As a new mom, there’s nothing worse than forgetting something in your newborn diaper bag! So, what things should you include?
As a new mom myself, I know how easy it can be to forget something as you head out the door, and when you do, it makes you feel like a total ditz (or maybe I’m the only one).
Now, I don’t know about you, but I’m the type who likes to be prepared and organized. I want to be the type of mom that other people look at and think, “Wow! She is so put together as a new mom!”
Forgetting something essential in your diaper bag does the complete opposite of this. All confidence leaves your body as you realize you didn’t pack enough diapers, and your palm smacks your own forehead as you say, “Duh”.
Here’s what you should keep in your bag at all times to prevent such a derpy mom moment.
This post is all about newborn diaper bag essentials.
Newborn Diaper Bag Essentials
DIAPER BAG
Obviously, a diaper bag of some sort makes life a whole lot easier to carry everything else. Something that is pre-packed, stocked, and ready to simply grab-n-go.
What “bag” you choose to use is completely up to you and is dependent on your personal preferences. Do you like a shoulder strap bag or a backpack? Or maybe you prefer a purse or a basket. Do you like one big open space, or a million pockets?
Currently, backpacks are extremely popular to use as a diaper bag, with their hands-free reputation.
I personally use this backpack and it works pretty well. I originally bought it because of the 24,000+ reviews, and the hands-free aspect is very convenient. However, at this point in time, it seems like there are too many pockets. But that’s just me. I really only use the main pocket. Currently I have one baby, so that might change in the future as our family grows.
I have found that it is VERY easy to overpack this spacious bag and it becomes heavy very quickly (which you don’t want, otherwise you’ll be hating life as you lug it around all day long).
This is how I pack a newborn diaper bag backpack to keep things simple and organized.
CHANGING
What’s that quote again? Sh*t happens? Well, with a baby, it definitely does! Haha! There have been times when I have run out of diapers, when I forgot an extra outfit after a blowout, or when I threw in a huge package of wipes that added an extra ten pounds. Don’t make these silly newborn diaper bag mistakes 😛
You will need…
1. Diapers
They can be either disposable or cloth, whichever you choose to use. (Some people use disposable diapers during the first month, then transition to cloth, or they use disposable diapers while they aren’t at home, and cloth when they are.)
The number of diapers you pack depends on the amount of time you will be out and about. On average, newborns go through 8-10 diapers per day. I usually pack as many as I think I’ll need, plus 1-2 more, just in case.
All else fails, you can buy some from the store while you are out and about, or keep a diaper caddy in the car.
2. Wipes
In the beginning, I made the mistake of throwing in a HUGE package of wipes. Like, 100 wipes huge. This made the backpack extra heavy. Now I use a smaller ziplock dispenser to lessen the weight (homemade). I would recommend either investing in a small wipe dispenser or making your own at home.
3. Diaper Cream
There are a variety of diaper rash ointments that you can use. I really like to use Aquaphor Baby ointment, but my sister likes Desitin. Some moms prefer a diaper rash spray.
4. Changing Pad
Some diaper bags/backpacks come with a changing pad, however, they tend to be quite thin, which is a pro and con. The thin material doesn’t seem very comfortable, but they are compact and easy to clean.
Many moms like a portable changing station insert so that everything for diaper changes are kept together in the backpack. It’s also convenient for really quick trips or for traveling.
You could lay down a washable blanket if you don’t want a typical changing pad.
5. Hand Sanitizer
6. An Extra Baby Outfit
Make sure it is weather appropriate!
I like some kind of onesie for my newborn, since they need diaper changes so often. Pick an outfit with easy access 🙂
7. Wet Bag or Plastic Bag
You can invest in a wet bag to keep any soiled clothes in. This one is a wet/dry bag, with a pocket for dry clothes, and a pocket for wet ones. Great for regular days, pool days, or snacks that might leak. It’s a little bit large though on its own.
I use dog poo bags. I like that they don’t take up much space and there’s a lot of bags on one roll.
Plastic grocery bags or ziplock bags work as well!
FEEDING
Are you breastfeeding or bottle feeding? Either way, you might need these items below.
8. Nursing Cover or Lightweight Blanket
Some people don’t care to be covered while breastfeeding while others prefer more coverage. I am more comfortable with a cover.
9. Burp Cloths
I take at least two.
10. Bottles with either breastmilk or formula.
11. Insulated bag to keep milk cold.
Personally, I don’t usually take bottles, breastmilk, or an insulated bag. I just use the nursing cover and feed my baby directly from the breast, which is what I prefer.
MOM ESSENTIALS
These can either go in one of the pockets or you can use a small bag.
12. Mommy Pouch
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- Phone
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- Keys
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- Wallet
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- Snacks: Especially if you are breastfeeding, you need to make up the calories!
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- Any other little thing you would want: chapstick, lotion, gum, medication, etc.
13. Nursing Pads
In the beginning, if you are breastfeeding, your body is trying to figure out how much milk your baby needs. So you leak… a lot… I know, so fun ha! There are disposable or washable pads that you can use. I liked the disposable because they have a sticky side to stay in place.
These can go in your mama pouch as well.
14. Water Bottle
Make sure to stay hydrated! Especially if you are breastfeeding, you need to drink water to produce more milk.
15. Extra Shirt for Mom
This is optional. I never really packed one for myself, but I can see why other moms do. Either 1. You are leaking profusely through your shirt, 2. Your baby decided to spit up all the milk they just drank and missed the burp cloth, or 3. You were cuddling them and they had a blowout that seeped on your clothes. So yeah, an extra shirt might be good 😛
OTHER
16. Pacifier
My baby likes these Pop & Go binkies, but I tried about 4-5 different types of binkies before finding the one that my baby liked the best. Trial and error.
17. Swaddle (thicker blanket)
Newborns typically love to be swaddled. Then, if it’s extra cold outside, consider a warmer blanket as well.
18. Infant Medication
Make sure to talk to your doctor about what medication is safe for your baby, as well as correct dosage.
I have either Infant Tylenol or Infant Ibuprofen, and I keep a sticky note of the recommended dosage/weight inside the box from my doctor.
19. Thermometer
My midwife recommended the underarm thermometer, so that’s what I do. I’m too nervous to use the rectal because many parents don’t do it correctly, inserting it too far (ahhh that scares me!). Whichever method you decide to use, make sure you are correctly instructed by a doctor! You need to understand completely, otherwise you could cause injury to your baby or you could get an inaccurate reading of their possible fever.
Now you have a solid list of things to include in your diaper bag so that you can feel like that effortless mom you are! Go tackle the world with that cute baby of yours.
Are you more of a minimalist? Check out this minimalist diaper bag checklist instead.
This post was all about newborn diaper bag essentials.
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