Diaper Bag Essentials Checklist: Here Are the Must-Have Products I Can't Live Without
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When you become a parent, you gain certain superpowers, like surviving without sleep, feeling heightened states of joy, and becoming a master planner. You have to be prepared at all times, and leaving the house becomes a massive undertaking. Gone are the days of going outside with just your keys, wallet, and phone. Now, you need a diaper bag essentials checklist that includes diapers, an extra outfit, baby food…the list goes on. If you're overwhelmed by the planning and prep, no fear. As a mom of two, I've compiled a list of diaper bag essentials that I can't live without.
Whether you're a parent looking for some new products or a pregnant person working on baby registry adds, you'll find something you need. Some are for the parents and some are for the kids. There are nursing covers for privacy, diaper rash cream for sensitive skin, hand sanitizer, a water bottle for a parent's hydration, a plastic bag for soiled diapers, my favorite portable changing pad, and everything else you'll need when you're packing a diaper bag. Plus, I've included some tired mom tips.
So, keep on scrolling to check out my picks (that also make great gifts). This is the baby gear you'll need to survive this stage of parenthood. Good luck.
Shop My Diaper Bag Essentials Checklist
Breathable Muslin Blankets That Have 101 Uses
These muslin blankets can be used as a traditional blanket, nursing cover, burp cloth, shade in the sun, and more. Plus, they're machine washable and since you get 4 in a pack, you can keep some in the car as a back up.
- Available styles: 17
- Tired Mom Tip: You can even use these as a lightweight shawl when you're kids aren't using them (so pick a pattern that goes with your style).
- Shoppers Say: "I love these blankets! There is one in almost every room of my home, in my car, and in my diaper bag. These blankets are so cute (the colors are beautiful!) and so thin. They travel well and can be used so many different ways- I use one as a nursing cover!"
An Organic, All-Purpose Balm That Does It All
Soothe and moisturize your baby's sensitive skin with this all-purpose balm. It's free of fragrances and packed with sunflower oil, shea butter, olive oil, coconut oil, and more.
- Available styles: 3.4-ounce, 10-ounce
- Tired Mom Tip: Great for diaper rash and even for smoothing flyaways.
- Shoppers Say: "Essential for the diaper bag."
A Handy Diaper Changing Kit with a Mat & Wipe Case
You never know where you're going to have to change your baby. This portable changing kit comes with a mat, lots of storage, and a wipes case, so you are always prepared. Plus, it's super easy to detach the mat and clean if you need to.
- Available styles: 1
- Tired Mom Tip: You can even use this as a quick, on-the-go diaper bag. It has everything you need -- compartments for diapers, wipes, and the mat for keeping baby comfy.
- Shoppers Say: "It is the perfect size for baby. The area for the wipes and diapers is quite big too which makes it perfect for storage!"
A 9-Pack of Unscented Wipes that You Can Dispense With One Hand
Wipes are probably the most important item in your diaper bag. I love the Kirkland brand -- the wipes are sturdy, unscented, and you can grab one from the pack with just one hand (so important when changing, IYKYK).
- Available styles: 3
- Tired Mom Tip: Never leave home without wipes.
- Shoppers Say: "These wipes are great value so have been stocking up on them - we keep one in the diaper bag, one beside the changing table, one in the stroller, one in the car, and so on."
A Convenient Formula Dispenser for On-the-Go Feeding
This combo pack comes with two formula dispensers that can hold up to 8 ounces and two more that have a 3-chamber design (each compartment holds 8 ounces). All are easy to dispense and invaluable for keeping formula-fed babies satisfied when you're out and about.
- Available styles: 2-pack, 4-pack
- Tired Mom Tip: Measure these out at night so you're ready for the next morning.
- Shoppers Say: "I use this for travel and it's so easy it’s all measured out and compact for the diaper bag."
Lavender-Scented Disposable Bags for Smelly Diapers
Whether you're at home or traveling, these disposable bags are a lifesaver. They smell like lavender and can keep any mess contained -- plus there's 200 in a pack to keep you covered.
- Available styles: 200 count, 400 count
- Tired Mom Tip: These bags are also great for wet clothes, dirty clothes, muddy shoes, and anything you want to keep from messing up the rest of your diaper bag.
- Shoppers Say: "I keep restocking on these! Perfect to conceal smelly diapers without too strong of a scent. The bags are somewhat thin but doesn't tear easily. Fairly sized, can hold about 3 diapers per bag. These bags are a home necessity with babies around - you'll need them!"
