Diaper Bag Checklist: What Essentials to Pack In Your Baby’s Bag

As a parent, you want to be prepared for anything and everything when you head out the door with your baby, whether it’s for that doctor's checkup, a long-awaited trip to Grandma's house, or a walk in the park. One item you really can’t go without is a well-stocked diaper bag, equipped with all the essentials you need to keep your baby happy, clean, and dry. Read on to discover why a diaper bag is a must-have, what to pack in it, and how to pack it for optimum convenience.

Why You Might Need a Diaper Bag

“Do I really need a diaper bag?” is a question you might have been asking yourself when putting together your baby shower registry or shopping for baby gear.

Technically, you could get away with using a backpack or tote bag you already have at home, but if you’re looking for something more specific to the task, there are plenty of great shoulder diaper bags or backpack diaper bags on the market that are designed for carrying your diapering gear and other essentials for your baby.

Many diaper bags include extra features like changing pads or cooler bags to help keep breast milk or baby food chilled when you’re on the go. Most diaper bags come with lots of pockets and compartments. And, with some diaper bags, you don’t even need to carry a separate handbag or purse, as there’s a parent pocket or pouch for stowing your phone, wallet, and keys.

When it comes to the look, some diaper bags are disguised as normal backpacks or totes, with a modern and neutral design, while others come in a sweet pattern or shade you'd expect to see in a diaper bag. Take your pick!

What to Pack in Your Diaper Bag

The must-haves you need to pack in your diaper bag depend on where you’re going, the weather, and how long you'll be out and about for. In this section, we list the basic diaper bag essentials as well as some diaper bag extras you might consider adding. Beyond these, consider what you might need to keep your baby comfortable based on what you’re doing and any special needs you and your little one might have.

Diaper Bag Essentials

Below is a list of diaper bag essentials, perfect for a quick outing, a day trip, or even an overnight stay:

Diaper Bag Add-ons

Going out with your baby can be unpredictable—sometimes having the essentials isn’t enough. With practice, you’ll get to know which items are crucial and what you can go without, as well as how to recognize what extras you’ll need based on things like the weather and how long you’ll be out for. To help you get started, take your diaper bag to the next level with the following add-ons:

Diaper Bag Packing Tips

If you’re formula feeding with powdered formula, measure out the formula and water and store them separately for mixing when your baby is ready for a feed. If you’re giving breast milk from a bottle, keep bottles of the appropriate amounts in a cooler.

Here are some tips for packing and organizing your diaper bag so everything is easy to access and reach:

FAQs at a Glance

How many diapers do you need in a diaper bag?

Pack one diaper in your diaper bag for every two or three hours you plan to be away, plus one or two extra diapers just in case. So, for example, if you plan to be away for a couple of hours, pack three diapers.

What should you pack in a diaper bag?

The following are some essential items you might consider packing in your baby’s diaper bag:

• Diapers

• Wipes

• Diaper rash cream

• Changing pad

• Hand sanitizer

• Nursing cover

• Burp cloths

• Bottles and feeding supplies

• Food, snacks, and water

• Pacifier

• Waterproof bag

• Change of clothes

• Nursing pads

• Wallet and phone