Parenting

What to Pack In Your Diaper Bag - 14 Diaper Bag Essentials

If you are wondering what to pack in a diaper bag, we’ve got you covered. This diaper bag essential list is all you need to be well prepared.

By Aditi

03 Aug 2022

According to UNICEF (2016 survey), around 67,300 babies are born in India every day. If you are a new parent, it might be overwhelming to understand what needs to be prepared for your baby ahead of time—this is completely natural.

One of the best ways to ensure that your baby’s needs are met is to plan ahead and be well prepared for milk spills, diaper accidents and more. And that means a lot of gear to ensure their comfort at any given time. A diaper bag is your best friend when you want to cater to your baby’s needs and not feel stressed when going out.

If you’re confused about what exactly you should be packing in a diaper bag, there are many essentials that you require, no matter where you’re going. You would need to pack some extra items for long trips, and it's always best practice to pack in food as well, no matter how short the trip. Don’t forget to throw in some toys or your child’s favourite book.

Here’s what you should know about having a minimalist diaper bag and diaper bag essentials to carry:

Diaper Bag Essentials

Ensuring that you have everything for a trip outside can be quite stressful. What to pack in a diaper bag can be difficult to decide for many parents, especially when you want to ensure that you’re leaving anything behind. Here are diaper bag essentials you shouldn’t miss out on:

1. Diapers

It is best to carry around four to five diapers, roughly two diapers an hour. If you are using reusable diapers, it would be ideal to have a spare bag where you can put in the used diapers after they’ve been used.

2. Portable Changing Pad

You might not have access to a baby changing room every place you go, and even when you do, it’s crucial to be hygienic. A portable changing pad can ensure that you can change diapers anywhere without risking your baby’s safety.

3. Disposable Diaper Bags

While many baby changing rooms have disposable bags that you can put used diapers in, you might be outdoors where access to those bags is limited. Carry a few disposable bags, so you don’t have to look around for them at the last minute.

4. Diaper Rash Cream

Baby’s skin is extremely sensitive, and keeping the area dry, using a protective cream that can form a barrier will help prevent and treat rashes. Always keep a diaper rash cream in the diaper bag. Look for a cream with calming ingredients like coconut, witch hazel and olive oil.

Our suggestion:

You could try the EqualsTwo Diaper Rash Ointment, The diaper rash ointment contains natural ingredients like olive and almond oil, witch hazel, oat lipid and natural tocopherol. It is easily absorbed and protects your baby’s skin barrier.

5. Pacifier

While not every baby needs a pacifier, if you do utilise them, it’s crucial to store them properly. Put them in a separate clean bag after they have been cleaned. It can be ideal to carry two pacifiers to ensure you have a spare.

6. Hand Sanitiser

With the threat of COVID-19 still looming and the need for hygiene, sanitising as often as possible becomes necessary. Cleaning your hands after changing your baby’s diapers or before handling their food becomes necessary to maintain their health. Use a hand sanitiser when changing diapers (before and after), when feeding them, and when changing clothes.

7. Spare Clothes for the Baby

Unforeseen situations can happen anytime, and you must be prepared for them when they do. Carrying a set of spare clothes for backup. You might want to carry clothes that are easy to put on and less tedious to remove to save time and keep your baby comfortable.

8. Baby Toys

Keep your child happy and entertained when you are busy with their own toys in unfamiliar spaces. It will help them feel more secure as well. You can choose their favourite toys to bring along or just one will do as well.

9. Baby Food

Carry baby formula, a bottle, or food (if they are eating solid/baby food) as a part of your diaper bag essentials. If you plan on breastfeeding your baby, having a nursing cover can be ideal. If you are breastfeeding, it is necessary to carry snacks for yourself too, so you don’t feel tired after feeding your baby. Carry snacks for your baby if they are able to eat solid foods.

10. Baby Wipes

Baby wipes are life savers, whether you’re dealing with spills, dirty hands or diaper changes. Maintaining your baby’s hygiene is critical to keeping them healthy, so you should definitely be packing them when planning long-term trips.

11. Burp Cloth

If you are carrying baby food or formula, it is ideal to have a burp cloth to ensure that your baby doesn’t ruin their clothes after they’ve been fed.

Related story: Are Your Baby Care Products Safe?

Other Diaper Bag Essentials

Once you’ve got diaper bag must-haves, there are several optional items you can add if you’re planning a longer trip (for a few hours or days).

12. Water and Snacks for You

You can’t forget to take care of yourself while taking care of your baby, and you have to ensure that you’re also staying hydrated and satiated. Healthy snacks like nuts, granola bars, or protein bars can be lightweight and easy to eat. Drink water regularly to avoid dehydration.

13. Sunscreen

Both you and your baby must stay protected against harmful UV rays, especially during peak summer weather. For babies, you will have to look for specially formulated creams that use natural ingredients and don’t damage your baby’s skin. If you are looking for a healing cream to soothe your baby’s skin, try the EqualsTwo Baby Skin Healing Cream with 100 per cent natural ingredients. It has beneficial ingredients that nourish your baby’s skin with a combination of rosemary, chamomile, green tea, Centella, and Japanese knotwood extracts.

14. First-Aid Kit

Anything can happen when you’re outdoors, and you shouldn’t have to stress if something unexpected happens. Carrying a first-aid kit with band-aids and basic medication can go a long way in minimising your stress and ensuring you have everything to keep your baby safe and healthy.

Diaper Bag Essentials – Packing Tips

When packing your diaper bag, you can’t put in items haphazardly, as it can be challenging to find something when your baby is fussing and crying. everything in your diaper bag should be easily found and reached. After you’ve figured out what to pack in diaper bag, here are some packing tips to keep in mind:

Separate Different Categories

Having your items pre-arranged in different bags with clear labelling can help segregate items depending on use. Items like diapers, diaper wipes, and cream can go in one bag, whereas food items can go in another. You can portion out all items in categories for easy reach and access.

Pre-Portion Food

If you’re carrying baby food or formula with you, it might be better to portion it ahead of time. Carry the required formula in the baby bottle so you can prepare it immediately when taking it out. It is easier to include in your diaper bag essentials if you do it in bulk beforehand and can easily place it in the bag before every outing.

Leak-Proof Everything

The last thing you want is to find out that a cream or liquid has spilled everywhere and caused a mess inside the diaper bag. Ensure that everything is leak-proof by checking them before you put them in the bag, or putting it inside ziplock bags so that the leak is contained.

Restock After Every Outing

To ensure that you’re prepared for the next time you go out, it’s best to restock everything in the diaper bag after you’ve come back home. Things like diapers and baby wipes can easily be restocked as soon as you get back home. In this way, you will always have your diaper bag essentials ready to go whenever you’re heading out.

Double-Check Everything

It’s best to have a diaper bag checklist for newborn and toddler, so you can double-check all items once you’ve put them inside.

Be Prepared

The best way to go about arranging your diaper bag is to know what you’re going to put inside before you buy it. When you have an idea of all the things that need to go inside your diaper bag, you can determine the correct size for the bag as well.

Here is a quick list of diaper bag essentials that you should stick to when in a hurry: