermometer. (This is the one I have.)
26. Seasonal items
If it’s a hot, sunny day you may need a sunhat or sunscreen. In the winter, you may want to pack a warm hat or jacket.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Simple Joys by Carter’s Unisex Babies’… |
$13.61 |
Buy on Amazon |
|
Exergen Temporal Scan Forehead Artery… |
$24.95 |
Buy on Amazon |
|
Little Remedies Saline Spray and Drops,… |
$3.27 |
Buy on Amazon |
|
Cactus Baby Teething Toys for Babies 0-6… |
$4.99 |
Buy on Amazon |
Don’t forget to download your checklist!
This checklist includes the 26 items above, as well as space for you to write in your own additional essentials. Print out this checklist and keep it near your diaper bag so you don’t forget anything:
Click here to download your free diaper bag checklist.
Thanks so much for being an Organized Mom Life reader. If you liked this article, here are some other things I’ve written that you might enjoy:
An organized diaper caddy
15 amazing books for babies and toddlers
How to organize outgrown baby clothes [+ free printable labels]
Save this article for later- Pin it!
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