As a mom of both a baby and a toddler, I’ve learned that preparation is everything when leaving the house. Whether it’s a quick trip to the store or a full day out, having a well-packed diaper bag makes life so much easier. Here’s a breakdown of my diaper bag essentials to keep both kids happy and myself a stress-free mom. I try to keep it as lightweight and minimal as possible too! You can shop everything I use in my Amazon storefront Baby Bag List here or On my LTK in this post here about what I pack for a baby & toddler on the go in my diaper bag!

The Diaper Bag

Choosing the right diaper bag is key. I look for a bag with lots of compartments, durability, and comfort. But it ALSO has to be chic! A backpack-style diaper bag works best for me because it keeps my hands free and distributes the weight evenly. It’s much easier with 2 little ones! I personally love my diaper backpacks from Beis and from Dagne Dover!!

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The Dagne Dover Indi Diaper Backpack:
☀️SIZE LARGE
☀️COLOR: PIÑA (mine is LIMITED EDITION! but all the colors are SO GOOD! I also have other bags in the DUNE color!)

☀️INDI DIAPER BACKPACK INCLUDES:
🐚CHANGING PAD
🐚REMOVABLE ZIP POUCHES/BAGS
🐚REMOVABLE INSULATED BOTTLE HOLDER
🐚STROLLER STRAPS
🐚LOTS OF POCKETS & ZIPPED POCKETS
🐚LAPTOP COMPARTMENT
🐚SLIDES OVER SUITCASE HANDLE

The material is SOOO NICE (and washable!!)☀️🐚🌺🍍🌊 I’m obsessed with these beachy colors and prints and the bags!🤩🤩 A diaper bag/backpack is one of your MOST USED and LONGEST USE items when making your registry/preparing for baby!! It’s the only thing I’ve needed for 2 whole years with Dune! So a really good bag that you LOVE, is practical with storage/space, and HOLDS UP, is SO IMPORTANT!!!!

Baby Essentials

1. Diapers and Wipes: The obvious must-haves! I always pack enough diapers for the outing plus a few extras, just in case.
2. Diaper Cream & Applicator: I need this even more for a toddler too! It’s good to have on hand because diaper rashes happen unexpectedly (and they are sooo uncomfortable for your little one).
3. Changing Pad: Many diaper bags come with one, but if not, I carry a portable changing pad for clean and convenient diaper changes.
4. Extra Onesie/Clothes: Blowouts happen! I pack at least one spare outfit for the baby. I LOVE the magnetic me sleepers because they are SO easy and simple, lightweight, and feel incredible.
5. Pacifiers: If your baby uses a pacifier, bring an extra one in a clean case. I love that the beis baby bag comes with one attached. Trust me, they’ll drop it at the worst possible time.
6. Baby Food and Bibs: Depending on the baby’s age, I include baby friendly purees, snacks, and bib/smock cover.
7. Burp Cloths: For spit-ups and general clean-ups, these are lifesavers and necessity.
8. Baby Entertainment: I keep a little rattle and some teethers for baby in my bag, just small simple ones!
9. Baby Wrap/Carrier: I usually have my Solly Baby wrap packed so I can baby wear on the go because it’s so lightweight and portable so it’s easy to keep in my bag but sometimes I’ll pack my carrier as well!
10. Portable Sound Machine: I love the mini hatch one! I didn’t have one with my son first and I made sure to get one with my daughter and it has made outings SO MUCH EASIER to help her go to sleep on the go!!!

Toddler Essentials

1. Snacks and Drinks: I pack a few of baby and toddler-friendly snacks like puree pouches (I love the organic bio dymanic ones from White Leaf) or the Little Bellies snacks. If I bring any from home, I use a little spill-proof container like my mushie snack container or lunch box, along with a toddler water bottle. We love our stainless steel waterbottles and have kids versions for our toddler! I love that these have a built in clip to clip to my back
2. Toddler Entertainment: 1 Small toy, 1 book, or a tablet with headphones are perfect for keeping toddlers occupied during outings. I don’t bring this unless we are going to be gone a long time or at long dr. appointments!
3. Extra Clothes: Toddlers are messy (or potty training), so a spare outfit, including underwear or pull-ups, is a must.

Shared Essentials

1. Swaddle / Blanket: A lightweight swaddle or fluffier blanket for when it’s cold can serve multiple purposes—a cover for nursing, a clean surface for the baby to lie on, or even a way to keep baby warm. I LOVE the solly baby swaddles because they’re big enough that become great baby blankets as they grow that are light weight. I love my design dua one for colder months, It’s incredible quality I’ve had it for both babies for over 2 years now!
2. First Aid: I carry a small kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any medications the kids might need, plus a baby thermometer. I love this baby thermometer from Kinsa, it has an app on your phone to give you guidance based on their age and temperature! I also ALWAYS had burp drops with my son to help with gas (he’d get sooo fussy!!!) and this worked like a CHARM – The little Remedies Gas Drops were amazing and a life saver, but I haven’t needed them with my daughter though!
3. Hand Sanitizer and Sanitizing Wipes: These are must-haves for cleaning hands and surfaces on the go.
4. Plastic Bags or Wet Bag: For dirty clothes (hi potty training!) or soiled diapers, these are non-negotiable.
5. Wallet and Keys: I’ve streamlined my own essentials into a small wallet and keychain that fit easily into the bag.

Bonus Tips with Little Ones on the Go!

• Use Clear Organizers: this makes it easier to stay organized in your bag! I just grab some of these from Amazon!
• Restock Regularly: After each outing, I check the diaper bag and replenish anything we used. This saves time when I’m rushing out the door.
• Seasonal Adjustments: In colder months, I add gloves and hats. In summer, I’ll include a baby fan, hats, sunglasses.
• Mom favorites: I always keep some favorite beauty items like this perfect travel kit from hustle beauty with a eye brigthener, lip balm, and SPF powder and cleansing wipes, a mini clean deoderant, and sunglasses for on the go so I can feel my best!
• Keep Extras in the Car: I keep a backup stash of diapers, wipes, and snacks in the car for emergencies.

Having a well-stocked diaper bag tailored to your kids’ needs can make outings so much smoother. After 2 years, I’ve really streamlined and try to keep it as light as possible! It’s SO GOOD for your babies to TAKE THEM PLACES! This is how they learn to socialize and navigate the world with your guidance, so don’t be afraid to take them everywhere with you!!

Shop my Amazon storefront Baby Bag List here