Diaper Bags: What to pack!

What do you actually need to pack in your diaper bag? And why does it often feel like such a challenge?! Suite Child Boutique to the rescue!  

Here’s how we see the journey of packing a diaper bag… Can you resonate? 

You receive a beautiful diaper bag equipped with all of the pockets you could ever need! At this point, it’s a question of wondering how on earth you’re ever going to find enough newborn items to put the pockets to good use! 

Then you pack the diaper bag… And it is about ready to burst at the seams. How did this happen?! 

And then your baby has a blowout. And you realize that, despite packing what seems to be the entire nursery into your diaper bag, you forgot to pack a change of clothes. Not only that, but even if you had remembered to pack a spare outfit, you have no idea where you would have put it anyway. 

There’s a fine line when it comes to packing a diaper bag. You want to remember everything whilst also having the space to slot everything neatly into its assigned pocket - as well as have the space to seethe contents of your diaper bag. 

This is where our handy list comes in. 

Today, we’re going to share with you the ultimate list of what to pack in your diaper bag so you can limit it to the essentials without forgetting, well, the essentials! 

What to pack in your diaper bag 

If you’re strapped for time and need to pack your diaper bag right now. Take a breath. Visualize and write a list of the things that you actually use for your newborn baby over the space of a few hours - then just pack those things. Nothing more! 

If you have a little more time to strategically organize your diaper bag, you’re going to want to read through this list. 

Spare clothes 

Because spit-ups, blow-outs, and general spills are a thing, you’re going to want to pack at least two full outfits to be on the safe side. 

Take a look at these newborn basics to find some spare clothes for your diaper bag. 

Burp cloths 

Pack as many of these as you think you’ll need. Then at least five more. Ok, maybe we’re exaggerating, but burp cloths can be used for just about everything. 

If breastfeeding 

Breast pads, a nursing cover (if you’d like to use one), and more burp cloths... 

If bottle-feeding 

Bottles, formula, and (you guessed it…) more burp cloths. 

Diapers 

Pack one diaper for every two hours that you’re out plus a couple of extras. 

Wipes/cotton pads 

Ensure that you have plenty of baby wipes or cotton pads in your bag to clean up baby’s bum while you’re out and about. 

Changing pad 

Lots of diaper bags come with a portable changing pad, but you might like to pack an extra one just in case. 

Hand sanitizer 

Ask any mom and she’ll tell you that washing your hands after a diaper change in a public toilet is no easy feat. Hand sanitizer is the way to go. 

Waterproof bag 

Use a reusable or disposable waterproof bag to keep dirty clothes ready for washing. You can also pop dirty diapers and wipes inside until you can dispose of them. 

Diaper rash cream 

There’s nothing worse than a diaper rash on your newborn’s delicate little bottom. Keep a travel-sized tub of diaper cream in your diaper bag so that you’re never without. 

Blanket 

No matter the season, a light blanket is an absolute diaper bag essential. This can be used to protect your baby from the cold in the winter and from the sun in warmer months! Plus it will make the transition to air-conditioned spaces a little more comfortable for your bundle of joy. 

Seasonal 

You’ll need to pack different items depending on the season. 

For summer: 

• Sunscreen
• Sunhat 

For winter: 

• An extra jumper
• A warm hat
• Comfy shoes/socks
• Gloves 

Your essentials 

Anything that you would usually pack into your purse can go in your diaper bag. That’s right, there’s no need to bring a separate bag and give yourself more to carry! 

Here’s a handy list of things that you might want to pack for yourself.

• Keys
• Phone
• Sunglasses
• A book
• Money 

After the newborn stage 

As your baby gets older, you’ll also want to consider packing a few extras as well as all of the above items. Here are some examples: 

• A toy
• A pacifier
• A teething toy
• Teething gel
• Snacks 

Tips for packing your diaper bag 

Now that you’ve mastered what to pack in your diaper bag, let’s take it a step further to make your life even easier. 

Take a look at your essentials and decide how many categories they can fit into. For example: 

• Clothes
• Diaper changing
• Nursing 

When you pack your diaper bag, keep the categories packed together so that you know exactly where everything is and don’t have to rummage around. If you’re particularly organized, you could even put everything into color-coded bags! 

And no, we don’t think it’s extreme… When you’re balancing a baby, a bottle, and a handful of spit up, you’re going to want to know exactly where you can find those spare burp cloths and baby wipes. 

If you’re bottle-feeding your baby, you could also save space by pre-filling your bottles with formula and water so that they’re ready to be heated as soon as you need them. Pack extra formula into a small jar or pack an extra bottle of the mixture just to be on the safe side. 

The takeaway 

Our intention, at Suite Child Boutique, with this post is to make life with your newborn baby just that little bit more straightforward. And we hope that our handy list has done exactly that! 

Once you’ve scoured the list and packed everything that yourbaby needs in their diaper bag, why not write yourself a small list that you can check through each time you get ready to leave the house? 

And if you have all of the essentials but are looking for the perfect diaper bag for trips with your newborn, why not browse our collection? 

Don't forget about the World's Best Baby Registry, too! So, if your an expectant mother be sure to read all about our