A 16-Piece Set of Organizational Pouches to Keep Everything In Order
I love these sturdy zipper pouches. They're great for organizing little things around the house, as well as all the random items in your diaper bag. The set comes in 8 different sizes (2 of each are included).
- Available styles: 1
- Tired Mom Tip: These are also great for playroom organization (especially random puzzle and game pieces).
- Shoppers Say: "These are wonderful for organizing my diaper bag with two kids under two. I use the larger ones for extra clothes, one for diapers and wipes. I use the rest around the house and love how sturdy and reusable they are!"
A Variety Pack of Band-Aids for Cuts, Scrapes & More
Hopefully, your kids will never need a band-aid. But, if they do, you want to be prepared. This variety pack comes with lots of sizes (and some with fun Toy Story characters), so every boo-boo is covered.
- Available styles: 5
- Tired Mom Tip: Keep a bunch of these in one of the zippered pouches above.
- Shoppers Say: "Even with crazy kids, this pack has lasted us MONTHS. Every little boo boo gets a bandaid or heaven forbid! Lol. Definitely a winner!"
A Chic 3-Pack of Hand Sanitizers
These chic hand sanitizers are worth the price. They're slim, but pack 250+ sprays in each one, and you can even refill them. This pack smells like lemon, amber, and orange spice, but there are lots of options to choose from. Plus, they're invaluable for messy kids and venturing into public restrooms with little ones.
- Available styles: 10
- Tired Mom Tip: Go with this design, it's so easy to dispense, is slim in your bag, and the smell options are great.
- Shoppers Say: "Super slim hand sanitizer fits in any small pockets/purse easier for kids to use."
A Roller Ball Sunscreen That's Super Easy to Apply
I am a huge fan of this roller ball mineral sunscreen. It's super easy to apply (even for little kids) and comes with an SPF 50 and water/sweat resistance up to 80 minutes. Plus, it has a nice tropical scent.
- Available styles: roller ball, lotion, stick
- Tired Mom Tip: If your kids hate getting sunblock put on, make it a fun game. Who can roll on the sunscreen the fastest and then rub it in? The roller ball is super easy for kids to use themselves.
- Shoppers Say: "This stuff is great- small size fits in purse, diaper bag or even your pocket. Easy to roll on- then rub in with your hands. Way less messy than traditional spf."
A 2-Pack of Cases That Will Keep Pacifiers Clean
Keep pacifiers clean (at least until your little one throws them on the ground), with these pacifier cases. They're clear, work with standard pacifiers, and won't open in your diaper bag.
- Available styles: 6
- Tired Mom Tip: Also great for spare bottle nipples.
- Shoppers Say: "Works well to carry standard sized pacifiers. They’re easy to clean. Helps store pacifiers in the diaper bag without getting them all dirty."
A Leakproof Container for On-the-Go Snacks
This container can handle liquids, whole pieces of fruit, and a ton of other snacks. It's also easy for kids to open and close themselves once they get older.
- Available styles: 13
- Tired Mom Tip: Always pack a snack. Hangry kids aren't fun.
- Shoppers Say: "I wanted a small, leak proof and durable snack/lunch container for my 15 month old and these are perfect. they are light weight, affordable and would be easy to use for my daughter once she is old enough to open and close it by herself. It stacks nicely in my diaper bag and doesn’t use much space."
A Refreshing Facial Spray for Parents
Aloe, herbs, and rose water combine to bring you this invigorating facial spray. It's not for the kids, but can be essential for the parent on their last nerve or the adult who is about to fall asleep.
- Available styles: 5
- Tired Mom Tip: Spray whenever you need a self-care moment.
- Shoppers Say: "I’m a mom to 3 with a newborn at home so I’m tired, sleep deprived, and my skin is a hormonal mess. This spray makes me happy. It makes my skin glow. It wakes me up and gives me a refreshing boost. The scent is cheerful and rosie. It’s my new must-have beauty item."
A Leakproof Water Bottle for Thirsty Parents
This stainless steel water bottle has a sleek design, easy to-sip spout, and won't leak in your bag. Best of all, it will keep your drink cool all day.
- Available styles: 22
- Tired Mom Tip: Always stay hydrated. Plus, if you bring a full bottle of water, it's easy to fill up the kids' bottles if there is no water foundation around.
- Shoppers Say: "As a busy mom I was looking for a water bottle that fits in my car cup holder, in the side pocket of my osprey day pack aka diaper bag, is insulated for hot summer days, easy to hold, easy to drink from and ZERO spills. This is THE bottle! I've spent my whole life searching for it."
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